The best King's Day flea market tips (from a vintage reseller)

Wear something comfortable

Look at the weather the day and dress accordingly. A good pair of shoes that you can walk well in.

Wear a fanny pack or your inside pocket
The King's Day flea markets are not only fun for you and the sellers but it is also a paradise for thieves. I always wear a bum bag, it sits close to your body, can go under your clothes and is always within reach if you have spotted something nice.

Not in the market for a bum bag, then a jacket with an inside pocket or trousers with deep front pockets will do.

Divide your money
You can increasingly pay with a tikkie at the flea market, but cash remains the favorite. Make sure you put your bank card and your cash in separate pockets. That way, if it gets lost or stolen, you won't lose it all at once.

Please bring your own bags and packing materials.
Bringing your own bag is obvious, but packing materials are often forgotten. You spot a cool vase or a set of martini glasses but the seller has no newspaper or plastic to transport it safely! Too bad, because with your full bags it can easily get damaged.

So take your own newspaper with you to pack things in or, as I often do, a travel towel or large microfiber cloths, these are lightweight, do not take up much space and are reusable.

Don't forget to drink
Strolling around the flea markets all day is no mean feat. Don't forget to drink well and enjoy the delicious Dutch snacks!

Always take your own bottle with you when you go out, so you always have water with you and you don't use unnecessary plastic. I have a thermos bottle where the water stays cold for 24 hours, ideal!

Haggling = not always desirable
We as Dutch are not expected to do anything other than haggle. We haggle for the sake of haggling. And there is nothing wrong with that. But I often see that adults haggle until the end with children who do not dare to say no or haggle to an unreasonable price (and then get angry when they do not get it for that price).

As a seller you also have the right to say 'no' and as a buyer you have to deal with that. Make sure that if you want to haggle you take into account your own budget, how much do you want to pay for it? If the seller does not accept that, then on to the next stall.

If you buy multiple items at a stall, it makes sense to ask for one price for all items. That way, you often bargain a lot!

Bring your good mood and respect the sellers
Please note that the sellers on King's Day are not professional sellers. They want to sell their stuff for a nice price on this fun day. The seller is also part of the party. Respect that for a seller this day is often long and that it also takes a lot of energy to sit or stand at their stall all day.

What often helps is to bring your own good mood and enthusiasm (especially at the end of the day!) to their stall!