How to shop right

Story and photo by Brandi Maly
Kaiserslautern American

  1. Always make an effort to speak the language. Even if it’s just exchanging pleasantries, most of the time the seller will appreciate the effort and meet you halfway. And, by all means if you know how to ask how much something is in German, French or Italian, take the time to learn the respective numbers.
  2. Get there early or go late in the day. The early bird does the get the worm in this case. Keep in mind though, many sellers don’t really want to pack up all that stuff again and some great deals can be made at the end of the day as well.
  3. Play it cool. It might be the most beautiful teapot you have ever seen in your entire life but if the seller knows how you feel, you don’t have “hand” anymore. Think poker face.
  4. Bad weather days are good deal days. Most people don’t want to brave rainy or cold weather, which means less competition.
  5. Take small bills and change.
    There is nothing worse than trying to bargain and then pulling a €50 bill.

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  Flea markets:

  • Kaiserslautern, Messeplatz,  Saturday and Wednesday
  • Kaiserslautern, real (across from Daenner Kaserne), Saturday
  • Kaiserslautern, real, Merkurstrasse, Thursdays
  • Ramstein, Autokino, Sunday
  • Ramstein, Flurstrasse 4, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
  • Landstuhl, Kaufland, Saturday
  • Zweibrücken, Flugplatz, Saturdays
  • Bad Dürkheim, Kurpark (next to salt-works), Saturday
  • Metz, Parc des Expositions, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday