Broadway Flea Market 2016

[BroadwayGuy12]

Posted: 9/8/16 at 3:56pm

It's less than three weeks away! Items were just posted for the live auction and silent auction. Hopefully we'll be getting the preliminary list for the autograph table/photo booth soon. Who here is planning on going?

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 9/8/16 at 3:59pm

I am! I'm looking forward to it, partially because the offerings couldn't be worse than last year.

[smidge]

Posted: 9/8/16 at 4:04pm

I'm ready! Hope they have some good people lined up. Wish they would combine autographs and photos in one session. 

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 9/8/16 at 4:18pm

How much do we think that LMM signed musical phrase will go for? Considering it's at $830 already?

[Marianne2]

Posted: 9/8/16 at 6:12pm

I'm going as well. 

It says the autograph tables & photo booth should be announced next Thursday according to their site.

http://broadwaycares.org/fleamarket2016

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 6:28pm

Does anyone have any advice or strategies? Any notable booths to watch out for? I went for the first time last year and mainly got CD's and Playbills and while I got some good ones, I also got too excited with the CD's at first considering there were a lot of repeats for the same price/less at other tables.

[ClumsyDude15]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 6:39pm

The biggest things I always ask myself is - Do I need this or Will this end up being cheaper at the end of the day when things are basically borderline free? I always go with that philosophy because in reality, it does come down to how much you need it and if it won't be cheaper later on. As far as table to look out for? I can't really say because I just kind of visit everything and roam around, but I've found the Wicked table (and now Hamilton table) are just way too pricey and so I tend to avoid those. 

Updated On: 9/9/16 at 06:39 PM

[HSky]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 7:38pm

I go for the low/moderately priced unique or limited items like show used props first, especially keeping an eye out for stuff from shows near and dear to me. Last year, I found a Once fleece blanket, Dear Evan Hansen notepad, and Side Show opening gift that made me a happy camper.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 8:30pm

It sounds like the flea market is heading around 45th street this year instead of in the middle of Times Square due to construction.  Wonder what that will do with the crowds.

I agree with picking up things that will most likely be sold fast early in the day.  I got a Side Show window card last year that was signed by Emily Padgett and Erin Davie for $50 early in the day.  with so many people asking where I got it, I figured I wouldn't have gotten it later on.

[Jyn326]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 10:09pm

This will be my first time going to the flea market.  Every year I say I'll go the following year, so I'm happy that I could finally make it work.

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 9/12/16 at 9:54am

The problem with waiting to see if the price goes down is...will it even be there later? I've screwed up in the past and assumed something would be there later, and it's gone. So to me, it's usually worth it to get it right away if it's something you'd be sad to miss.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 9/12/16 at 10:11am

^ That's true too. I guess it really depends on the item. Rare things that there are very few of, I could see that. I've gotten some big stuff at the end of the day as well though because the people didn't want to lug it back to where they came from. 

Another thing to consider is money. Only you can know your budget. Just because someone else can afford a $500 item doesn't mean you have to as well.  If $500 is going to not make you able to pay your bills or buy groceries, don't make the purchase. 

I also recommend bringing some cash because there aren't many stations to use your card at and you have to walk back and forth to pay and pick up your items. Plus for items that are only a dollar or 2 or less, do you really want to make all of those charges?

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 9/12/16 at 10:16am

Oh yeah. Always bring cash.

[BarbraFan]

Posted: 9/12/16 at 1:23pm

It's been years since I went to the Broadway flea market.  About how much do unsigned Playbills go for?

[Willie4316]

Posted: 9/12/16 at 5:20pm

Does nyone have any advice for which tables to avoid and which are worth visiting? This will be my first visit to the Flea Market, super excited!!!

[Marianne2]

Posted: 9/12/16 at 8:12pm

I see playbills for all sorts of prices. You can get them for a little as probably a quarter to maybe $5 depending on the table and what's being offered.  

It's hard to say what tables to avoid. It really depends on what you are looking for and can afford. Stuff varies from year to year so 1 year a table may not be appealing,  but the next it could be great. 

[Alexander Lamar]

Posted: 9/12/16 at 8:23pm

Where do you store your items if you are seeing a show that day?

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 9/12/16 at 11:27pm

Willie4316 said: "Does nyone have any advice for which tables to avoid and which are worth visiting? This will be my first visit to the Flea Market, super excited!!!"

Avoid any tables that are about 3 people deep. In my experience, it's not worth pushing through, most of the time. Also keep in mind that the crowds thin out when the matinees start, and then start up again when they let out.

[Willie4316]

Posted: 9/12/16 at 11:31pm

So would you say then it might be better to get there a bit later instead of at the start of it? Also, any ideas for a budget? Not looking for anything fancy, maybe a couple of playbills and/or posters. 

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 9/12/16 at 11:37pm

You could go only at the beginning -- but sometimes I find scraps of stuff at the end that's been reduced to $1 at some point. But then sometimes at the end it's only scraps (like boxes of All Shook Up t-shirts). I've never only been to the very beginning or very end of the Flea Market, so I can't really help you there! I've always either been able to take a break at my office or my apartment.

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 9/12/16 at 11:40pm

Willie4316 said: "So would you say then it might be better to get there a bit later instead of at the start of it? Also, any ideas for a budget? Not looking for anything fancy, maybe a couple of playbills and/or posters. 

 

"

Usually I bring $100 (cash) with me each year and limit myself to strictly that amount. That may be too much for some, too little for others but for me it's just right. If the pickings are good, I know my budget and use it wisely. If they aren't all that great, I pick up a few things to support the cause and call it a day It's really dependent on what you're personally willing and comfortable to spend to walk away with some cool merchandise while also supporting a great cause!

 

[Willie4316]

Posted: 9/12/16 at 11:45pm

GreasedLightning said: "Willie4316 said: "So would you say then it might be better to get there a bit later instead of at the start of it? Also, any ideas for a budget? Not looking for anything fancy, maybe a couple of playbills and/or posters. 

 

"

Usually I bring $100 (cash) with me each year and limit myself to strictly that amount. That may be too much for some, too little for others but for me it's just right. If the pickings are good, I know my budget and use it wisely. If they aren't all that great, I pick up a few things to support the cause and call it a day It's really dependent on what you're personally willing and comfortable to spend to walk away with some cool merchandise while also supporting a great cause!

 

 

"

Ah ok. I was worried because I was talking to some friends who are also going and they said something to the effect of "it's a lot of fun, but unless you have $1000 or more, you won't really be getting much." Happy to know I don't have to spend too much to get some cool stuff. 

Updated On: 9/12/16 at 11:45 PM

[Anakela]

Posted: 9/12/16 at 11:52pm

Willie4316 said: 
"Ah ok. I was worried because I was talking to some friends who are also going and they said something to the effect of "it's a lot of fun, but unless you have $1000 or more, you won't really be getting much." Happy to know I don't have to spend too much to get some cool stuff. "

I doubt I've spent $1,000 total in all of the years that I've been going to the Flea Market. Although it is fun to watch the auctions, and pretend that I am. :)

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 9/12/16 at 11:53pm

Willie4316 said: "GreasedLightning said: "Willie4316 said: "So would you say then it might be better to get there a bit later instead of at the start of it? Also, any ideas for a budget? Not looking for anything fancy, maybe a couple of playbills and/or posters. 

 

"

Usually I bring $100 (cash) with me each year and limit myself to strictly that amount. That may be too much for some, too little for others but for me it's just right. If the pickings are good, I know my budget and use it wisely. If they aren't all that great, I pick up a few things to support the cause and call it a day It's really dependent on what you're personally willing and comfortable to spend to walk away with some cool merchandise while also supporting a great cause!

 

 

"

Ah ok. I was worried because I was talking to some friends who are also going and they said something to the effect of "it's a lot of fun, but unless you have $1000 or more, you won't really be getting much." Happy to know I don't have to spend too much to get some cool stuff. 

 

"

Not at all! I've never spent over $100 and have come home with bags full of plenty of cherished items I still own today from over the years. You just need to keep your eyes open for the prize

[Willie4316]

Posted: 9/12/16 at 11:56pm

GreasedLightning said: "Willie4316 said: "GreasedLightning said: "Willie4316 said: "So would you say then it might be better to get there a bit later instead of at the start of it? Also, any ideas for a budget? Not looking for anything fancy, maybe a couple of playbills and/or posters. 

 

"

Usually I bring $100 (cash) with me each year and limit myself to strictly that amount. That may be too much for some, too little for others but for me it's just right. If the pickings are good, I know my budget and use it wisely. If they aren't all that great, I pick up a few things to support the cause and call it a day It's really dependent on what you're personally willing and comfortable to spend to walk away with some cool merchandise while also supporting a great cause!

 

 

"

Ah ok. I was worried because I was talking to some friends who are also going and they said something to the effect of "it's a lot of fun, but unless you have $1000 or more, you won't really be getting much." Happy to know I don't have to spend too much to get some cool stuff. 

 

"

Not at all! I've never spent over $100 and have come home with bags full of plenty of cherished items I still own today from over the years. You just need to keep your eyes open for the prize

 

"

Ok, thanks for the advice! Can't wait! Also, what are some of the cooler things you can get under $100 or so? 

Updated On: 9/12/16 at 11:56 PM