If you are starting out and have a clean slate here are some top tips for getting started for as little as possible.
1. MOST IMPORTANTLY when joining a group be sure that you check with the societys dress standard as well as with fellow members. A bargain buy at a market can turn out to be a waste of money if the item is of poor quality or wrong period. REMEMBER if in doubt and if possible ask the trader to hold on to it for you and go ask a member of your group for advice most re-enactors are willing to help (just try not to pester the same person all the time :-P )
3. If you KNOW that you want to fight at some point in the future, when buying your kit don't bother with a coat or doublet at first, just make a padded jack. You can wear it when it's cold and when you get round to fighting you have one thing less to buy!
4. If you dont have a tent or campervan when you buy a tent just get a little dome tent. They are cheap and chances are that you won't do much else other than sleep in it. You can save room by keeping most of your kit in your car and it'll allow you to allocate more cash to getting more clothes/armour!
5. If you want to fight make your own equipment! A padded jack if made at home can cost as little as £35 (instead of £70+ to buy). And dont lash out on expensive swords ,make your own Bill , but be sure to get it checked over by the master of arms or your house captian before you use it!
6. When buying your first helmet, if you have the cash spare and you KNOW that you are going to fight, it’s worth lashing out and buying a more enclosed helm like a sallet, barbute or armet rather than a kettle hat or ARP helm, as it'll save you "trading in" your old helmet later on.
7. Try boot fayers and charity shops! You can pick up some really cheap items which are great for re-enacting for only a few pence/quid including tankards, bowls, plates, woolen blankets, fur, wood for construction projects, ARP helms, sewing machines, bill hooks etc
8. Dont bother with maile for starting armour as a padded jack will be just as effective and a lot cheaper!
9. Dont bother with a cloak! as usually you'll only need one if the weather is PARTICULARY cold/wet or at night around the fire and to be honest you could use a modern coat after hours and spend the money on other items that you will need during the day when the event is open.
10. Keep your eyes & ears open at larger events, people are always selling off old bits of kit that they either don't use or have upgraded from and you can get some good (if a little worn / tatty) bargains. From tents to cooking pots and armour to coats there is a thriving market for 2nd hand goods.