Looking for a specific item
to complete that collection you have?
---Or for a special gift for a collector (or would-be
collector)?
Want a great looking silver tray to serve you famous
cheesecake?
Need 6 matching individual casseroles for you next dinner
party?
Don't know where to start?
One can always go to the department stores at the mall.
And, there are literally tens of thousands of little
specialty stores popping up. But, if you want an item
with character and history---something that marks YOUR
personality---and have fun looking for it, then try
shopping where millions shop today......thrift stores,
flea markets and online auctions. Here is just a
"tiny" example of some of the great finds I
have made:
A
pre-1850s ironstone coffee pot. No stains or cracks.
All the appropriate and stamped marks of a highly
sought after maker. Found in a small charity thrift
store for $15.00.
An 1890s etruscan revival 9K yellow gold brooch with
granulated design. No damage and no repair. In an
antique mall for $7.00.
A 1930s signed Suzie Cooper 10" plate with a
turkey in the center. Found at Goodwill for $2.99.
A Smiley Pig cookie jar with fold trim and florals.
At a flea market for $100.
3 pieces Majolica with mauve interior, roses and
pansy design, impressed marks. At a flea market for
$3.00 each because they had a flake chip on bottom
rim.
Numeous old yellowware mixing bowls. Some with brown
& white bankds. Some with colbalt blue
decoration. Various sizes--4" to 14". Found
at flea markets from $1.00 to $30.00.
Hand-hammered copper with brass wash Roycroft letter
holder. Mint condition. Signed on bottom. Found at an
antique mall for $15.00.
That
was just a small sampling of the more than 5,000 items I
have purchased in the past three years. Some things I
just can't part with. Others I pass on a great prices on
eBay---the #1 on-line auction.
Some
tips for maximizing your purchasing power:
Always
politely ask if the price is firm. Sometimes the
seller will lower it a little. NEVER use the
phrase..."I'll give you $$" for this.
You're not "giving" them anything. The
seller had to travel around to buy the item,
transport it, and is trying to make a little money on
it (and is probably paying rent for his little spot
to sell it). "Would you take $$" is a much
kinder way of asking.
Don't
neglect any of your local antique shops or antique
"malls", thinking that they are probably
too expensive for your budget. Typically a dealer
becomes an expert on things he or she enjoys. But no
one can be an expert on everything. So, often great
buys are made in antique shops on items the seller
didn't know much about. And--often, the selling price
is based on what the owner paid , not on some
"book" value.
On
a regular basis, at least for a while, check all of
your local church and charity thrift stores.
Donations are made daily. Inventory changes daily.
You never know what might have just arrived. In most
of these stores, the prices attached to an item are
the opinion of a volunteer staff person.
Check
out you local flea and farmers markets. Walk around
the perimeter. This is where the household items and
odds & ends are being sold. Get here EARLY!
Most
areas have antique extravaganzas or large shows. Just
a short drive from my area is a large show 3 times a
year It is always open Fri-Sat-Sun.
Fridays cost more to get through the gate as it is
considered early-buyers day. I find it's worth the
extra gate fee because most of the dealers are just
unpacking and you get to view the wares before other
dealers have snatched up the bargains.
Saturdays are crowded and difficult to park. And
usually no discounts are offered on tagged prices.
Sunday morning is another good time to shop. Rather
than pack things up to move on to the next show, many
dealers prefer to sell out what's left at drastically
reduced prices. Expecially if the first two days were
profitable for them.
And
finally, make a regular search on some of the
internet auction facililties. There is Yahoo,
Amazon.com and. of course, eBay.
Be
sure to read the description carefully. View all of
the pictures. Write the seller and ask questions.
Make sure you know BEFORE you bid how much the
shipping will be. If it doesn't mention, ask if there
are any chips or cracks. Check the seller's feedback
rating and read a few to see what other buyers have
to say about how well the seller packs and ships.
You
must keep in mind that these are
"auctions". You can't just return the item
because you don't like it. You can't change your mind
and decide not to pay for it after you've won the
auction. However, once you receive the item, if it is
not as described or was falsely represented, you have
every right to return it for a refund.
Also,
don't get caught up in a bidding frenzy. Establish in
your mind what the maximum amount is that you're
willing to spend on this item and bid that amount.
After all, if you don't get this one, another one
like it will soon come along.
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