Things to bring with you:
- Tape measure
- Camera
- Pencil /Paper
- Color swatches (wood colors, fabric colors, etc.
- Pictures of inspiration
- Any measurements you made at home
- A vehicle that can fit and carry your new treasures home
FLEA MARKET
I love flea markets, you never know what you’re going to find. It’s also one of the oldest forms of recycling. If you can find something that is close to what you need and can cheaply alter to suit your needs that’s a great find. Flea markets are growing in popularity. I particularly enjoy the larger ones; however, the larger they are the more people there are, which means you have to navigate crowds. Shopping in the flea markets, you are more likely to find unique and creative pieces that are all their own not likely to have been mass produced. I also consider walking the flea markets a work out. Many times you can bargain, but make sure what you offer is reasonable and not offensive or you will shut the vendor off to working with you completely. I like to ask "is there any way you could go slightly/little lower?" Some times, later in the day they are more willing to bargain, storing and hauling can be taxiing on vendors and they want to push their stock for newer items. Make sure to be polite and thank them, even if they wouldn't come down. Kindness can go a long way. Just end with "well thanks anyway." It might win them over as your walking away.
TO BRING: The above materials, 1-2 hundred in cash- many vendors don’t accept check or credit. With larger markets it is more likely that the vendors will be able to accept credit and cash. Excellent walking shoes, large canvas fabric bags with comfortable handles, bottled water, sunscreen, a notebook for ideas, I personally am not big on the carts as they can hinder your ability to manage the isles and move at a good pace.
BEWARE: pit pockets often occur here, place your money somewhere safe or even break up your cash and place in different locations on your person. Also, watch your bags make sure it’s not easy to reach down and grab things of them. Overpriced vendors if you are unsure walk around and see what other vendors who are selling similar things are pricing them at. You might also be able to make it yourself, if you can don’t buy. I like to write down ideas I see in a note book I bring with me. Pace yourself, stop for lunch. Leave your unnecessary purse items locked out of view in your car; it will only weigh you down. I like to pare up with a friend when we go for opinions and taking turns holding bags for lines in the bathroom or just looking at items. Also watch your bags when your turning so you don’t knock over items in a tight display area.
HOME GOODS/TJ MAX/ MARSHALL'S
I love this store the merchandise changes often and is unique so I go often. I find there are two ways to shop. Go in looking for a specific item or just searching for new ideas or ways to spruce up your living spaces. Keep in mind stock turns over quickly in these types of stores; it might not be there tomorrow. You need to strike when you can, if you are unsure ask the store to hold it for an hour. Also these stores are excellent about returns just keep receipts and tags on until you are positive the item you bought works for your home. Don't forget your treasure hunting kit, it will save you time and money. Also keep in mind when shopping in clearance items that are broken or damaged might be able to be repaired, look to see if you can find pieces that are missing. If you don't mind projects and you think you have the skill set to fix an item go for it! Make sure you remember just because its on clearance doesn't mean you need it, Knowing when to pass on an item is just as important.
GOODWILL
Be careful in here! Great finds are everywhere but you have to dig and look. Don't be wooed by an item just because it is a name brand. Examine the condition, is it bent or broken to a point where you can't fix or touch it up. Do you really need it? Will you really use it? Just because the item on the box is new, does not mean the item inside is. Look inside the box, and make sure it is all there. If pieces are missing or broken, will it be easy to replace them? People often put their old appliances in the new box when they replace them. Plug it in to see if it works when possible. Check their return policy before you buy. Bring cash and or debit when buying. Dig dig dig, you have to move things on the shelf be careful when moving items and take your time. When plates are taped together in a set ask to have them opened and see all of them to make sure they all match. Our good will often has things from stores that are no longer selling the items. So they drop them off at good will. I have bought several floor lamps, and other items that Target discontinued. Don't forget a vehicle that can tow your finds.
GARAGE SALES
I approach these like I do flea markets. I bring about 2 hundred dollars in cash. I try to visit garage sales when there are several in one central location. When making offers or bargaining make sure to be polite and realistic.The last thing you want to do is offend the seller. If there is not a price on an item, I ask if it is for sale first. If the answer is yes, I ask them what they are willing to take. If an item is just slightly above my asking price, I offer 5 dollars less if the item is between 25-75. If the item is 75 or more I make an offer of 15-20 less then the asking piece. I find that it helps to always make my offer in the form of a question. It comes across as less aggressive. I also try to find the back story of an item I'm buying. I do this by complimenting it, and asking oh where did you find such a beautiful.... you get the idea. Knowing an items history can turn it into a conversation piece and hint at its true value. Garage Sales can be tricky, you might find sellers who are to pushy or wont back down from a price. It they are unwilling to move from the price, you have to ask yourself how badly you really need the item and pay up, or move on. Sometimes if you are buying several items the seller might be more willing to make a deal. If you come across a seller who is pushing you to buy an item you are unsure of, use this excuse, I really need to make sure....is ok with it. This usually gets them to back off. I prefer to take a partner with for advice and shopping support.
Remember before you purchase an item that you are going to repair or touch up to calculate the cost of supplies and materials to fix the item to the total cost.
Happy treasure hunting and please share any tips you might have!
Be careful in here! Great finds are everywhere but you have to dig and look. Don't be wooed by an item just because it is a name brand. Examine the condition, is it bent or broken to a point where you can't fix or touch it up. Do you really need it? Will you really use it? Just because the item on the box is new, does not mean the item inside is. Look inside the box, and make sure it is all there. If pieces are missing or broken, will it be easy to replace them? People often put their old appliances in the new box when they replace them. Plug it in to see if it works when possible. Check their return policy before you buy. Bring cash and or debit when buying. Dig dig dig, you have to move things on the shelf be careful when moving items and take your time. When plates are taped together in a set ask to have them opened and see all of them to make sure they all match. Our good will often has things from stores that are no longer selling the items. So they drop them off at good will. I have bought several floor lamps, and other items that Target discontinued. Don't forget a vehicle that can tow your finds.
GARAGE SALES
I approach these like I do flea markets. I bring about 2 hundred dollars in cash. I try to visit garage sales when there are several in one central location. When making offers or bargaining make sure to be polite and realistic.The last thing you want to do is offend the seller. If there is not a price on an item, I ask if it is for sale first. If the answer is yes, I ask them what they are willing to take. If an item is just slightly above my asking price, I offer 5 dollars less if the item is between 25-75. If the item is 75 or more I make an offer of 15-20 less then the asking piece. I find that it helps to always make my offer in the form of a question. It comes across as less aggressive. I also try to find the back story of an item I'm buying. I do this by complimenting it, and asking oh where did you find such a beautiful.... you get the idea. Knowing an items history can turn it into a conversation piece and hint at its true value. Garage Sales can be tricky, you might find sellers who are to pushy or wont back down from a price. It they are unwilling to move from the price, you have to ask yourself how badly you really need the item and pay up, or move on. Sometimes if you are buying several items the seller might be more willing to make a deal. If you come across a seller who is pushing you to buy an item you are unsure of, use this excuse, I really need to make sure....is ok with it. This usually gets them to back off. I prefer to take a partner with for advice and shopping support.
Remember before you purchase an item that you are going to repair or touch up to calculate the cost of supplies and materials to fix the item to the total cost.
Happy treasure hunting and please share any tips you might have!
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