2nd Hand Adventures Can Be 2nd Nature!

I have always enjoyed hunting second hand stores, swap meets and thrift shops. To me it is like treasure hunting without the map. Now when I recently asked my husband Richard to come along, he was more than reluctant. He said it was likened to “digging through other peoples junk” So I had to sit and think about why I love it. It’s all about the Pieces of the past. How they inspire me, how I long for a life long ago. I love the history, the story, the discovery of something I’d been hunting for.

Tips for the HUNT at a swap meet/flea market:

1. Bring a list of what you’re looking for so you can focus on searching for those items.

2. At the same time be open for the unexpected

3. Plan your course, arrive early

4. Wear comfy shoes as you may be on your feet quite a while

5. If you’re looking out for a large piece of furniture, don’t forget to pack an old blanket, tie-down rope and a red flag in your trunk for transportation.

6. Bring a bottle of water and a hat as you’ll be walking around in the midday sun.

7. Put cloth bags in your car for bagging small items and cardboard boxes and newspaper for wrapping fragile objects.

8. Don’t take your purse or wear expensive jewelry (leave at home or lock in the trunk of your car.)

9. Shop smart and shop quickly by bringing plenty of $1 & $5 bills.

10. Try downloading a map of the sale or ask for a map when you get there. Last resort is make a map.

11. If you see something you think you may like, pick it up while you decide on purchasing it. Otherwise, another buyer may take it.

12. Get better deals by buying in bulk. Group your purchases together and offer the seller one price for the lot.

13. If there’s something you have to have but it’s out of your price range, give the seller your business card and let them know that if the item isn’t sold at the end of the day, your offer still stands.

14. Don’t be afraid to bargain down the price if you feel it’s too much – it’s all part of the fun.

15. Enjoy conversation with the vendors, ask about the history of the piece, where they got it. Especially jewelry, who wore this?

16. When you get home start researching your finds, wash, clean, display and enjoy or post it and resell it for a profit.

17. You might consider keeping a binder of inspiration, things you are looking for ideas how to display antiques and flea MARKET FINDS.