The inside scoop on how and where to bargain and barter, and what you need to hold a sale of your own.
By Shannon Howard
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It’s 7a.m. on a Saturday morning, and all across America the hunt is on. In parking lots and garages, farm fields and backyards, a mad rush of shoppers are searching for treasure. Some seek antiques; others just like “stuff,” but on one tiny detail they all agree: The best bargains are found at flea markets and yard sales.
If you’re sleeping in, you’re missing the fun, and you’re probably passing up some incredible deals. So set your alarm clock and hit the road! With our handy guide to sales and markets, you’ll learn everything you need to find a treasure of your own. • |
Secondhand treasures can be found nearly anywhere, from the crowded aisles of your favorite flea market to a neighbor’s garage sale down the street. But to snag the goodies you really want, it’s smart to choose the venue that best meets your needs.
 • Auctions: Come one, come all to this carnival of commerce.
PRO: For pure entertainment value, the fast-moving, tongue-twisting antics of an auction are hard to top. Countless items zip past the barker’s gavel, some at rock-bottom prices, and to bid is to feel a heart-pounding rush of adrenaline. Don’t miss it!
con: Some people find auctions intimidating, and they can be. If you’re just starting out, visit a small auction house where laypeople outnumber dealers. Be prepared to wait several hours to bid on an item, and whatever you do, don’t raise your number unless you mean it. You might also want to set a spending limit before you arrive. It’s easy to bid more than you intended.
• Flea Markets: Multiple dealers equal a magnitude of finds.
PRO: When it comes to variety, nothing beats a good flea market. There, you’ll discover booth after booth of antiques, collectibles and unique handicrafts, and the prices are often quite flexible.
con: Popular flea markets attract thousands of shoppers, sometimes tens of thousands, and that can make for a stressful day. Instead of trying to part the masses, arrive early and avoid the crowds. (That may mean 5 or 6a.m.)
• Yard Sales: The original source of spring-cleaning bargains. Also known as tag sales or garage sales.
PRO: Yard sales offer an infinite selection of housewares, furniture, antiques, clothing and who-knows-what. The prices are often dirt-cheap, and many sale holders are willing to haggle. Whole-neighborhood sales, the kind where many households participate, can often yield a lot of loot with little effort.
con: You often have to visit a dozen really bad yard sales before you find one really good one. If you’re in a hurry, this hit-or-miss way to shop is probably not for you.
Illustrations: Sally Mara Sturman
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