On The Hunt – Yard Sale Tips

Tomorrow is a very special day!  May 15th!  It is my birthday (I’m turning the BIG 3-8) and as a present to me, my hubby is taking me “Out on the Hunt” to Brimfield Antique Show.

We’re getting up pretty early (5 am) so we can get there and have plenty of time to wander through the fields and fields of treasure.  Of course, there is some junk and, of course, some booths are out of my price range, but I so enjoy to look. You may remember this post from our trip in September click here. I absolutely loved this booth which my pockets were not deep enough to afford:

I’m actually doing a big show in June, The Vintage Bazaar, which I haven’t really mentioned on the blog yet so I’m looking for lots of smalls and, of course, more furniture.  When am I NOT looking for furniture?!? I’m really excited about this show because it is a weekend long and Luke and I will be staying up in Salisbury, MA for it.  If you’re local you may want to save the date – June 20th and 21st and presale tickets are already on sale.  The Vintage Bazaar is located on the most beautiful farm and it is one big party: guest speakers, food trucks, music. So much fun!

Here’s a photo I took there last year:

Fun for the WHOLE family, even dogs can come!

So I got to thinking that I really love yard sale-ing and I really love antiquing and flea markets.  We go to Brimfield lots, yard sales most weekends and I did 700 miles worth of yard sales last August with the World’s Longest Yard Sale with Habitat For Humanity and GMC. Click here, here, and here if you missed that adventure.

You may remember I did this room with all the treasures I found:

Anyway, it got me thinking about how someone might get intimidated and not know what to expect at a flea market or antique show. How do you haggle?  Is it okay to ask for a deal?  What should you wear? Should you keep looking or buy that dresser right now? It can be confusing and hot and lots of walking.

I will add to my list of tips that if you fall madly head-over-heels for a dresser, an ironstone tureen or a piece of jewelry, grab it right then and there because it won’t be there if you leave to think about it.  “Grab that brass ring when you see it and hold on tight!” Oh, and one more.  Have fun!  There are so many interesting and great people that you’ll meet who know so much about the objects they are selling. It is fun to learn the history of objects and hear stories too.

I’m sharing all my tips and tricks over on domino.com so click on over for a full run down.

on the hunt: tips for yard sales and antique shows

How to score the best deals and finds.

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