Successful Treasure Hunts

Successful Treasure Hunts

You all know I love to do my treasure hunting.  And now is my treasure hunting season!  At least several times a year, I go to used book sales to find used and antique cookbooks to re-sell at my Ebay store (click the link at the bottom of the page to go to it) and vintage items to sell at my booth at Flory's Antique Depot.  My favorite book sale is a big one coming up.  I usually get out my portable cart to fill up for that one.  And then there are the yard sales, the Goodwill stores, Salvation Army stores, and the occasional Antique stores and malls.  Treasures are everywhere, just waiting to be found.  What are my tips for a successful trip?

First, make sure you double check the place or places you have planned to visit.  Each of the places may have different times and days they happen to be open.  Some flea markets I visit are only open Wednesday mornings until noon!  Plan your trip accordingly.  And again, sometimes places close up shop or are under renovation, and you will want to know that before you spend your gas and time driving all over town.

Next, make a list of some of the things you are looking for.  Are you after leather purses, vintage dolls or primitives?  It pays to keep in mind the things that you need or want.  That isn't to say you won't come across a treasure you hadn't dreamed of, but at least you are going out with a few things you want, and it gives you a direction to be thinking of.

Be prepared!  If you are going to be out for a while, you may want a small cooler with water and snacks, or a thermos of coffee.  You gotta keep up your strength, am I right?  Dress comfortably, with layers you can remove and good shoes that will take you the distance.  Never underestimate your need for having your car empty and some empty, good shopping bags on hand too.

Last, when you find your treasure, make sure to inspect it carefully.  Look for tiny cracks or chips, marks or blemishes.  There have been many times when I've snatched up a bauble only to discover it was missing a piece or had a major chip.  Many times, I have wished that I had brought a measuring tape, so now I keep one in the car, although some places have the measure tapes on hand if you ask at the desk.  

Oh, and I almost forgot the best tip of all---take a good friend with you.  Treasure hunting is all the more enjoyable when you have a good friend that loves it as much as you do.  Happy Treasure hunting gang...I will see you out there.