Flea Markets and Garage Sales
On almost any given weekend across the country,
someone is holding a garage sale, attending a swap meet or
setting up a booth at a flea market. The quote "someone's
junk is someone else's treasure" makes these events both
plausible and plentiful.
The Hobby Corner wants to know...
1. Do you go to garage sales and flea markets?
2. What was the best "bargain" you ever found at a garage sale
or flea market?
3. Do you regularly hold a garage sale or set up at a flea market?
4. Do you like "swap meets"?
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A BRIEF HISTORY
The origin of the term flea market is somewhat vague. Most researchers agree
that it probably came from the French “marche aux puces,” which was an area
outside Paris in the 1860’s where used furniture was sold, often still carrying vermin and fleas from the former owner. In Rome the Forum served as a flea market from the 7th century BC and even the Bible mentions flea markets, “And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting (John 2:14),” As history unfolded individual artisans moved to more permanent quarters which were commercial zones and today are called malls and industrial parks. But the time honored traditions of flea markets continues in locations that vary from specially built facilities, to dirt lots,old drive-in’s, county fair grounds and even in low rent abandoned shopping malls.
Flea market vendors are first and foremost businessmen. They are there to make a profit. Basically there are three categories of vendors to deal with.
1. Just folks cleaning out the garage,etc.
2. Professional Vendors, looking for items for resale.
3. Junkers..those selling at greatly inflated prices.
A trip to the flea market is an adventure in itself, the bargains are just a bonus. People put up with bad parking, heat, rain and who knows what else in
search of that elusive "fantastic bargain" they might find.
I LOVE GARAGE SALES! I should have one of those bumper stickers cautioning other drivers about sudden stops because of garage sale signs! LOL
I once found an emerald bracelet at an estate sale for $2.00, turned out to be worth about $500. I bought it because I love green, it was tarnished but very pretty, and emerald is my birthstone. I took it to a jeweler friend to have him clean it and he told me what I had. WoooooHoooooo!!!!!
I do go to swap meets and flea markets once in a great while, but mostly I find that they are full of over priced junk. I would much rather go to someone's house and browse through what regular people are trying to clean out. I've found some real bargins that way. Another thing I love is church rummage sales, you can just find all kinds of "stuff"!
Huggles, SuSue (Susan)
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Susan,
You lucky DOG!! wow what a find huh?? Well right after I had the girls ( yes I was still on morphine) I told Damon to save money I would not go garage saleing or to my fav stores or to auctions. OMG what was I thinking??? I have gone to get the girls clothes a few times but for the most part I have been a good girl and stayed away. I collect Victorian Crystal ( ruby flash ) and I have a passion for it lol!! My oldest piece is 1893 and youngest is 1910. I have 32 pieces and would have more but I figure when the girls are out of diapers then I will start buying again.(see picture...)
Yep
there
all crammed in there but 4 or 5 of them ROFL!!! ohhh don't me started on rummaging!
Panz
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1. Do you go to garage sales and flea markets? Yepper, sure do sis.
2. What was the best "bargain" you ever found at a garage sale or flea market? My very first computer
3. Do you regularly hold a garage sale or set up at a flea market? Sure do, as through the year I buy a lot and with a 2 bedroom house I have to get some of the older stuff out.
4. Do you like "swap meets"? When I am off work and have some extra money.
Have a great week! Hugs, Sandy
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Like SuSue, I too LOVE garage sales!
I have a smaller house now and have to be really cautious about buying things
but I collect Pekingese statues,etc and always look for those.
I got a doorstop once for 50 cents that is OLD. I have never had it evaluated but it is worth several dollars...maybe $50.00 or more by now. I also bought
a lot of lady head vases for 50 cents or so and they are up to $50.00 each now.
See my collectibles
Sandi
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Do I go to Garage sales and Fleamarkets?
Yes I love to go to them, last weekend I went to an EstateSale but I got there late and all was gone, but I had fun looking I bought a little sun to hang on the wall and stickers,
What was the best "bargain" you ever found at a garage sale or flea market?
At a garage sale I found vases and real crystal that was sold for 25 cents and it was one of the flower stem glass she said but my family said it was crystals not glass hehehe,, I love them so I got them for 50 cents,,
Do you regularly hold a garage sale or set up at a flea market?
No but I want to make crafts and get a booth and start to sell my stuff this fall:)
Do you like "swap meets"? I love Swap meets who know's what little tresaure you can find:)
This was fun, Hugs, Dove
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