Thrift Store, Rummage Sales, Flea market, Yard Sales - which do you prefer?

UPDATE - POLL RESULTS!

1. Thrift & Garage/Yard Sale - Tied 1st place @ 25 votes a piece!
2. Estate & Rummage Sales tied 2nd place @ 16 votes each!
3. Flea Market/Swaps is 3rd placewith 14 votes.

*Auctions, Antique Shops, Classifieds & Consignments respectively rounded out the poll!

Although the poll is now closed ~ you may still weigh in via the comment section.

Thanks!
NJT
(edited 9/19/08)


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I originally posed this question to a group of T2T message board members. While loving all the choices - most made great arguments for their preferences. They also introduced other venues* to the discussion.

So here goes.. which do you prefer when purchasing... (freecycle, curbside shopping & dumpster diving aside - I know free is best!) But which do you like and WHY? I invite you to answer the poll<== and add your comments!

Garage/Yard Sale
Thrift Store
Rummage Sale
Antique Shops*
Classifieds (Newspaper/Craigslist etc)*
Flea Markets
Swap Meets (where you buy)*
Estate Sales
Consignment Shops*
Auction*

--------------------- As originally posted-----------------

I am now realizing that I love thrift stores... especially when I make an ally of the owner/manager... but really any thrift shoppe will do...

BUT I love the Rummage Sale over the garage/yard sale any day.

Rummage sale folks are motivated to sell because they don't want to lug that stuff home or store at the (church or place of sale).

Flea markets are cool - but like yard sales.. these people are in it for the money - so it's more work to haggle the price down. However, flea markets have competition so - they are more motivated that yard/garage folk.

Yard/garage folk can get very annoyed if you haggle... Some will rather throw out an item (or put it back in the house) rather than give you a better price.. i know this cause i can get like that myself.. especially if I don't like the potential buyer (lol - just being real y'all)

So what's your favorite? Inquiring minds would like to know?

Here's my definitions (not law - just what I've noticed in my town & travels)

Thrift Shoppe - Usually open 3-5 days a week (maybe more) in the same store location). Used, sometimes new items in retail location.

Yard/Garage Sale - Usually a place of residence from Spring thru Fall seasons. (if don't live in warm climate places). Usually used or old never used items.

Rummage Sale - Usually held at Church or Rec Center.. maybe held twice a year. Usually used/vintage items.

Flea Market - Held more frequently that Rummage sales - Usually weekly year-around.. vendors often deal in antique, vintage and *new* items.

**Estate Sales - I consider these like a rummage since the motivation is to move the items in a short appt. time.**

INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW? LOL

Donated Upcycle Bracelet for FOJ Foundation Auction

FOJ donation from ABpryor
Originally uploaded by shutterkate

OK, this piece was especially challenging as I created it in a day after weeks of extreme procrastination... to the 3rd power. This was another challenge put forward to the EtstyNJ Team to create items to benefit the Friends of Joey Foundation during a dinner/auction earlier this spring. This challenge was extremely interesting also because we were asked to keep the item's color scheme in the Spring Now 2008 color palette. So with time dwindling, I quickly gathered together:

1. vintage brass drawer plate label
2. 2 vintage costume jewelry necklaces
3. scrapbook Prima flowers
4. flatback rhinestone studs
5. and my secret weapon... a piece of junk mail from a cable company that 'just' happen to incorporate all of the colors in the palette!

I quickly crafted this upcycled bracelet and drove it to the coordinator, shutterkate, as it was too late to send in the mail. Ooh I pray the wearer of this piece enjoys it as much as I enjoyed making it. I love it when a plan comes together for the greater good... Romans 8v28.

Before I go, I have to give a shout out to Amy of Julia Belle Vintage who inspired this piece. I was taken back by the way she lovingly creates her works of art. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all!

So readers, what have you created in just the 'nick of time'? Please share... I'd like to know!

NJT