The Demise of the Fleamarket (as I knew it)!

I am sure fleamarkets have all sorts of reputations by the people who frequent them. This is just mine... I have visit them from time to time in my life. As a child my father would make and sell Soulful Christmas music at our local market. There would be someone selling perfume/incents, another selling cast offs from an estate sale or home clean out. Almost always somebody had a large barrel grill cooking the best ribs you have ever tasted.

I now visit fleamarkets more often than before. You see, I redesign jewelry and small furniture items and accessories. So the fleamarket, thrift store, garage and yard sales are where I can find some of my best buys. Of course curside shopping is the absolute best bargain because it is free!

Anywho, now all I see at the markets are dollar store items! Everything is cheap. Whatever happend to the vintage clothing, tchotchkes, mixed tapes, they old guy selling used hardware and tools? Where's my local farmer selling vegetables and fruit.... Now all I see is junk....and DEFINITELY not the good kind!

During one of my recent trips to a once reliable fleamarket it was SO crowded, I couldn't even find a park. This was in the middle of the day... don't these people work?! LOL

Right off the back I was hit with designer knock-offs of every kind!

 All sorts of stuff... Even things bought in bulk and sold individually... HA! What a rip!

 More socks than you can shake a stick at....(whatever that means..I think I'm getting old)

 Turning-skin-green jewelry.

 But the people were there in full force. Good for the vendors I suppose...bad for me.

 These are cute...but I'd rather buy them from a handmade jewery artist... and the handmade ones are not that expensive... $10-$20.... definitely comparable.

 Loads and loads of stuff... some would say too much stuff..... but nothing for me :(

 Cheap fashions anyone?

 Ah... such a disappointing trip. However, there was one small glimpse of joy on my way out... partially buried deep in the dirt, I found this little gem. Most folks would walk right over it.... but not me. This is what I love to do.... Find old grungy, discarded items and make them neat and interesting!

 So I cleaned that baby up. Sprayed with a clear coat as not to damage anyone's clothing...added a few jeweled letters and a suede cord & silver finding...and...

 Voila! A piece of Found Item Art.

No I understand that this isn't everyone's thing... but it's mine. It's the way I help beautify this earth... one recycled item at a time.

That Girl, Ang

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