OK - I have a lot of things on my mind... Let's start with Economics, GOLD & a good ole fashion Rummage Sale!

Back in 2000-2001, I use to listen to a Christian radio station at work! (gasp) It was in my cube at a respectable level. Anywho - I heard tons of commercials on "The dollar is going down ~ Gold is going up to the levels it was in the 80's... buy gold coins!" Now if you follow precious metals (I don't but did the research) it was as high. Anywho experts will agree that gold although literally higher today, is worth less than it did in the 80's in real terms (I think I said that right-anywho don't take my word for it.. do your own research!)). See Wiki & Kitco for more info.

Now fastforward to 2008.... the dollar did get extremely weak, and the economy is pretty much in the toilet... I never really thought much about those "buy gold now" doomsday commercials. I had no intentions on buying gold coins, but I never forgot the warning. That is until this week...

I started to canvas my stuff for old broken gold and jewelry. I mean, you can only be broke & watch this commercial....


...but so many times before you think... "Hmmm what do I have that I can sell?"I am not a jewelry person and so I don't have much.. but I do have some bits and pieces from high school... old boyfriends and such.... broken chains, lost earrings, found jewelry.. etc...

My mom & her bff had taken me to this fairly reputable jewelry store (not the fast cash rip offs) with my bag~O~junk... and walked out with a fist full of dollars. I was so shocked that I had a bit of a run going on.. in case they decided to change their minds. My husband was shocked! You see he made light of my plight... in jest. However I was able to pay a credit card bill (no I don't use it any more) and put gas in the tank!

Granted - they did not pay full market value - and who really expects them to? I mean the dealers gotta make money too. But it was great to find that stuff I was seriously considering trashing or or at best using in an alter art project... netted me a few bucks! Hey - a Fist full of dollars.. LOL

So what do I do now after I paid a bill, bought gas, got the kids a little treat? I'm going to the joint. The Rummage joint that is. I am a sucker for a good rummage sale! I plan to strip those church tables bare with my dollar bill$. It will go a little something like this... "Hey vintage crystal astray! You are coming home with me! Costume jewelry don't you flirt with me unless you are going to give it up for this single bill. Hey candelabras... Looking good ladies!" LOL!

Now that's a true fairly tale t2t ending!

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)


____________________________________________________________________
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