Smart Flea Market Shopping

Dear Lee,

There’s nothing I like better than going to a flea market. That sense of anticipation as you approach a field filled with tents and tables is amazing. From the beginning of our marriage, Ralph and I had fun exploring flea markets across the country and close to home, like the twice-a-year Burton Antiques Market in Ohio that we attended for decades and I still go to. I still have many of our “finds” in my house, including a wooden pedestal that holds plants in my living room.

With some advanced planning, your flea market experience can be successful and fun. Start by wearing something your companions can spot from a distance, like a bright red hat. You’ll be glad you do that because inevitably, you will get separated from your group. In the summer, bring sunscreen, checks and cash, just in case sellers don’t accept credit cards. It also helps when you want to try to negotiate the price.

Here are some other tips that will help maximize your success. And don’t forget to call ahead or check online to make sure the event is still taking place and to see if there are new rules or regulations for attending. If it’s far from home, reserve a room ahead of time nearby.

*  If you are looking for furniture, pictures or other large items, be sure to measure the spot that needs filling. Measure your doorways and stairs to make sure any furniture that you buy will fit through the doorways and up or down stairs. If you forget to take a ruler, a dollar bill is 6 inches long. If you are taking the furniture home, be sure it can fit in the car.
* If you want to buy a large, heavy piece, you might be able to get the dealer to deliver it for a low price or even free.
* If buying clothes, wear a form-fitting outfit so flea market outfits will slide on easily if you want to try them.
* Check for damage, fading, missing parts or tears in anything you want to buy.
* This is one of my favorite tips: Bring batteries if you are looking at toys so you can make sure they work.
* Another great tip because it is so logical: Don’t buy a rug or coat or any fabric that has a smell. The odor will probably never go away.
* Look at marks, makers and signatures. You may find a famous maker. For jewelry, check for gold or sterling marks as well.
* Download an app like SitorSquat, ToiletFinder of Flush that tells where the nearest bathroom is.
* Don’t try to beat down the price by insulting the piece or the dealer. Admiration works better.
* No one wants to spend too much money for something. Bring the most recent Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide or search online at Kovels.com to help price and identify your finds.

Happy shopping! And Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

 

Fall Flea Markets

On the Road — Burton Antiques Market

What a treat! We went to the Burton Antiques Market and experienced the fun of wandering around looking for antiques and collectibles. It was a perfect day. There were more than 300 dealers and although we didn’t get there in the time for the early bird, we were told there was a long line waiting to get into the show, which was both indoors and out. There was lots of furniture — especially country and solid, old wooden pieces. We also enjoyed browsing through costume and silver jewelry, household goods and decorative pieces. We didn’t see many toys, old advertising signs or mid-century items. Terry and I want to share some of the treasures that caught our attention.

Note: The Burton Antiques Market is twice a year —June and September. The next show is September 25, 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find Your Treasure! Top Tips for Thrift Store Shopping

One of the best things about traveling away from home by car is the opportunity to spontaneously stop at thrift stores, especially if you have an understanding or like-minded travel companion. Don’t assume that just because you find the shops in small towns that you will automatically find bargain prices. If you found the store while driving, no doubt that’s because it was strategically situated to attract travelers.

We were recently in a small town on the Ohio/West Virginia border to explore the legend of the “Mothman.” We enjoyed a small museum dedicated to the legendary monster, and we also visited several thrift stores on the main street. We found everything from old kitchenware (think Corning Ware) to old toys to crystal to tons of Fiestaware. We fell in love with and bought two Fiestaware bud vases in limited edition colors (Claret and Lapis).  We tried bargaining but as sometimes happens, the booth owner had an edict: no price reductions.

Thrift stores can be consignment (like the store we bought our Fiestaware), resale or stores that benefit a charity.

Here are our top tips on thrift store shopping:

• Look for chips or flaws that may be hidden under price stickers.
• Take batteries with you to see if toys work.
• Looking for a specific piece of furniture? Measure before you go, including doorways and the turns of stairways.
• Cut crystal, especially Waterford, is going for bargain prices right now. If you are buying it, do it because you like the piece, not because you are looking to re-sell. Check for chips or cracks.
• Buying vintage candlesticks? Be aware that some newer candles may wobble or just be the wrong size for the candlestick. Tear a piece of aluminum foil to pad it out at the base so the candle is in securely and safely. Make sure the foil doesn’t show.
• Old albums are hot right now — as much as for the music as the graphics of the album cover. It is worth it to thumb through the bins and bins of albums found in nearly every thrift store.
• Starting out in your first apartment? Just bought a house? Remember to look up from the shelves to the walls of the store. Artwork is everywhere. Bonus if you find actual artwork instead of prints.
• While you are looking up, look higher … to the ceiling. Chandeliers and light fixtures can be found for great prices. You may need to have them rewired, but it would be worth it for authentic vintage, midcentury or earlier charm. (Avoid the 1980s brass fixtures. They are not stylish yet and they are everywhere.)
• Don’t buy a smelly or stained rugs or clothing. Sometimes, the smell and the stains can’t be washed out.
• Fake signs, especially tin ones, are everywhere. If they are selling cheap, they probably are cheap.
• Check Kovels.com or Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide to make sure you are getting a great price.

 

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Tips For Smart Flea Market Shopping

Hear that thunder in the distance? It is the sound flea market fans rushing toward all the outdoor (and indoor, too) markets opening after more than a year of closures. Those holding the flea markets are just as excited as the visitors, with tables filled with wares that have been in storage instead of stalls.

We are excited as you are about a new season of bargains, antique and vintage household items, furniture, art and ceramics. But wait! We need to curb our enthusiasm and be smart shoppers. Here are our Top 10 tips to maximize the flea market experience.

1.  Look at all of the items on out of the way shelves and in the corners.  You could find an overlooked treasure.

2.  Be sure that you have all of your measurements before you go to buy any furniture, picture or other items. Measure your doorways and stairs to make sure any furniture that you buy will fit through the doorways and up or down stairs. If you forget to take a ruler don’t forget a dollar bill is 6” long.

3.  If buying clothes, wear tight outfits so you can easily put potential buys on.

4.  Be sure to check anything you buy carefully for damage, missing parts or tears.

5.  Bring batteries if you are looking for toys so you can make sure they work.

6.  Don’t buy a rug or coat or any thick fabric that has a smell as you may have a lot of difficulty getting it out.

7.  Look for furniture that will have a whole new look if you paint it.  It may not be a valuable antique, but it can become a sturdy or colorful piece of furniture for your room.

8.  Mix and match is in for furniture, clothes, rugs, pillows and walls.

9.  Look at the marks.  You may find a sought after maker. For jewelry check for gold or sterling marks as well.

10. Look in Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide or search online at Kovels.com to help price and identify your finds.

 

 

 

 

Use Your Camera

Use your phone’s camera at a flea market. Record things you might want to buy later. Record marks, etc. to look up.

 

 

 

 

 

Top Spring Flea Markets for 2021

Let the fun begin! Flea markets and antique shows across the country are opening up, especially those held outdoors. Remember to wear good walking shoes, wear a hat against the sun, put on sunscreen, bring an umbrella just-in-case, and pack water and snacks. A good rule of thumb is to bring cash. It’s better for bargaining and you never know when WiFi for credit cards may fail. Better safe than sorry: Check websites before making plans to make sure the markets are not cancelled or postponed. Markets are listed by opening dates — the earliest ones are listed first, etc.

 

Texas Antique Weekend
Thursday, March 18 – Sunday, April 4, 2021
https://antiqueweekend.com/calendar/2021-spring/

Located on a road between Austin and Houston, the event is known as Round Top Antiques Week. Find vintage collectibles, jewelry, apparel, home decor, furniture, architectural and industrial salvage, antiques, and more. Antique Weekend attracts thousands of dealers. Shows are held in a half-dozen communities near the midpoint between Houston and Austin, Texas. The largest hubs of activity center in and around the rural communities of Warrenton, Round Top, Shelby, Carmine, Fayetteville, Oldenburg, and Rutersville. The nearby cities are La Grange, Giddings, Columbus, Brenham, and Smithville.

 

First Monday Trade Days
800 Flea Market Road, Canton, Texas
April 1–4, 2021
Free admission and multiple parking options available for $5 to $10
https://www.firstmondaycanton.com/

More than 6,000 vendors from around the world.

 

Scott Antique Market Atlanta
Georgia Expo Center, 3650 Jonesboro Rd. SE, Atlanta, Georgia
April 8–11; May 6–9; June 10–13, 2021
$5 Admission Per Person, Free Parking
https://www.scottantiquemarket.com/schedule/

More than 3,300 booths and merchants in two large warehouses by the airport at the Atlanta Expo the second weekend of each month. Antiques ranging from the affordable to high-end. Some resale boutiques of uniquely sourced new goods.

 

Rose Bowl Flea Market
Pasadena, California
April 11, 2021
Opens 9 a.m.
VIP ticket from 5 a.m.-8:30 a.m. is $20.
$10 per person walk up
Children under 12 are admitted free with an adult.
https://www.rgcshows.com/rose-bowl/

This flea market in Pasadena, California, has more than 2,500 vendors and 20,000 buyers every month. The Rose Bowl Flea Market is one of the most famous markets in the world. No credit cards, cash and exact change only (because of Covid 19 mandates).

 

Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market Extravaganza
4401 S. Charleston Pike, Springfield, Ohio
April 17–18; May 14–16 (Extravaganza); June 19–20, 2021
Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Extravaganzas- Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
https://springfieldantiqueshow.com/

 

Long Beach Antique Market
Veterans Stadium, Long Beach, California

Starts April 18; May 16; May 30; June 20, 2021
Early Admission $12, 5:30 to 6:30 a.m.
General Admission $8, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Children under 12, free
https://www.longbeachantiquemarket.com/

The Long Beach Antique Market calls itself “The Flea Market with Style.” More than 800 sellers with antiques, collectibles, and everything chic, cheap, unique and vintage, all at bargain prices. Held the third Sunday of each month starting April 18th. Find collectibles, home decor, jewelry, furniture, vintage clothing, and more. The sale is spread out over 20 acres at the Veterans Stadium in Long Beach. No pets allowed.

 

Renninger’s Kutztown Antique and Collector’s Extravaganza
April 23–24, and June 25–26, 2021
740 Noble St., Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Early Buyer Admission Friday 9 to 11 a.m. is $10
Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. is free
Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. is free
www.renningers.net/

Renninger’s Kutztown hosts a flea market extravaganza three times a year, April, June and September. The Extravaganza is set up behind Renninger’s Antique & Farmer’s Market (open weekends), with exhibitors outside, under tents and in two 350-foot long pavilions. The Indoor Antique Market and the Indoor Farmer’s Market are also open during the Extravaganza. Dress for all weather; the show runs rain or shine.

Many shoppers round out their weekend by attending the “Special Sunday at Renninger’s Adamstown” event, about 30 miles away from Kutztown, held on Sunday, April 25. And smaller events and more specialized events are held at all three of Renninger’s locations in Kutztown, Adamstown and Mt. Dora, Florida. Be sure to check the Renninger’s website for all of their happenings.

 

What Cheer Flea Market
Keokuk County Fairgrounds, 13061 170th St., What Cheer, Iowa
April 30–May 2, 2021
Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday admission, $5
Friday admission, $3
Sunday admission, free
whatcheerfleamarket.com/

The three-times-a year What Cheer Flea Market is listed as one of the 11 “don’t miss flea markets” in the Midwest. It offers a variety of antiques, collectibles, furniture, midcentury modern, shabby chic, vintage jewelry, clothing, toys, advertising, glassware, postcards, baseball cards, comics, stamps, coins, military memorabilia, tools, primitives, and much more.

 

Brimfield Antique Flea Market
Brimfield, Massachusetts
May 11–16, 2021
6 a.m.-3 p.m.
www.brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com

Lots of walking! 5,000 dealers stretched over 21 fields along one mile of Route 20 in Brimfield, Massachusetts. Believed to be the largest and oldest outdoor antiques shows in the country. Various fields may be themed to antiques and collectible categories, such as pottery and rustic furniture.

 

Shawano Wisconsin Flea Market
Shawano County Fairgrounds, 990 E Green Bay Street, Shawano, Wisconsin
Special Two-Day Holiday Market (Saturday and Sunday): Memorial Day Weekend, May 29–30, 2021
7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission $2. No dogs allowed.
https://zurkopromotions.com/shawano-wisconsin-flea-market/

Shawano features more than 150 vendors with antiques, household goods, crafts, food, and much more. Sunday markets start April 11 and run through Oct. 17, 2021, except on Labor Day Weekend.

 

Burton Antiques Market
Geauga County Fairgrounds, 14373 N Cheshire St, Burton, Ohio
June 12, 2021
Early Buyer Admission, $25, 8 to 10 a.m.
General Admission, $10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
General Admission, $5, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
http://www.burtonantiquesmarket.com/

Features more than 400 of America’s leading dealers displaying antiques and vintage collectibles, both outdoors in a large field and inside in nearby barns.

 

Fredericksburg Trade Days
355 Sunday Farms Lane, Fredericksburg, Texas
Held third Saturday weekend of every month
Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Parking: $5
http://www.fbgtradedays.com/

More than 350 vendors filling seven barns with antiques, collectibles, tools, crafts, shabby chic, primitives, ranch furniture, hunting accessories, candles, unique clothing, jewelry, food and so much more.

 

If you have a favorite flea market, please let us know so we can include it in our next article!

 

Top 15 Amazing Finds: True Stories of Unexpected Treasures in Unlikely Places

Antiques, Bombs, Treasure and Collectibles: Top 12 Kovels Articles From 2020

On the Road – Burton Antiques Market

It was a treat to attend the annual outdoor Burton Antiques Market. Vendors were spread out on the racetrack at Geauga County Fairgrounds in Burton, Ohio. There were fewer vendors but that didn’t discourage collectors. Shows are a buyer’s markets this year. Vendors are eager to negotiate. Many have adapted to fewer shows by selling virtually, so check online marketplaces if you miss in-person shows.

“Brown” furniture was well-represented but didn’t seem to sell as well as it did last year. Vintage toys, salesman sample items, mid-century chairs and outdoor furniture, large wagon wheels, metal advertising signs, old stained-glass windows, license plates and antique tools and kitchen items were well-represented and were selling.

If you plan to attend shows this year, some new rules may apply. At Burton, masks were recommended. Indoor flea markets and many shows may mandate masks. Check before you go. Also check to see whether the market takes cash or credit cards. Burton was strictly cash, which meant bank fees at a generic ATM.

Here are some of our top finds.