On the radio this morning, the on air personalities were talking about flea market finds. Apparently some guy almost threw away 30 million dollars worth of art work, but then decided to do a little research. Can you imagine?
I used to have several flea market booths. I loved looking for merchandise. I would go to auctions, garage sales, and other flea markets hoping to find a hidden treasure at a cheap price. And when I did, the thrill I felt was wonderful. Of course, I never found anything close to 30 million, but I made some pretty cool buys. Like the Flip Your Wig Beatles game in perfect condition, for fifteen dollars - sold it for seventy five. I almost wish I'd kept it because I haven't seen another one since.
I quit the business about ten years ago. It became too much work trying to find stuff. People got smart. Thanks Antiques Road Show! I still go to markets and search for that rare find. Who knows, maybe one of these days, I'll find a Rembrandt or a Warhol and you'll be talking about how lucky I am.
What about you? Do you enjoy searching through markets or have you ever found something worth a lot of money? Vote in my poll and we'll see how many share this past time.
I love flea markets! It's like getting into a museum for free. I'm really interested in momento mori, but usually the ones I find are pretty pricey. I keep hoping to stumble over a booth that doesn't know what it has in that area.
ReplyDeleteMy mom collects glass bottles, sad irons, and creamers shaped like cows. When we flea market together, I always go home with aching feet because she loves going to them.
I used to travel all over southwest Missouri to different flea markets making a day of it. Man I would be tired when I got home.
DeleteI used to like flea marketing and garage saling but now I just think it's too much of a hassle to dig through other people's stuff and you're right, people have gotten too smart and ti find a steal is really hard these days.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad all my dragging you to auctions and garage sales didn't go to complete waste.
DeleteI used to like the thrill of the hunt too! Haven't been on the lookout for anything for a while now, but it certainly is exciting when I do find some hidden treasure! Nice post!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Wanda. I used to like flee markets, but then e-bay took all the fun out of them. Now, any time someone finds what they think is a treasure, they put it out there for the world to bid on. No fun at all.
ReplyDeleteI never had any luck selling on e-bay. Most times got less than I paid for it and then I would underestimate the shipping. Gave up on that.
DeleteI bought a large framed print at a flea market once, but it was more for the frame than the artwork. It was an antique, heavily scrolled and in good condition. I don't know if it is even worth what I paid for it, but I liked it and enjoyed it on my wall. Guess that's worth something.
ReplyDeleteThat's what it's all about Mia. Buying what you like.
DeleteI love Flea Marketing, but I haven't had a chance to go much lately. As far as I know, I haven't found anything of value and if I did, I probably wouldn't recognize it :> I loved to go with my best friend in North Missouri. She owned her own little shop and she had an eye for things that could be resold. IF only I could have learned more from her!
ReplyDeleteNever too late to learn.
DeleteThat's cool that you used to own flea market booths. I never knew that. I have been to a few but don't know what is expensive and what's not.
ReplyDeleteI like old jewelry and cool signs, especially those with old typewriters and cool fonts. I also like signs with funny or unique slogans, probably because of my marketing background.
But you all know my bargain hunts take place at T.J. Maxx!
T.J. Maxx is kind of like a flea market. You never know what you'll find.
DeleteThat's cool that you used to own flea market booths. I never knew that. I have been to a few but don't know what is expensive and what's not.
ReplyDeleteI like old jewelry and cool signs, especially those with old typewriters and cool fonts. I also like signs with funny or unique slogans, probably because of my marketing background.
But you all know my bargain hunts take place at T.J. Maxx!