MORE bits O wisdom from Dr. Dave
How To Survive A Hobby Show, Flea Market
The world of survival training is quite varied. While the military prepares you for the rigors of combat, no one can really prepare you for the combat that is a hobby show or flea market.
While we don't propose to give you everything that is survival training, we hope to give you the skills to make it through a day of shows and garage sales.
DRESSING THE PART
- Comfortable Clothes are the rule.
- If you are going to be outside, dress in layers.
- Ladies, NEVER carry a pocketbook.
- Wear a hat or ball cap.
- IF you MUST wear sunglasses, have a cord attached to them.
- If the weather is questionable, carry a folding lightweight poncho.
- If going to a flea market in the spring or early fall, boots can help or a CHEAP pair of sneaker
you navigate those muddy fields that flea markets like.
ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR JUNK HUNTING
- A Magnet
- A Small Magnifying Glass
- A Swiss Army or Good Pocket Knife
- A Pen and Paper or Notebook
- A List
SURVIVAL KIT
- Wash'n Dri or any moist Towelette
- A Cooler full of Water & other goodies
- Sunblock and Asprin, Acetomenophen, or Ibuprofen
- A Polaroid or Disposable Camera
MONEY
Lots of things can be had for a dollar or two. Usually no more than five. Take along twenty or so in singles and a few five's and ten's. Some people don't like to make change or don't have it. Usually with cash you can get a better deal. If you are going to a show or shops, take along a major credit card, your drivers license, a second photo ID, and a couple of checks.
HAGGLING
I always ask a dealer if they can do better. This is unless, of course, the item is really cheap or fairly priced. Before the haggling begins, I make a pile of items that interest me. A dealer is usually more apt to make a deal on a group of items than a single piece.
SOLO VS. ENSAMBLE
Most diehard collectors are loners. They want no distractions, no lagging behind, no lolly-gaggers, and no competition! Most collectors will admit to having these tendancies. Those who don't, are in an advanced state of denile. While I admit "junking" with friends and/or relatives can be great fun, there is always some conflict when two parties fixate on a single item. I employ a "who grabs it first, gets it" code. While going solo is fun, it is sometimes better to have someone else's honest opinion before purchasing an item. This is especially important before purchasing a "big ticket" item.
RESTRAINT
The key to being successful in your collecting endeavors is practicing restraint. When I go to a shop, flea market, or show, I try to peruse the ENTIRE show, shop, or flea market at least once before I make any purchases. I check out those things that make my heart skip a beat and then go back and start asking questions. Many is the time I have lost an item to this method, however I have also saved myself a lot of heartache as well. The best thing, is to above all else, listen to your heart!
Well folks there ya have it. While I don't intend this to be all comprehensive, I figure this will give you a little background on how to survive the wilds of collecting. Hope you have as much fun as I do!
© 2001, David J. Marti
