Thoughts on Vintage Shopping

This year I really got involved with buying old stuff from lots of different kinds of places.  Seeing as how I like to create order out of disorder, I found myself sorting them into a four-level hierarchy, as far as my excitement meter goes. 

GARAGE SALES

I put garage sales at the bottom of the hierarchy, at Level 4.  They're plentiful and it's where you find the most inexpensive items, mostly because the items aren't that old.  But it's a lot of running around and really interesting items are hard to come by.  

If you are interested in garage sales, the best thing is to go to a neighborhood sale.  There will be lots of houses in a compact area, so it's the most efficient use of your time and gas.  Plus, there's a nice mix of items (fewer houses with oodles of clothes). 

THRIFT STORES

Thrift stores are on Level 3.  I like the bricks-and-mortar aspect of them, and I particularly like the ones with shopping carts.  Those are the smart stores - too much to carry?  No problem - go and get a cart so you can buy even more.  

I also like that they are organized by department, so I can bypass the clothes and make a beeline to housewares.

Prices are fairly reasonable and turnover is regular.  

ANTIQUE STORES

Antique stores are at Level 2 for me.  Most of them are antique malls, with  multiple vendors, each specializing in a certain period or style.  You're very likely to find items you never saw before, and think you can't live without.  Then you look at the price and have a little talk with yourself.  Luckily, there are plenty of fun items that are somewhat affordable.

I don't spend much, if any, time looking at the glassed-in cases.  Too often you can't see the price, and if you do see something you sort of like, you can't pick it up unless you get the manager.  By then you almost feel psychologically invested in the object, and don't want to waste the manager's time, so you feel pressured to buy it.  Or is that just me?

I'm also always afraid I'm going to break something.  The longer I'm in an antique store, the more overloaded I get and the easier it is to get careless.  My purse has swung into more than one object, luckily with no bad repercussions.

FLEA MARKETS

Flea markets are my favorite, so I put them at Level 1.  Prices are higher than thrift stores, but cheaper than antique stores.   The variety is outstanding, amazing, head-spinning, overwhelming, and any other superlative you can think of.  My favorite one has 500 vendors.  It's so large that the next time I go, I'm bringing a map to keep from getting lost.

Part of the appeal of flea markets is that there is wiggle room on the prices.  Vendors don't expect you to pay the listed price.  You have the best luck if you smile and politely ask them what's the best price they can give you.  I found it averages out to 20% off.

SUMMARY THOUGHTS

Vintage shopping is addicting, just like any shopping.  And since you usually get more for your money than buying new, that often means you wind up with more stuff!  As with all things in life, it's something to be done in moderation.  I keep turning my items over so it doesn't get overwhelming around here.

One of the other downfalls is that the more you're out shopping, the less time you're spending at home being creative, which is much more fulfilling.  But sometimes the vintage items give you the creative spark you need.  At least that's one way of looking at it.

Later this week I'll share some of my newfound treasures.