Top Ten Treasure Hunting Tips

November 07, 2012

As I promised last month, I will offer you my top ten treasure hunting tips for shopping the White Cloud and Sparks, KS Flea Markets. Adapt them to your own needs, and keep your eyes and ears open for new markets and sales. You never know when opportunity will present itself!

10. Start your cash fund today by emptying your change into a large container. Come spring markets, you will be glad you did. And you might be surprised at your accumulated wealth!

9. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and layers. If you are at Sparks, KS, you will be in an open field. And you will be jumping in and out of a truck, if you are lucky enough to be traveling with one.

8. Make a list. It is easy to become overwhelmed. But don’t be too rigid, or too specific. Example: thing for back door entrance, table with 4 good legs, something yellow…

7. Carry a large bag, backpack, or pull a vintage shopping cart for all the "smalls" you will score.

6. Pack a measuring tape, lip balm, water bottle, and extra cash for kettle corn.

5. Plan to stop at all the garage sales, barn sales, and church rummage sales along the way. Some years, this is where the real treasures are found.

4. Carry cash in small bills. This will help you when making offers of slightly less than the marked price while counting out your dollar bills.

3. If you see something you like better down the road, you can always trade or sell your earlier purchases. That’s the beauty of a large, open flea market.

2. Cultivate a good poker face and practice asking, "Is this the best price you can give me?" Jumping up and down with loud exclamations is a surefire way to pay full price. Trust me, I know.

1. Never ask yourself, "Where will I put this?" The road you will go down with this way of thinking is a dead end, and while you are mentally rearranging, another more enterprising shopper will beat you to the sale, and you will have only a sad story to tell of the treasure that got away.

For more tips, inspiration and information consult titles at MCPL such as, Flea Market Secrets by Jonty Hearnden.

Anna P.
Raytown Branch