Antiques and prepping

     There is a great outlet for some prep supplies.  The local flea market.  I live within a reasonable driving distance of the nationally known Renninger's Flea Market.  I mentioned it in yesterday's post in a negative light.  It was not the market itself at fault.  It was the vendor's who were being silly.  Tonight as Antiques Roadshow is on PBS and I am feeling forgiving I thought I would set straight the flea market issue.

http://www.renningers.com

       If the vendor calls out a price without being asked, it is a chance to decide what you want to do next.  A vendor who calls out a price is right on the barker fence.  Maybe the vendor is tired or maybe the vendor is tired of customers.  If you are looking at an item you really want or need, walk up to the vendor and ask quietly will you take less?  If they pause, you are in!  Next you could remark, I notice it isn't perfect.  It may need repair to make it usable.  What do you think?  You now have a conversation started and it is not out of line to ask what's your lowest price?
     
     Always walk away from carnival barkers and their type.  Don't engage them in conversation, you are not their friend and you don't want to become their patsy.  Always keep your goal in mind.  If you are searching for a butter churn, buy a butter churn not a rusty saw or a wood worm eaten hand plane.  If you can't find the butter churn of your dreams buy good quality of something else or walk away.

     I have purchased a few items for prep at the flea market in the last month, namely: wool blankets for under $5 each, military OD, new in plastic wrap, a kerosene or hurricane lamp, glass, $4, ammo several boxes mostly shotgun shells value about $50 for $15, a Wedgwood dish valued at about $50  for $5, socks, produce, and four budding orchid plants for $20.  

     I don't go to the market just for prep supplies.  I go for a bargain and a walk.  I go with two zippered coin purses attached to the inner zipper of my hand bag.  One has cash for prep supply purchases.  One has the money I have set aside for seasonal produce or socks or some other purchase.  I do not mix prep supply money with weekly budget money.

     If you want to try shopping flea markets try these tips:

Google up the market first.  Get an idea of the layout.  
See if the market has a website with a map of the market.
Some markets host events like military sales or cars and guitars or powwows.
These events can bring with them different vendors with different items.

Wear comfortable shoes and layers of clothing.  
You can always peel off clothes as the day heats up, but cold and wet makes for miserable shopping conditions.  

Keep your money close.  Criminals shop for targets in crowds.
Keep your eye on the clock. 
Know the values of the items you are shopping for and the top price you will pay to have one. 
You can go back to a vendor at the end of the day and renegotiate a price.  Sometimes, they would rather sell it than pack it!
Get some fresh fruits and veg before you go home.  
There will be another day with different items.