Mama’s Treasures Top Ten Buying Tips Treasure hunting is fun and can sometimes yield great bargains. Many of us dream of
making that great find which will land us big bucks.
News-Antique.com - Jun 01,2008 - Treasure hunting is fun and can sometimes yield great bargains. Many of us dream of making that great find which will land us big bucks. It’s more realistic to have a firm idea of what you need to be buying or if you should be buying at all. My Mama taught me a lot about finding treasures. Some of these I’ve learned the hard way and I’ve paid for it. I thought I’d pass on the top ten reminders I use when I go out hunting.
10. Set a budget and stick to it. When the hunting is good, you can get carried away and come home treasure rich but cash poor.
9. Treasures can be found anywhere. Don’t turn up your nose at thrift shops and garage sales. You can find bargains almost anywhere if you take the time to look.
8. Do some research before you buy. Book value is great but is not always reflective of the current market value of an item. Compare some different venues such as internet vs. malls in your area.
7. If you are a collector, make a list of what you are hunting, carry pictures of patterns, or take your book with you. Taking time to look something up can save you money in the long run.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Dealers love to talk and this is essential when internet shopping from a picture. Keep copies of the e-mails so if an item is misrepresented or if you are overcharged, you have something to back you up.
5. Make them an offer. If the dealer isn’t there, ask the mall owner to place a phone call or leave a written offer for them. You’d be surprised how many dealers will discount if given the chance.
4. Don’t get carried away at auctions. Go with a set amount to spend and stop bidding when it’s spent. Go with a friend and give them your bidding card to hold until your items are up for bid.
3. Look for dealers having sales or going out of business. If they have your treasure, you can sometimes get a great deal.
2. Dig through boxes and booths. Don’t be afraid to get on the ground and get dirty. A lot of things are hidden from plain sight. Once you find it, make sure to look at it in the
daylight and run your hands over it to check for flaws. If it’s taped shut, ask them to remove the tape before you pay.
1. Get it for Free. You’d be surprised what you can find in dumpsters and sitting on
curbs. Don’t be afraid to take a dive or two.
Mama's Treasures specializes in kitchen items from the 1940s through the 1980s. You'll find Fire King, Pyrex, Federal, and Hazel Atlas Glass plus loads of Androck, A&J, and Ekco utensils. I treasure hunt a lot and am always amazed when I find something really great. My latest big find was a
