How to Start a Flea Market Collection

Are you amazed by the intricate detail of hand embroidery or quilts? Are you drawn to beautiful colored Depression-era glassware, quirky vintage salt and pepper shakers, delicate tea pots, or postcards from exotic lands? Do the charming “Little Golden Books” bring you back to your childhood? Consider starting your own collection and joining the thrill of forever seeking new treasures with these tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Browse flea markets, yard sales, auctions and antique shops. Casually take your time to stroll through the aisles and examine the boxes and displays, looking for items that raise your interest. Be aware of what things bring back nostalgic memories, make you smile or make you laugh.

2. Keep an open mind as you flip through collectible or antique books at the bookstore. Take note what you are most drawn to examine in depth. You’ll find that there are large directories of mixed collectibles and then more concentrated resources for specific categories including glassware, kitchen collectibles, vintage toys and costume jewelry.

3. Once you have found your niche market, begin to research the background of those products. Visit a library or select a book or two from the more focused collectible books. Search online for any possible organizations dedicated to the particular collection.

4. Create a special folder or notebook for your findings. Here you can add printouts from the Web, articles from magazines, and directories of dealers by state.

5. Create a list of detailed questions (and then the answers you find) about your chosen collectibles as you explore and browse. What time period were they originally made and what country do they come from? How long were they in production? Are they still manufactured today? Which are the most rare and valuable items? What should you look for (markings, lettering or symbols, specific colors or patterns) in determining authentic pieces from reproductions?

6. Begin a wish list of items you hope to add to your collection. It’s also a good idea to keep a list of items bought so that you can copy it for friends and family. Once they learn you are a collector, they may offer to be on the look-out for new pieces and use the list for holiday and birthday shopping.

7. Find or make a dedicated, secure vessel for storing your collection. Depending on the size of your collectibles, you may be looking for a curio-style cabinet, a shadow box or a shelf. Pre-measure your allotted space before shopping and be sure you to select a spot that is out of high-traffic and extremes in temperature.

Tips & Warnings

• Antique dealers may be helpful “experts” for answering your questions, but remember they are also salespeople. Sales are usually not returnable in their market, so it’s wise to get a second opinion or validate information before making a big price purchase.
• Attics and garages are places often dedicated to housing collections. Be careful not to store your prized possessions where there is high humidity, direct sunlight, cold drafts or excessive moisture. These may damage your products over time.