Part 2: Arrive Early for the Best Selection
Rolling along
Consider taking a rolling basket cart to hold your purchases. Line the bottom with cardboard or a sturdy bag so small items can't fall out. Throw in a generous handful of plastic grocery bags to hold items as well as cushion them. For fragile items you might want to throw in a small bag of bubble wrap, foam sheets, or tissue.
Car
Take your biggest car, van, or a pickup if your objective is bargarin furniture finds. Prepare a small basic tool kit (screwdrivers, hammer, pliers) in case you need to remove legs, mirrors from dressers, etc.
What to Take in Your Car:
- A tool kit to help take legs off tables, etc.
- Blankets to wrap delicate purchases
- Rope or heavy twine to tie items to the roof of the car
- A tarp to wrap or cover items tied to the roof
- A handful of plastic shopping bags
- Bubble wrap or paper to keep china chip-free
- Boxes to keep purchases from rolling around in the car
Be Prepared with Cash
Have cash with you -- lots of it, in small bills. Also take a checkbook with plenty of checks and proper ID.
Take Bags
Grab a big handful of lightweight plastic shopping bags and stuff them into your purse or pockets, or keep them in your rolling cart. Use rubber bands to keep them contained and neat so you can pull one out as needed.
Arrive early
You'll kick yourself if you arrive at noon and see your "perfect" chandelier being carted off by someone else. Go early and know what you're looking for.
Have a plan
Some people like to make a quick circle of everything, then go back to what interests them. Others start in one corner and proceed slowly through each booth. And some go to an information booth to see if vendors are organized by item (china, furniture, jewelry, etc.), then go the areas that interests them. Whatever your strategy, have a list of your favorite items so you can stay focused.
Next: > Page 3: Shop with an Eye
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