This morning we bundled the kids in coats and hats and set out for the Raleigh Flea Market. I came home with a lot of great things, but I did do my fair share of complaining. “Why don’t people put prices on their stuff?!” “Are people seriously trying to sell THAT for $50?” “That is waaaay over priced.”
I must confess, I even got a little snippy with one lady over some silver plated spoons. Yes, I did. She told me they started at fifty cents, but none of them were priced, so I carried all of the spoons up to her to find out which ones were fifty cents each. Well, as it turns out, none of them were. They were all at least $1.00 and I was irritated and fed up with that booth, so I moved on. Don’t mess with me when I’m hunting for bargains! Despite my griping, I did have a great time.
I fell in love with this Red Cross poster, but at $95, it was a little steep for me.
I ended up buying a great rusty metal stool, two pairs of antlers, two windows… (pictured below.)
…two antique German grain sacks (from the 1920’s), a wooden cheese box, a folding ruler, some large wooden numbers, a carpenter’s compass and more.
I did not, however, buy any tube socks.
PS – If the spoon lady is reading this…I apologize for my snippiness.
24 Responses
Ohhh… I do hate it when vendors don't mark their items. I turn around and walk out.
I don't mind if they don't mark the price but the spoon vendor really should have given you a bulk price and not try to milk you for each spoon. I hope she enjoyed packing them and taking them home with her!
I was just there last weekend, and thought the very same thing. It was still awesome though! My Mom bought me the prettiest Tureen ever! I can't wait to show it off.
Sounds like a fun day. I love flea markets. The Bavarian Christmas linky party is now open-won’t you come and join us at http://dobermans-by-the-sea.blogspot.com/2010/11/1st-christmas-linky-party-at-dobermans.html
tube socks…er, why? I mean….
nevermind, but people never cease to amaze me.
I too get irritated with the non-pricing, at least on the stuff that they can hang a tag or slap a sticker on.
Then the ultimate, I'm sorry if I was snippy – exactly something I would say later!! (when my brain leaves treasure hunt mode)
I has been dying to go to the Raleigh Flea Market for years and last summer my hubby offered to take me. (He's NOT a junk addict and I am usually out hunting by myself). I was soo excited. When I got there I really didn't buy much as I thought things were over priced for my pocket book. I guess I was a bit disappointed. I guess if you can get there regularly you can find some great deals but for me its a 3 hour drive. I also think things not be priced is SOOO annoying! I usually get disgusted and move on.
Glad you found some things you liked..
the spoon lady – grrrrr.
We'll be going to the lexington flea tuesday.. I hope to find some new treasures to bring back and show off..
Not being priced seems to be the way to go lately. We did a test at one flea market on it..I was dressed to get dirty so I was told a lower price then my friend who over dressed for the occasion went up a bit later and was told a higher price..maybe they do it to sell it at what they think you can afford- not sure.
Clines is not priced either…but their prices are amazing – like chairs are $5 windows $2 doors $12 and so on.
Glad you had fun and sorry I couldn't meet you up there.
tammy
You are right, love that stool. Are you going to seal it? If so, with what?
Brittany
http://www.prettyhandygirl.com
Loved the treasures you brought home! Grain sack? Did I read grain sack??? Lucky girl!!! lol! Looking forward to seeing what you do with your goodies!
xoxo laurie
Tube socks. ROFLOL! Ok, I have to agree with you on prices. WHY do they not price their items. If it's not something I really really want, I will not ask you the price. I HATE that! And over pricing seems to be everywhere these days. I hope it's not a sign of the times. Cause I like my junk 'deals'. LOL Looks like fun!
Hilarious!
You're always so chipper, I can't imagine you having a gripe about anything…but not pricing when you're there to sell is poor marketing strategy IMO…
loved your deals! and your candor…thanks for sharing!
No tube socks?? Oh man! 🙂
If people are going to be a vendor…they should price all of their things…ALL of them!!! So I don't blame you for getting snippy! What great finds you made…fabulous! And I heart that red cross sign too!! Sigh!!
Hugs
SueAnn
I'm sorry your flea market experience was tainted by crummy vendors 🙁 My husband just brought me some antlers home from the hunting club just like those. But I'm stumped on how to display them. I can't wait to see what you do with them! Hope your trip to Raleigh was great and you have a safe ride home!!
Trinity
I have an issue with no prices. I think that with all the shows on television, the vendors are now trying to get the most money they can. I used to go out and sometimes, the price was what caught my eye…hmmm, I like that item, oh, it's only $2, yeah, I think I will get it and a collection is begun. Now, someone else may say, you bought it for the price and not the love, but, with a limited budget, that was how I rolled. Now, vendors will ask, what do you want to pay and I usually just turn around; unless I love the piece. I hate all these picking shows, they are ruining it for the people who used to just grub around. Sorry to rant, but boy, that lady is what I run into more times than not.
I have to agree. I HATE it when people don't price their items. I vend about once a month at our local flea market and I price EVERY last item. There was a man there once selling items similar to mine. My husband started talking to him and asked him why he didn't price his stuff. The vendor came right out and told hubby he determines his price by how each individual looks. So, I guess when you go to the flea, you should wear your jeans and sneakers with holes in them to get the best prices. Also go unshowered…LOL!! Be sure not to wear your Prada heels or carry your Gucci bag!
I have to agree. I HATE it when people don't price their items. I vend about once a month at our local flea market and I price EVERY last item. There was a man there once selling items similar to mine. My husband started talking to him and asked him why he didn't price his stuff. The vendor came right out and told hubby he determines his price by how each individual looks. So, I guess when you go to the flea, you should wear your jeans and sneakers with holes in them to get the best prices. Also go unshowered…LOL!! Be sure not to wear your Prada heels or carry your Gucci bag!
No idea why mine double posted??? sorry…
You are too funny! Snippy, you? I don't think so! I find no-pricing to be everywhere, not just in owner-operated markets. It is annoying to say the least. I have been accused of taking off the price stickers in the hopes of getting a lower price.
It is such fun to read about your exploits. Keep 'em comin'.
For some vendors, if they have a lot of items it is easier not to price things. Especially if they don't keep good inventory records. I think the reason is that some markets are more upscale than others and they can get higher prices that day or in that market. I hate it. I also try to dress modestly when I go to places like that. I also don't drive a nice car when I go to garage sales. Ann
I'll admit it. Those are the things that bug me, too. Sounds like you had a lovely time though! That Red Cross poster = love. Too bad it was so pricey!
I live in Raleigh, NC. I go to that same flea market in the spring when prices seem to be better. I have found some great deals and some other vendors that annoy me to no end with their non pricing. Did you go into the indoors area? They have some nice stuff, mostly over priced.
You really need to come out during the spring. I think they raise the prices after the state fair.
Cherie