By thejunkladies on
8/13/2008
8. Never Believe the Weatherman:
Be prepared for sunshine on your shoulders, the rainy day blues, and everything in between. A full day at the flea market can produce a potpourri of weather conditions. You’ll want to pack a sensible bag of necessities. Items like bottled water, sunscreen, lip balm, shades, and a hat are a must. You may also want to consider layering up your wardrobe. Don’t worry about being stylish, this is not an audition for "America’s Next Top Model". As the brisk morning air gives way to the smoldering afternoon sun, you’ll be able to shed layers on the fly without missing a beat or a hot deal.
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By thejunkladies on
8/4/2008
7. Cash and Carry:
Forget the American Express card. Cash, on the other hand, don’t leave home without it. Although some vendors are now accepting plastic, cash is still king at the flea markets. Before heading out the door, make sure you have what you need in a variety of denominations. Twenties, tens, fives, and ones are best. Vendors always appreciate not having to break your honey bees. Oh, and by the way, make sure to keep it all in a safe and handy location. We’ve found that stuffing your back pockets is not all it’s cracked up to be.
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By thejunkladies on
7/25/2008
6. Cha, Cha, Cha, or Ching, Ching, Ching?:
Boy, oh boy are we junkers torn by the flea market building. They are warm, inviting, and man do they have good stuff! Yeppers they do, but let's save them for last. As much as we like to be out of the inclement weather, so do the wares in the buildings. The goodies that are housed indoors are more than likely turnkey and have an asking price to match. We’re not recommending ignoring these junk venues, just save the eye candy for last. Quite possibly, at the end of day you just may get a better deal and if you dig deep enough maybe even an unexpected bargain.
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By thejunkladies on
7/16/2008
5. Let's Talk Turkey, The Art of Negotiation:
Negotiating is indubitably an art form. At the end of the day, you want everyone to be happy. Vendors work very hard searching high and low in order to bring out the best in show for you. Rule number one is not to offend the vendor. Rule number two is not to offend yourself, so pre-determine what you can afford to pay for something you like. Rule number three, combine rules one and two and you are set to go. If you can't bear the expense, politely ask the vendor if he or she can do better. If the answer is no, be prepared to walk away and say whatever you were after is out of your price range. Don't say, "I'll be back", because that will leave the vendor laughing. Close your eyes and imagine how many times they have heard that line. It's kind of like a blind date gone bad. Yep, it's the standard, "I'll call you, don't call me.
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By thejunkladies on
7/2/2008
4. Junkers on the Down Low:
While out in the back forty, leave no stone unturned. Vendors will display their favorite junk confectionary, but the sweetest of sweet may be tucked away for later. Listen to that sweet tooth and ask if there might be any hidden treats perhaps slipped under the table or in the back of their truck or trailer. If you dare to ask, you may be in for a pleasant surprise. Scrounging in the underworld is what true junking is all about, so go for it! This is something that will not require a trip to the dentist, quite possibly a welder, but most definitely not a dentist... thank goodness for small favors!
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By thejunkladies on
6/23/2008
3. Where, oh where has all the real junk gone, oh where oh where can it be?
After you've scoped out the market and retrieved your initial must-haves, get your boots a walkin' to the back forty. What does this mean? Head out to the very back of the field and work your way back in. Vendors who have staked claim in the field are most likely to have what we consider to be the coolest of cool. You will find stuff in the rough with more potential than you can shake a stick at. What's even cooler are the price tags or the lack thereof, allowing you to inquire. What will you take for this thing with its ears cut short and its tail cut long?
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By thejunkladies on
6/11/2008
2. Search first, rescue later:
We refer to this strategy as the “straight jacket “ defense to over paying. Take a loop-de- loo around the entire flea market before making any purchases. Although, there are some downsides (you may miss a snag or two) to this plan of attack, but more times than not you’ll be happy you employed it. Picture this: You are in search of a fan and you buy the first one that suits your fancy for a mere fifty bucks. Ten minutes later you come across another such fan, but oops, it’s only $25. This will leave you thinking, my bad. Patience is truly a virtue and you can take that bit of advice to the bank.
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By thejunkladies on
5/21/2008
1. Early Bird Special:
You already know how the saying goes, “The early bird gets the worm”! Many flea markets across the country offer an early entrance option for all of you leave it to eager- beaver junkers. This alternative is not for card-carrying bargain boppers, but for those of you who are NOT dedicated to the eradication of the ordinary earth worm. If you aren’t the par-for-the-lawn mole, and looking for a red-letter recyclable than maybe this plan of attack is for you. You will have to cough up some extra green-backs, but the variety of the cha-cha-cha is hm-hm-hm. In a nut shell; early entrance fee (varies), coffee and doughnuts (five bucks), early bird experience, priceless.
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By thejunkladies on
4/23/2008
Recently Sue visited the Today Show to introduce their new book: Junk Beautiful.
Click here to see the Junk Ladies interview on The Today Show
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By thejunkladies on
2/29/2008
You can't keep us in one place. Many have tried – and failed. We just can’t stop from traveling around the country, speaking at home shows, teaching people the ins-and-outs of junk mastery. Sometimes, we even go on Junking Journeys (so to speak) to share their passion for castaways.
Once, we were at a Home & Garden Show in San Antonio, and ventured out of town to a hill country. The people there were so friendly to us, and there were so many beautiful animals. It’s true country junking, complete with amazing scenery and landscape. We’d love to visit in April when the wildflowers are in bloom.
And when we go back, maybe during another Home and Garden trip, we love to listen to music on the road, so check out our playlist!
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