On the hunt for bargains and treasures

(LifeWire) -- Holleigh Davis adores shopping at flea markets. As a schoolteacher in Columbus, Georgia, she finds lots of time in the summer to stalk the stalls. She shops for her house, for her classroom, for herself.

"I'm not an expert. I'm definitely a novice, but I love to go and hunt for a bargain," she said.

"If it catches my eye and I like it, I'm going to buy it. Some people say, 'This is for trash,' and I say, 'Are you kidding?'"

Each year she buys an old chair, decorates it and then gives it to a child at her school. Past purchases include a wicker vanity with a drawer missing that she bought for less than $25 and dressed up with vintage fabric and seashells.

"It's just kind of me," Davis said. "Even though it hasn't been mine for a long time, it's become mine."

Joy of the hunt

The joy of the hunt and the lure of a bargain seem to be two of the main reasons flea markets are so popular. Check out bargains at Hell's Kitchen Flea Market »

Flea market expert Harry L. Rinker, the colorful host of "Whatcha Got," a nationally syndicated antiques and collectibles call-in radio show, also has written several books on the subject.

For starters, he has this simple advice: "The whole thing about going to a flea market is it should be fun. High-end antique shows are like going to church. But flea markets are a fun experience."

Rinker advises people to inspect closely before they buy, and never buy anything from a dealer who hasn't put a price tag on the merchandise.

"That dealer is trying to size you up to see what he can get," Rinker said. There's nothing wrong with asking for a business card or writing down the name, address and telephone number of the dealer, he said. And, one more thing, "If the dealer refuses to give a receipt, walk away." Reputable dealers should always be forthcoming with such paperwork, Rinker adds.

Veteran shoppers are fond of Rinker's book, "My Favorite Finds," which is part guide, part personal journal and provides pockets for receipts, tags and business cards.

Finding the real deal

Specialty shopping demands some knowledge. When browsing for jewelry or silver, it's helpful to take along a jeweler's loupe, a small magnifying glass that fits easily into a pocket or purse. These can be purchased online at jeweler supply sites. You can use the loupe to check silver marks, which sterling silver always carries. The mark can tell you the period during which the silver was made as well as the maker. You can find a guide to silver marks and maker's marks at www.925-1000.com.

When shopping for art or pottery, look for a signature or artist's mark. That's the first indication of value. Consider the condition of the piece. Has it been tampered with or repaired? Furniture, too, often has a manufacturer's label or artist's signature. Ask the vendor what he or she knows about the piece. Examine the hardware. Does it appear to be original? Has the piece been refinished? Collectingnetwork.com offers addition tips for gauging the authenticity of antique furniture.

Some markets are famous for consistently producing great finds: Hell's Kitchen Flea Market in New York City; the Rose Bowl Flea market in Pasadena, California; Renniger's in Mount Dora, Florida; and the Santa Fe Flea Market in New Mexico, to name a few. Fleamarketguide.com provides a substantial state-by-state list of market locations.

Cash and carry

Before you leave home, think about what you might buy. If it's furniture, you'll need to clean out the car trunk or rent a truck. If you plan to buy smaller items, bring a canvas shopping bag filled with plastic bags. And bring cash, preferably smaller bills: 5s, 10s and 20s.

If you're on the hunt for hidden treasures, arrive before the scheduled opening. You'll be among the sharp-eyed dealers and experts who get there early, peruse the stalls and scoop up the good stuff.

Sometimes good bargains are forged at the end of the day when dealers are packing up and can be tempted to lighten their load.

Haggling, negotiating and bargaining are all acceptable approaches to conducting the day's business, but do it gently. It's best to ask a question such as "Is that price firm?" or "Do you think you could come down a bit?"

However, most flea market vendors don't allow returns or exchanges, so shop carefully.

For other tips, newcomers and veterans alike might want to read "Flea Market America: The Complete Guide to Flea Enterprise" by Cree McCree. There's also helpful information in "Warman's Flea Market Price Guide" by Ellen T. Schroy. E-mail to a friend

LifeWire provides original and syndicated lifestyle content to Web publishers. Linda K. Harris is a freelance writer and former lifestyle editor for The Philadelphia Inquirer