Flea Markets And Garage Sales...

I have noticed many members post nice things that they found at flea markets, garage sales, etc. My only question is how do you find out in the modern age where and when such events are going to happen?


-IBFS

The local paper's website, craigslist, or the good old fashioned driving around looking for signs :)

Garage sales, Estate sales etc. should be listed in the classified section of your newspaper. Weekend events are usually in the paper on Wed. or Thurs. editions. Flea markets advertise in antique trade publications and sometimes in local newspapers.

Local paper should have a section for garage sale listings. If you go to garage sales be sure to ASK the folks if they have any stamps or postal related items. Especially old letters. Many people have old shoe boxes full of stuff that was given to them and they don't give em much thought. Or if the weather is bad they might not bring out paper items. Ask, it only takes a second and might lead to something nice.

Most estate sale company's advertise on the web. Do a web search for estate sales in your area.

In this area it helps if you have Thursday and Friday mornings available for both garage and estate sales.

...I don't subscribe to the newspaper.

But I did poke around on Craigslist for an experiment. It looks like some of the locations could be a bit far. A good excuse to get in some early morning rides on my Harley.

Do you go to these places and hope for the best, or is it "appropriate" to contact them and ask if they have any stamp related items there before you go so you at least know you'll have something there to look at?


-IBFS

I have not had much luck with garage sales, but stampcrow is right about asking. My wife once answered sacrcasticly when someone at a garage sale asked me what I was looking for "He's just looking for stamps and old crap like that" They went inside and brought out a box of letters from the 20's and 30's. There was nothing special in the box but I had to buy it #1 because the seller made the effort. #2 the price was right. #3 to turn my wifes negative attitude to something positive.
Estate sales can be better, but I have found many of the companies that do estate sales either have someone that will give them a fair price for stamps or they price stamps way too high. If it is a true estate sale by a company instead of a glorified garage sale it is best to call first. They know what they have. You have to get to estate sales early and get your number if it is being done in a home. They only let so many people in at a time. I have had a couple scores at estate sales. I have one company that now emails me when they have stamps or collections.
Check auction houses if you have them. The best ones I have found are the ones that specialize in antiques. They will often be poorly attended by stamp collectors and sometimes have some nice stuff. Suprisingly the general auctions that I have been to have had stamps go really high. It's kind of like when they do the goodwill auctions, poor stamps go for big money. I have gone to several goodwill auctions and I always leave shaking my head.
As for flea markets, you really need to talk to the people selling. I have found many flea market dealers will seek out anything they think they can make a buck on.If they don't have it today and they know you will be back they may have it another day.
My best advise is by all means take the bike garage saling. I have a two helmet trunk and sidebags. You would be suprised how many stamps will fit on my bike. If you find nothing, you still had a nice morning ride.

For estate sales, I just show up. If I'm just going to look for postal items I'll ride my V-Star 1100 otherwise I'll drive my truck.
You never know what you'll find at an estate sale. I've also had to return to the house and get my truck. Garage sales are somewhat less likely to have what your looking for, though treasures can still be found. Calling ahead for either is usually not productive as the phone won't be answered by the right person, they are out either getting ready for the sale or selling. Get there early before the items are picked over.

Art