Captain Clareways

Captain's Blog - Star Date 24/5/13

Week Three - Deal or No Deal

If you've been reading these posts you'll be up to date with my affection for collection of all things vintage, secondhand, recycled or whatever you want to call them.

Last time we talked about what you can find for free, this week I'm going to talk about how one mans rubbish can be another mans treasure.

Now if you've been to a car boot in this country you'll have noticed the large amount of early birds trying to clamber into the boot of your car or generally rummaging through unpacked boxes before you have a chance to exhale. These are mostly dealers, people who scavenge for a living, searching for gold and silver, antiques and collectables.

My advice if you are selling at a car boot is keep your prices high early morning because these guys know what something is worth and will try and knock you down big time. So start high and then drop to the real price that you want to sell at.

I've seen dealers pick up solid silver teapots, antique boxes and vintage toys for less than a fiver. They would end up re-selling in their hundreds. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a Del Boy dealer then figure out what specifically you are interested, buy some books on the subject (you can't beat books when it comes to antiques) and research, research, research!

You'll be amazed at what the everyday folk leave behind.

xx The Captain

Next week - Vide Greniers and French Markets