Sunday, September 26, 2010

I broke my own rule, but it was worth it

Years ago, I promised myself I would NEVER wait to get into estate sales. The people in line are dealers and/or crazies. It's competitive and stressful and takes all the fun out of junking for me. And besides, no one else wants the stuff I like, so it's usually safe to go in an hour or two after opening. Last Friday, however, I made an exception. This sale was the only one in my general vicinity and when I arrived, the line was pretty short and my cup of cafe au lait was full, so I jumped in.

There was the house, the garage,

and the RV barn in back.

I got a couple of big things that I took directly to the shop...

The moss covered concrete frog, (If you kiss him, he turns into a prince. Believe me, I tried it.)

and a large, vintage aluminium vent, which sold in less than 24 hours. The small stuff is still waiting to get unwrapped. Next post, I promise.

8 comments:

Sue (Vintage Rescue) said...

Um, you have rules? And, um, you're a dealer.

However, I'm with ya; the stuff we want doesn't go in the first hour.....

JustJoan said...

I want to hear more about the prince!

Rose H (UK) said...

Wow! Living in the UK I never see 'estate sales' as most clearances are sent to the auction house, unless it's a stately home (WAY too high prices). Glad you broke your rules...love the mossy frog, hope the prince is handsome ;o) Looking forward to the rest of the haul :o)

Lisa Johnson said...

I totally agree with you about the whole dealer/crazy people at estate sales. Can't wait to see the littles.

XO,

Lisa

★Carol★ said...

I always swear I won't wait in line either. Because you're so right about the crazies. Let's not forget the bad hygiene too. There haven't been any good estate sales to go to this summer. But you can find me waiting in line at one this fall, I'm sure!

Holly said...

I work for an estate sale company, and it's always a little awkward walking into a house half an hour before opening on the first day. I can feel the people glaring at me as I walk past them. But it kinda makes me feel like a rock star too, so I don't really mind it. ;-)

Krista @ The Heirloom Boutique said...

Oh I must live in the same city as you because I recognize this sale. I hit it Friday after lunch, things are too insane in the morning for me. I a few great items. I found another great sale down the road. The house had seen better days and nothing was marked with prices but I found some incredible vintage holiday items and purses for $7.00. It made my day!

Wanda @ Just Vintage said...

I think it's interesting that you don't like to be there with the crazed, there-when-the-door-opens estate sale shoppers. I don't either. It really gets on my nerves trying to maneuver around all those people -- who can be downright rude -- but I'm always there. For at least one a weekend. (When they all start at the same time I pick one to stand in line at.) Then I always head the opposite direction from the crowd. But I agree, the things I/we like hang around until I/we get there. Then again, through the years, I've seen boo-koodles of things walking out the door that made me wish I'd been there just a little earlier.