Networking to find vintage treasures…
Years ago, before email, before Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest… before the modern era of hyper connectivity – the common form of “social networking” was personal, face to face, and typically started out with a good old handshake!
In today’s modern age, vintage style social networking is still a viable way to find vintage treasures!
Flea Market Vendors
You know that vendor at the flea market who brings the coolest treasures week after week? He’s the guy you want to start with. Say “Hello!”, introduce yourself, shake his hand, and tell him that you really like his style. Compliment him on the things he has in his booth that you find interesting, and start a conversation. If he’s open to talking, ask him if he has other sources for more items like the ones he brings to the flea market. Perhaps he has friends in the salvage business, or maybe he attends other flea markets in the area and could introduce you to a new shopping venue.
Delivery People
I like to network with my mail carrier, UPS delivery guy, and even the FedEx drivers. In our rural area, THEY are the people who know where the yard sales are! They usually know the local residents really well, and they know ahead of time when an estate sale or estate auction is going to be held. They are also a great resource for telling you about “FREE” piles of stuff at the end of people’s driveways. Talk to your delivery people – ask them questions. When they know you are interested in finding antique, vintage, rustic, or industrial pieces of the past, I’m certain they can point you in the right direction.
Town Council
Get in touch with your town or city council – they are great networking resources! They can tell you when an old building is going to be torn down, or if an old school is closing – places that might be having clear-out sales of their surplus – old school desks, file cabinets, chalkboards, etc.
Remodelers
Get to know local remodelers. Ask if they salvage any of the fixtures, doors, windows, knobs, and other architectural pieces when they refurbish old homes. If they don’t, perhaps they know of others who do! A personal referral – dropping someone’s name to a crucial contact – is still the most powerful way to secure preferential treatment.
Neighbors
And of course, talk to your neighbors. When they know you are looking for vintage treasures, they may be able to refer you to their friends or family members who are looking to sell their collectibles, furniture, and more.
In the world of vintage buying and selling, having a name with a face (and handshake) attached to it, is still a great way to get on the top of the list – for first shot at the best deals!
What are your vintage social networking tips? Share in a comment below!
[shopify embed_type=”product” shop=”thirdshift.myshopify.com” product_handle=”vintage-metal-number-3-4-gas-station-sign-10-double-sided-c-1950s” show=”all”]
[shopify embed_type=”product” shop=”thirdshift.myshopify.com” product_handle=”vintage-aluminum-glove-mold-silver-metal-hand-13-inches-tall-c-1970s-n5″ show=”all”]
[shopify embed_type=”product” shop=”thirdshift.myshopify.com” product_handle=”vintage-industrial-cast-iron-lab-stand-with-clamps-and-3-erlenmeyer-flasks-c-1950s” show=”all”]
Connect with other vintage vendors, especially those who sell what you don’t like to sell. Everyone has their own style and preferences for what they like to deal in. Tip them off when you come across a good deal in their specialty and they will most likely return the favor by tipping you off when they come across a good deal in your style. My neighbor loves to garage sale and go to auctions; if it is cheap enough he just picks it up for me and I reimburse him. If more expensive or not sure it is what I would want, he often gives me a quick phone call to alert me where the garage sale is.
Your delivery people tip is a really good one!
Excellent tips, Muriel! I need to find a neighbor like yours! Networking with other vintage shops is a perfect way to help each other. Thank you for sharing your tips!