Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Visit local pawn shops in your area that sell collectible household goods. Pawn shops are an excellent place to buy collectibles, as they often pay much less than an item is worth to the original owner. In many cases, this savings is passed on to the final buyer, and in other cases, the pawn shop is simply unaware of the value an item has to a true collector. If you don't know pawnshops in your area that sell collectible household goods, you may want to call a few before wasting time visiting them in person.
Contact local antique dealers and let them know what items you are looking for. While you may not find any special bargains through an antique dealer, it may be your only alternative if you are looking for a rare item to complete a set of antique dishes. Almost all antique dealers will be happy to note special requests, as it is a part of their regular business. Make sure your contact information is up to date when giving it to antique shops, and check in with them from time to time just to make sure they remember you.
Visit local thrift stores and second-hand stores regularly. It may take you numerous visits to find antique dishes worthy of collecting, but when you do, you can expect to be rewarded with extremely low price tags. Consider talking to the manager of the store and asking them to contact you if they ever get any antique dishes in.
Check local newspapers for estate sales in your area. Estate sales can be a wonderful place to buy full sets of antique dishes for between 50 and 75 percent of what you might pay through an antique dealer. While you won't find bargain-basement prices like at a thrift store or pawn shop, your chances of finding items worthy of collecting are much more likely. Try to make a list of a few estate sales in the same area before heading out, and make sure you get there as early as possible so you can look at all the goods. Things go fast at most estate sales.