Of course the main thrust of collecting is that you collect. How anal you are about it is your business. But before I talk ' Antique Road Show' and detail the things that we lust over I would like to address a subject not often discussed. Mental vendors. Since there is no vendor school or certification process or code of ethics, anyone can be a vendor. It became clear to me early on in my flea market days that some vendors are business people, some are cleaning out the attic and some are escapees from Ward 7.

Business people are the same all over the world. They have no emotional attachment to what they sell whether it be coffee beans or The Star of India. They work by a formula. Sometimes referred to as a profit margin. It typically works like this, 200% mark up on an item than 30% overhead and a 10% add on because they are so damn hansome. So the $40 handbag that you admire is actually worth about $6. But. These folks negotiate. If you suggest that you would buy it for $35, he will wrench his face, mumble something about giving it away and strike the deal. $37.50. Now that's not so bad is it? You feel like you worked a deal, he only took a small loss in profit and both of you can go your merry way.

Next vendor archetype is the one time seller that has an estate to settle . Grammy croaked and now they are selling off all the crap that they didn't want. These folks want to make some money and dispose of the goods at the same time. Generally the biggest problem here is that they don't have a clue as to what to charge for an item. If I spot a cobalt blue ashtray with ' Greetings from Utica NY' stamped on the bottom, I'm thinking $5. I will ask for a price. This can be dicey since there is usually no clear cut identity as to who the seller is. A true mark of the amateur. If I get the husband he will tell me he needs to consult his wife. If I get the wife first she will tell me that she needs to consult with her husband. Once together the magic price of $1 is proffered. OK, I'll take it. Now the wife will wrap it up in 5 layers of bags. By the end of the day if I drive by I will spot the "FREE"sign on the remaining stuff. Usually tarnished diner type silverware, chipped dishes and clothing with blood stains on them. You just know that when they die their grandchildren will sell off their old bongs and coke spoons for $1. The cycle of life.

The last and most dangerous of all vendor types are the 'keepers'. These folks overestimate the worth of their precious junk. They are emotionally attached to their wares. I may ask one ,how much for the metal bucket. The metal bucket! That metal bucket? they say. That so called metal bucket is an oil pan for the first Model A Ford, there are only six known specimens to exist! Oh I say, I was going to use it as a planter. Now the 'keeper' is offended and informs me that the item is not for sale. I am not sure how someone can buy an item from a 'keeper'. I imagine that you would have to gain their trust for a long period of time. Attending their relatives funerals is always a sign of your sincere reverence to them. But why bother? Just do what the next guy after me did. He strolled up to the keeper and exclaimed WOW, an oil pan from a Model A Ford, I've got ten would you like to buy some more? It's psych-ops baby and it ain't pretty but if you want to buy from a keeper you have be a bullshitter. And I just know that out there in Kitch Land there is a whole lot of bullshitting. Happy hunting and remember, never refinish...that's patina.