Antiquing & Thrifting Starter Checklist

1. Gather your supplies

• A sharp eye and a little patience for the hunt
• Comfortable shoes and a tote bag or small rolling cart
• A smartphone for looking up marks and recent sale prices
• A small budget to start, plus cash for haggling

2. Your first project

3. Your first month, step by step

• Week 1: Visit one thrift store or antique mall near you. Just walk the aisles, get a feel for prices, and buy one small thing you love for under $10.
• Week 2: Pick a category that interests you, like glassware, jewelry, or tools. Learn to spot one maker's mark and look up what those pieces sell for online.
• Week 3: Try an estate sale or flea market. Bring cash, go early for the best pieces or late for the best deals, and practice politely asking for a better price.
• Week 4: List one find for sale on eBay, Etsy, or Facebook Marketplace to learn how reselling works, or simply enjoy your favorite find at home.

4. Mistakes to avoid

• Over-cleaning or refinishing a piece, which often destroys its value; research before you touch it, because the original patina is what collectors pay for.
• Buying with your heart instead of checking recent sold prices first, so you overpay for things that are not actually rare.
• Skipping the condition check; always look for chips, cracks, repairs, and missing parts in good light before you buy.
• Being afraid to ask for a better price; polite haggling is expected at most flea markets and estate sales.
• Ignoring maker's marks and hallmarks on the bottom or back, which are the fastest clue to what something is and what it is worth.
• Falling for reproductions; learn the simple tells, like too-perfect dovetails, Phillips screws, and artificial wear, before paying antique prices.