I love auctions, flea markets and little Mom and Pop stores

Several of the vendors from the old (now closed) Hubbard Ohio Flea Market & Antique Mall have set up a store with gifts and collectibles... at flea market prices and it is located up the road a mile closer to town at 6177 Youngstown-Hubbard Road - next to Dotty's Beauty Shop and UnderDog Records - near Bell Wick.
You can find estate jewelry, antiques, videos, books, handmade jewelry, gifts, silk floral arrangements, everyday items, Vintage Jewelry, Italian Charms, handmade items, greeting cards, glassware, vintage dolls, linens, kitchen items, lawn items, building tools, car tools, vintage items, home decor, baskets, radios, computers, collectibles, pet supplies, all natural products, hand sewn items, and a whole bunch of everything new and used.

The same is likely true for your local flea market and small shops...

#1.) Get there early to be able to inspect the items.

#2.) Ask about the procedures:

* For most, there is a no return policy

* Some will take a check or very rarely a credit card card as they would much rather have cash, find out before you buy anything !

* Stop in at the desk to register and get a bid number - you will need your driver's license.
Some auctions like ours in Hubbard, Ohio will have you keep the same number once you register to make it easier for everyone.
But even when you become a regular you will need to let them know you are there that week by registering, but you likely will not have to show your license over and over once they get to know you.

* Find out beforehand when any big items you might buy will have to be taken home - Usually it is right after the auction, but sometimes they may let you make arrangements to come back at another time.

* Is there a "Buyer's Premium" that is charged and how much ?
Most auction charge a 10% (or more) Buyer's Premium to help cover employee costs and other expenses. They subtotal your bill and add another 10% onto it. This extra fee is then added to your bill. So, if you bought $100.00 worth of items, It would now cost you $110.00 + your sales tax.

* If you not in your own city, find out what the sales tax percentage is where you are so that you can make sure to add it in to your total bill.

#3.) Sit quietly and pay attention so that you what is up for bid. You would be amazed at how many folks end up buying things that they didn't mean to because they bid on the wrong item.

#4.) If you bring kids, please have them sit quiety because the other bidders want to hear what is up for bid and the auction staff needs to be able to keep accurate records to make sure the correct amounts are written on the correct items... .

#5.) Take along a few comfort items according to the season such as a jacket, a box to put your feet in to keep them off of a cold cement floor and a lap blanket to keep your legs warm in the Winter. In the Summer, you may want to take along one of those little battery powered fans that you can carry in your purse or wear on a cord around your neck.

#6.) While you are bidding be aware of any buyer's premium that might be added to your bill and don't forget to be sure that you have enough money to cover the sales tax too.

#7.) Take along a big handful of newspapers to wrap any breakables and a few of your own boxes to put your items in.

Want a step-by-step how-to ?
Here you go :
http://www.ehow.com/how_5083216_auction-hero.html

#1.) Remember, you are buying items "as is" so look it over before you buy it. This is not the Mall where you can return it if you change you mind or it is broken... .

#2.) Be respectful to the vendors because for most of them this is their only income. They will learn to appreciate you and may even offer you a special deal from time to time if you are nice.

#3.) If you think the price if too high, it is fine to ask if they can do a little better for you. If not or if they do but you still don't like the price - just say no thank you and move on to something else because the little "car salesman" tricks that people try simply do not work. Many times they cannot lower prices these days because they have to pay their booth rent which has gone sky high these last few years (heating and electric bills...)

#4.) Let the vendors know what you are looking for and they might have it put away or they might have one at home... that they could bring in for you.
Again, be respectful here too as if you ask for something and make arrangements to come back - make sure you do.

#5.) Let's face it, some people are just plain mean and the same holds true for some vendors. Just forget about them and go on to the next booth. Don't let that grumpy gus ruin your shopping adventure.

#6.) If you take kids or anyone with you that has a little trouble controling themselves, pay extra attention to them so that do not grab things or break them because you will have to pay for anything they ruin.

#7.) Again, this isn't the mall so be prepared by taking along a few bags of your own and some paper to wrap anything that could break.
Most vendors will have these things, but sometimes they run out if they have had a busy day.

#8.) Please take small bills when you go. A flea market is usually out in the middle of nowhere and vendors are usually working the day alone so they cannot run out and get more ones and fives when they need them.
There is nothing more aggravating than having the first 5 people buy $2.00 worth of stuff and pay with a twenty and take all of your change !

The Hubbard Ohio Gift Shop offers layaway !
- Stop in and ask for the details.

Diana's - Hubbard Ohio Gift Shop
6177 Youngstown-Hubbard Road in Hubbard, Ohio.

Need a gift for your prom, wedding, or for any reason ?
See Goldie to find that perfect piece of jewelry or other gift.
See Diana for a one-of-a-kind hand-sewn gift.
See Diana or Goldie to have a gift basket made for you.

For anyone nearby to Hubbard, Ohio - here is the information:

Diana's - Hubbard Ohio Gift Shop
6177 Youngstown-Hubbard Road
Hubbard, Ohio 44425

noon to 5:00pm
on Wednesdays and Sundays

10am to 5pm
Thursday through Saturday

(closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

August 2009 - I went to a friend's auction house and he was auctioning off an estate of a lady who loved to sew.

Oh my, I was in vintage fabric glory !

I came home (after I paid for my winning bids of course) with 6-7 plastic tote containers FULL of fabric plus 2 full bolts of old fabric that were not in a tote.
I have not gone through all of it yet.
These totes are at least 2x2x3 feet large.
There are 1,000's of yards of vintage fabric in these totes !
There is a ton of cotton, some denim, some polyester, some velvet, some satin, and about a yard of fleece with Scooby Doo on it from which I am making an eye mask and neck pillow set for my youngest daughter who likes Scooby Doo.
Shhhhhhhhhhh, don't tell her - it is a surprise ;)

All of this vintage fabric is in great shape too as most of it was protected in a plastic tote container which had a tight fitting lid to keep out clothes moths and dust... .

Oh my !
I am sewing as fast as I can
;)

Great Stuff at Gypsy Queen Media at eCRATER !
Lots of books and tapes... from this great seller

Gypsy Queen Media

Has a ton of books and other things at great prices.
I get books from her all of the time because she is so nice to deal with and has a huge selection of over 5,000 books + other items.

She just moved her store to eCRATER and will be listing a bunch every week so keep checking to see what she has.
Here are just a few:
Rugrats - Return Of Reptar [VHS]

There Goes a Train (W/Toy) [VHS]

Beethoven Lives Upstairs [VHS]

Love & A 45 (Theatrical Art) (Sp) [VHS]

A Holiday for Murder
by: Agatha Christie