Flea markets/ Thrift stores and our obsession: Keep your eyes out for the lurker

Flea markets/ Thrift stores and our obsession: Keep your eyes out for the lurker: "I often shop in many thrift stores in our area and usually see familiar faces. I suppose we are there for the same common interest, treas..."

Flea markets/ Thrift stores and our obsession: What is the difference between flea-market and thr...

Flea markets/ Thrift stores and our obsession: What is the difference between flea-market and thr...: " The term 'flea market' actually involves many different types of people and organizations, such as volunteers, churches, schools and busine..."

Flea markets/ Thrift stores and our obsession: why the obsession?

Flea markets/ Thrift stores and our obsession: why the obsession?: " The second hand obsession and why? I suppose it is the mystery and the suspense that becomes our obsession. The enjoyment of searching f..."

Flea markets/ Thrift stores and our obsession: Keep your eyes out for the lurker

Flea markets/ Thrift stores and our obsession: Keep your eyes out for the lurker: "I often shop in many thrift stores in our area and usually see familiar faces. I suppose we are there for the same common interest, treas..."

Keep your eyes out for the lurker

I often shop in many thrift stores in our area and usually see familiar faces.  I suppose we are there for the same common interest, treasure hunting.  If you are a regular at second-hand shopping you will be familiar with my experience.

The other day I was browsing and holding a picture and inspecting it when I noticed the lurker near by.  My mind starts racing, does this person want this? and why? what's it worth?  and if I put this down then my chance is over, they will get it.   The pressure starts to kick in and I have to make the choice but am are still unsure. 

My way to  handle  a situation like this is to make sure that I am not in that situation.  Have a shopping cart with you at all times and anything that catches your eye, simply toss it in the cart.  After you have shopped then weed out the good from the bad, usually by this time the lurker has given up and you have been a smart shopper.

why the obsession?

  The second hand obsession and why?  I suppose it is the mystery and the suspense that becomes our obsession.  The enjoyment of searching for a missing piece in your collection and then stumbling upon "the gold."  Maybe, to some it is the unanswered questions like the value? what is it? then one spends hours researching and still no answers.
  The treasures that you find and being able to purchase with low cost is a good excuse for having this addiction, at least that's my reasoning.  It also gives one a chance to make some extra spending money with low investment by purchasing specific items and marking up the price to make a small profit.

What is the difference between flea-market and thrift store?

 The term "flea market" actually involves many different types of people and organizations, such as volunteers, churches, schools and businesses.  It is a time when people clean their "junk" out of their attics and sell to one another.  A flea market sale may be held at a church, parking lot or rental booths occurring once a month or on Saturday's and usually attract buyers who have the eye for another man's junk.
  A "thrift store" is a business with used merchandise and operates during business hours.  Most thrift shops are a non-profit business and donations from the community are the main means for their merchandise.
Thrift store's are designed to support specific needs of their organization, such as Blue Cross, group homes, churches and schools.  In comparison with a flea-market it attracts the same customers who have the eye for another man's junk.