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Hitchhiker's Guide to the Flea Market
I miss finding amazing deals at my local flea markets. It wasn't that long ago... that I could count on those purchases to provide at least a couple of posts each month. But things change. No longer am I willing to buy anything and everything. Plus... I'm a lot more meticulous about how I spend my money.
Nevertheless... there were still plenty of regular vendors set up at the De Anza Flea Market with sports memorabilia this past Saturday. And today I'll give you an idea of what you can expect to find at my favorite once a month, middle class, community college flea market.
Vendor #1: The Local
This guy targets the grandmother looking to buy something for her twelve year old grandchild who loves sports, because he/she made the honor roll again. He carries everything from Golden State Warriorslanyards to San Francisco Giantsbobbleheads to San Francisco 49ersteam sets. If you're a fan of a Bay Areasports team, then he probably has at least something for you.
In the past he's had a pretty cool dollar bin, but over the years it's been picked over and I haven't seen anything of interest in awhile. The rest of his inventory is pretty pricey, but he balances that out with one heck of a selection.
Vendor #2: The Used Car Salesman
If you've got time to kill... then this guy is pretty entertaining. If you don't... it's annoying.
Every time I stop by his stand, I feel like I stepped into a used car dealership.
He lures you to his area with some pretty cool stuff like vintage baseball cards, old comic books, and a solid selection of autographed sports memorabilia. And as soon as you walk up, he goes in for the kill with the stereotypical salesperson routine. Question. Up sale. Repeat.
I've actually been interested in a few of his items, but to be honest his personality and prices rub me the wrong way.
Vendor #3: The Figure Guy
If you're looking for McFarlanes or mini helmets, then this is your one stop shop. I'm not sure what the deal was this month, but he typically has a lot bigger selection. He's a nice guy and his prices are definitely competitive.
I've purchased a few items from him in the past like a Rickey Henderson McFarlane and a Crazy George bobblehead and there's a good chance that I'll buy something from him again in the future.
Vendor #4: Mr. Outdated Prices and Son
This father and son partnership has been around for a couple of years now. Back in 2014, I picked up a Troy Tulowitzki autograph from them for $10. Sadly... I've never bought anything from them again.
They have a ton of Hot Wheels, a few Junk Wax Erawax boxes, and a variety of sports singles. Unfortunately their stuff is way overpriced. Interested in that box of 1990 Fleerbaseball? Probably not. But if you were, you'd have to hand over $18. How about that 1985 Topps Roger Clemensrookie card for $15? It would be interesting to find out how much money they earn each month off of sports card sales, because I'd be surprised if they made a single sale.
On a positive note... they offer great customer service. They're sort of like the Nordstrom of sports card dealers.
Vendor #5: The Supply Guy
Back in February... I wrote a post about the passing of a guy I called Flea Market Joe. If you ever shopped at De Anza or the Branham Flea Market and purchased card supplies, then it was probably from him.
Well his good buddyPete has inherited the business. In addition to supplies, he also sells a variety of sports memorabilia and collectibles ranging from Wizard of Ozdolls to Legosets.
His prices are hit or miss. He's the guy who sold me two1989 Donruss Baseball's Bestfactory sets for $5 back in January... which is a pretty fair price. But he's also the same guy who tried to sell me a Kurt Suzukiautographed bobblehead for $50.
Vendor #6: The Toy Guy
Honestly... there are probably ten to twelve toy vendors who set up each month at De Anza. I chose this guy, because I have actually purchased from him a few times over the years.
The first time I met him, he sold me ten The Road Warrior figures for $20. Since then, I have purchased a bunch of Star Wars, McFarlanes, and SLU's from this guy. The photo above captured one of the few times his booth isn't swamped with kids and parents digging through his stuff.
Although I haven't bought anything from him lately... I'm sure it's only a matter of time before I make my next purchase.
Vendor #7: Dime Box Dude
Meet Tony. Tony is one chill dude. If you're ever at De Anza, make sure to stop by and dig though his cheap bins.
Technically he doesn't advertise any dime boxes, but he has several quarter bins and if you spend enough... he'll lower his price down to a dime a piece. I have spent a lot of money at his booth. He's the guy who sells me his highly discounted blaster box leftovers.
I can't remember his buddy's name, but he's cool too and has a vast knowledge of non-sports issues. My normal routine is to walk around the whole flea market and end up at their booth, where I'll kick back and hang with them until it's time for me to head out.
Vendor #8: The Artist
This isn't really sports related, but I know some of you appreciate art. LastSaturday, I met a retired gentleman named Jorge who enjoys drawing in his spare time. We hit it off and he shared a few stories from his childhood in Argentina.
I was surprised at how affordable his drawings were. He was only charging $10 for any of the drawings on the ground. Not bad for a one of a kind piece of artwork.
Well that's all for now. On Thursday, I'll share the handful of flea market finds I acquired over the past few trips to the flea market. Until then...
Happy Tuesday and sayonara!
More...
Nevertheless... there were still plenty of regular vendors set up at the De Anza Flea Market with sports memorabilia this past Saturday. And today I'll give you an idea of what you can expect to find at my favorite once a month, middle class, community college flea market.
Vendor #1: The Local
This guy targets the grandmother looking to buy something for her twelve year old grandchild who loves sports, because he/she made the honor roll again. He carries everything from Golden State Warriorslanyards to San Francisco Giantsbobbleheads to San Francisco 49ersteam sets. If you're a fan of a Bay Areasports team, then he probably has at least something for you.
In the past he's had a pretty cool dollar bin, but over the years it's been picked over and I haven't seen anything of interest in awhile. The rest of his inventory is pretty pricey, but he balances that out with one heck of a selection.
Vendor #2: The Used Car Salesman
If you've got time to kill... then this guy is pretty entertaining. If you don't... it's annoying.
Every time I stop by his stand, I feel like I stepped into a used car dealership.
He lures you to his area with some pretty cool stuff like vintage baseball cards, old comic books, and a solid selection of autographed sports memorabilia. And as soon as you walk up, he goes in for the kill with the stereotypical salesperson routine. Question. Up sale. Repeat.
I've actually been interested in a few of his items, but to be honest his personality and prices rub me the wrong way.
Vendor #3: The Figure Guy
If you're looking for McFarlanes or mini helmets, then this is your one stop shop. I'm not sure what the deal was this month, but he typically has a lot bigger selection. He's a nice guy and his prices are definitely competitive.
I've purchased a few items from him in the past like a Rickey Henderson McFarlane and a Crazy George bobblehead and there's a good chance that I'll buy something from him again in the future.
Vendor #4: Mr. Outdated Prices and Son
This father and son partnership has been around for a couple of years now. Back in 2014, I picked up a Troy Tulowitzki autograph from them for $10. Sadly... I've never bought anything from them again.
They have a ton of Hot Wheels, a few Junk Wax Erawax boxes, and a variety of sports singles. Unfortunately their stuff is way overpriced. Interested in that box of 1990 Fleerbaseball? Probably not. But if you were, you'd have to hand over $18. How about that 1985 Topps Roger Clemensrookie card for $15? It would be interesting to find out how much money they earn each month off of sports card sales, because I'd be surprised if they made a single sale.
On a positive note... they offer great customer service. They're sort of like the Nordstrom of sports card dealers.
Back in February... I wrote a post about the passing of a guy I called Flea Market Joe. If you ever shopped at De Anza or the Branham Flea Market and purchased card supplies, then it was probably from him.
Well his good buddyPete has inherited the business. In addition to supplies, he also sells a variety of sports memorabilia and collectibles ranging from Wizard of Ozdolls to Legosets.
His prices are hit or miss. He's the guy who sold me two1989 Donruss Baseball's Bestfactory sets for $5 back in January... which is a pretty fair price. But he's also the same guy who tried to sell me a Kurt Suzukiautographed bobblehead for $50.
Vendor #6: The Toy Guy
Honestly... there are probably ten to twelve toy vendors who set up each month at De Anza. I chose this guy, because I have actually purchased from him a few times over the years.
The first time I met him, he sold me ten The Road Warrior figures for $20. Since then, I have purchased a bunch of Star Wars, McFarlanes, and SLU's from this guy. The photo above captured one of the few times his booth isn't swamped with kids and parents digging through his stuff.
Although I haven't bought anything from him lately... I'm sure it's only a matter of time before I make my next purchase.
Vendor #7: Dime Box Dude
Meet Tony. Tony is one chill dude. If you're ever at De Anza, make sure to stop by and dig though his cheap bins.
Technically he doesn't advertise any dime boxes, but he has several quarter bins and if you spend enough... he'll lower his price down to a dime a piece. I have spent a lot of money at his booth. He's the guy who sells me his highly discounted blaster box leftovers.
I can't remember his buddy's name, but he's cool too and has a vast knowledge of non-sports issues. My normal routine is to walk around the whole flea market and end up at their booth, where I'll kick back and hang with them until it's time for me to head out.
Vendor #8: The Artist
This isn't really sports related, but I know some of you appreciate art. LastSaturday, I met a retired gentleman named Jorge who enjoys drawing in his spare time. We hit it off and he shared a few stories from his childhood in Argentina.
I was surprised at how affordable his drawings were. He was only charging $10 for any of the drawings on the ground. Not bad for a one of a kind piece of artwork.
Well that's all for now. On Thursday, I'll share the handful of flea market finds I acquired over the past few trips to the flea market. Until then...
Happy Tuesday and sayonara!
More...
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