BY AARDE WRITES for WEEKLY VOLCANO 5/22/26 |
Hey Aarde,
A lot of my friends love to go to garage sales and flea markets, which is cool and all, but I don’t really get it. I don’t really want other people’s crap, and I never know what to look for or how much to pay. The idea of haggling over the price is super cringe. ’Tis the season, and I’d love to be a part of it, but honestly, I don’t know if I’m cut out for it.
Signed, Reluctant Collector
Hey Reluctant Collector,
There are a few things to tackle here, so let’s break them down in the order you presented them. First, it might be safe to assume that you enjoy being with your friends in general, having a good time together, but this specific activity doesn’t align with your lived experience so far. It must be said: it’s perfectly okay not to enjoy certain activities, but I sense you’d like to understand the excitement a little better, perhaps so you can participate without feeling left out? Otherwise, you could easily decline the invitation and pick up with said friend(s) later for coffee, a walk through Point Defiance, or some other equally enjoyed activity, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But with a little time, most people will admit that the excitement in treasure hunting is undeniable, although it can be less fun if you don’t know what the prize is, especially when it all looks rusty, wrinkled, or used at first glance. Now, sometimes it isn’t about the prize at all, but about the hunt, the activity of learning what sparks joy not only in yourself, but also in your friends. You can learn a lot about them from what they endow with sentimental or utilitarian value.
Have you ever heard the saying, “They don’t make ’em like they used to”? This sentiment floats through the air at flea markets and yard sales because older things were made to last longer; convenience wasn’t readily available in every household. People had to wait a long time to replace certain household items and held them in high regard, fixing them when they broke and focusing on quality craftsmanship. Therefore, you can find some cool things that still work, well, in fact, probably better than the newer, newfangled item you might have in its place. Keep in mind, some of these items could really come in handy in a postapocalyptic scenario, if that sparks something in ya! A more common response comes when certain items stir a flash of memory, a reminder of someone loved and lost. You can see this when items are held gently to the finder’s chest, the hum of familiarity pulsing through. Everything is made of atoms that vibrate and interact through friction, making it a solid. Consider that there is energy in everything, even in a chair.
You see, the act of assigning value has been going on since the beginning, centuries of placing worth on everything from food and property to ideas, and even to each other. There is a bittersweetness to this activity, a sense of sadness to things forgotten, or kept in boxes, pushed to the attic, hidden away, until now, dragged out onto the lawn for the neighbors to pick through. And this is where the act of setting it free occurs; the lost brass candlestick will now live a new life with a warm flame, overlooking a family of new faces and fresh flowers. It can be quite romantic and soothing. And you’re right, some of it is crap; Tupperware, soiled linens, and damp books can all be snubbed. That’s the fun of it, finding something that sparks joy in you among the garbage.
My opinion is that haggling isn’t always appropriate. I’ve learned on my travels that in some cultures, it’s considered bad taste to haggle, especially when it is already extremely inexpensive for your pocket, and even more so in a second- or third-world country. Consider the time of day you are there and how long the sale has been going on. That can be a quick vibe check on how much the seller is willing to negotiate. Think about it, they are trying to make money in a short period of time. The price they put on it is what they’d like to get, but as the day goes long and the item lurks around, they are more likely to lower the price. If it’s a multiday event, the final day will always have the best prices and the most haggling, especially if the item is heavy. They don’t want to haul that back to their garage or store. Save your practice negotiations for the end of a sale to gain your skills.
One pro tip is to have a list of items you need around your house: a new laundry basket, a lamp, framed art, napkins, and the perfect bowl to put at your front door for your keys and sunglasses. Whatever you can think of, make a short list and try to stick to it. This action gives you purpose while allowing you to peruse the wares and enjoy time with your friends. Another pro tip is to shop for future gift-giving: keep an eye on what your friends love and put it down, meaning don’t buy it, for their upcoming birthday or graduation present. Pick a few family members you need to get Christmas presents for, and try to find just the right thing for each of them. And know that it’s perfectly fine to walk away with empty hands. You don’t have to buy anything. The goal is to just be present with the people that you enjoy; if you find a treasure, that’s a bonus.
Tacoma is a great place for these types of activities, and you’re right, ’tis the season for hunting! You can even surprise your friends by planning your next adventure and going into it with a fresh attitude! The Tacoma Flea is a monthly curated vintage market at Point Ruston, or try Tacoma Sunday Market every first Sunday from March until November on Broadway between Ninth and 11th streets. It’s not always about spending money or finding treasure; sometimes it’s about community and spending time together!
