How do you know if youre buying something at a fair price?
Whats a great find versus a total scam?
And where can you find all the best markets to shop ‘til you drop?
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Luckily, finding aunique, one-of-a-kind itemthat perfectly enhances your space makes it all worth the effort.
So, to answer these questions and more, we turned to the experts.
But Jerad Gardemal ofJF Gardemal Designsassures us summer really is the ideal timeand not just because of the weather.
Olive Ateliers
Therefore, summer tends to be a great time to peruse those treasures.
Gardemal agrees with both of Sotelos points and suggests preparing ahead of your day.
This can include making a list of things youd love to find and saving ideas on a Pinterest board.
Olive Ateliers
Then, do a quick search to assess the price, quality, and availability.
Don’t be afraid to ask the vendor about the product, Sotelo says.
Many vendors love what they source and are so knowledgeable in product history and quality.
Olive Ateliers
Others will shut you down immediately, and the issue is knowing the difference.
According to Sotelo, the main key is to always be respectful and flexible.
Gardemal agrees, noting that this is another reason cash is important to have on hand.
Olive Ateliers
you could sometimes negotiate a lesser price when you offer to pay cash, he says.
you might still come prepared.
Could this live in an alternate part of your space?
Could you resell this in the future?
These include throw pillows and bed linens.
This does, however, exclude other types of linens.
I love a beautiful white linen tablecloth and napkins in pristine condition, he says.
While its a totally normal thing to stress over, it shouldnt be a deterrent!
Instead, Sotelo suggests doing a gut check.
f you absolutely cant live without it, thats how you know, she says.
But just because youre having second thoughts doesnt mean you should pass, either.
Instead, go for a walk and come back.
If its not there, its not meant to be," Sotelo says.
“Theres not one thing we didnt buy that were still thinking about.
