7 things flea market vendors will buy from you, even if thrift stores won't

Key Points

• Flea markets often accept items that thrift stores won't because of damage, safety, or storage.
• Vendors usually accept old books, paper goods, wooden shelves, and even damaged furniture.
• Flea markets also usually take old electronics and vintage lamps, which thrift stores won't.

It's never a great feeling when you tote a load of used items to the thrift shop only to find they can't take half of what you've brought. But before you put everything in the donation pile (or the trash), it never hurts to check with your local flea market.

We spoke with a few experts who offered up their suggestions of items you might have at home and are looking to get rid of that flea markets will happily take.

Meet the Experts

• Susan Backer is an auctioneer and seller with 40 years of experience. She runs Backers Ephemera Group.
• Melody Stevens is the lead designer and owner of Design On A Dime Interiors.
• Daniel Ilinykh is a remodeling contractor and founder of Bay Way Flooring.

Lightly Damaged Furniture

Don't stress about furniture with scuffs or damage; flea markets will likely take your wares. Even pieces with missing parts aren't typically a problem.

"Flea market sellers are usually open to pieces that show wear, age, or minor damage because those traits can actually add character and be marketed as vintage or repurposed decor," explains interior design expert Melody Stevens.

Vintage Postcards and Paper

Also known as ephemera, these snapshots from moments in time are often beloved by flea market vendors and the folks who shop at flea markets, though not thrift stores, says expert Susan Backer.

"It's because they do not understand the collectible and historical value," she says. "These items are highly collectible, desirable, and some have great value."

Solid Wood Doors

Renovation expert Daniel Ilinykh notes that solid wood doors are another item people usually send to the dump because they're hard to get rid of. He says to consider the flea market first.

"Thrift stores usually won’t take them because they’re big and hard to store," he explains. "But flea market vendors will buy them. They know someone will turn that door into a table, headboard, or wall piece."

Old Electronics and Vintage Lamps

If you have a pile of old electronics sitting around, you've likely found that your usual donation places won't accept them. That's why flea markets are such handy locations—vendors don't mind an old TV, radio, or lamp.

"Thrift stores often decline these because they must follow stricter safety rules, repair limitations, and resale standards, whereas flea market vendors can clean, repair, or simply sell the item for its patina and story," says Stevens.

Even if it's not in the best condition or doesn't quite work, don't give up just yet.

"If it needs cleaning or rewiring, thrift stores say no, but flea vendors will take it and fix it up," Ilinykh says.

Old Books

Avid readers know that storage for their favorite novels and books comes at a premium. But no one wants to simply dump great reads. Backer notes that many thrift shops will simply dispose of old books, even those with excellent value.

"Paper and books tend to take up a lot of shelf space, paper being somewhat difficult to display in a shop like that," she explains.

Fortunately, flea markets are often more than happy to buy your books and sell them on.

Chipped Pottery and Brass

A chipped vase or planter might not win over sellers at a thrift store, but try your local flea market before you resign it to the trash. This is another category of goods Stevens says they'll often take off your hands, even if the pottery is slightly damaged.

"In many cases, what looks 'too worn' for a donation floor can still be very desirable to buyers who appreciate vintage style, restoration projects, or one-of-a-kind character pieces," she says.

Old Cabinets and Trim

Don't let vintage cabinets, remnants of renovations, and other wood or furniture goods go to waste. Stop by a flea market first to see if they'll take them.

"We’ve had people throw out real wood shelving and trim," says Ilinykh. "Thrift stores won’t deal with construction leftovers. Flea sellers will, because DIY buyers want real wood, not new composite stuff."

Read the original article on The Spruce