Five Things To Do Before Heading to Scott’s Antique Market
I’ve let you know why to go to Scott’s Antique Market (read here) and I’ve laid out my favorite way to navigate Scott’s once you get there (read here), but there are a few things you should do before you arrive.
Think through specific items you want to look for. I find it extremely helpful to have a want list in my mind before I ever get to Scott’s. For me it is often specific pieces of architectural salvage like windows or doors for a property we are building or rehabbing. Sometimes I know I need a dresser for a particular spot or a chair (shocker for those who know me). Have measurements ready and bring a measuring tape to make sure things will fit. Sometimes it’s less specific. I may be looking for a gift for a friend or need a new decorative item for my front porch. Don’t be too specific though or you might be frustrated. If you save things on Pinterest and want something just like you saw there, you will most likely be disappointed. You need to have a general idea of the type of items you want but not an exact picture.
Have a plan for getting everything home. If you are just wanting to browse and pick up a few decorative items or even one or two larger things like a dresser and a chair, then your vehicle will probably work to get things home. When I’ve gone knowing that I wanted to buy larger pieces, I will go with our largest SUV sometimes with a trailer. Once, when going with a friend who was furnishing much of a house, after finding so many great things, we went down the road a bit and rented a Uhaul. There are porters you can tip to help you get your stuff in your car. I have actually paid some porters a few hundred dollars to deliver a huge French hutch to my house in Watkinsville. Occasionally I have come back a second day to browse some more and pick up the rest of my things. If you ask, vendors are generally happy to hold things for you once you have paid for them.*
Cash and/or a checkbook will save you some money. Vendors really like cash or checks. I don’t like having too much cash on hand because Girl Math**, but I do use my checkbook at Scott’s more than probably anywhere else. You typically have more bargaining power and a discount if you aren’t using a credit card. Some vendors will also use Venmo so ask if you prefer it. Most vendors do take credit cards (although many of the outdoor vendors do not) but you will often pay a bit more. If you plan to use porters, you will need cash to tip. Bring smaller bills so you can split tips between porters and for better bargaining with vendors.
Be open to surprises. My favorite things from Scott’s are items I wasn’t looking for. For example, finding these windows pictured below changed the whole look of the Farmhouse and I didn’t know I needed them until I saw them.
My mid-century French bar cart is one of my favorites and again, no idea it was something I “needed”. My children joke that our basement looks like I am opening an antique store because when I find a great deal on something beautiful and unique, I buy it.
Have a general budget in mind. I know I just said I buy any great deal I find on something I love, but I don’t always because of budget. When I’m renovating or furnishing an Airbnb, I have a budget in mind. For some of us, having a limit on spending when going to Scott’s might be a good thing. I do challenge you though to stretch it a bit if you find that one-of-a-kind item that fits perfectly in your space. Ask yourself, will I regret it if I don’t buy this?
Hopefully these tips will help make going to Scott’s more enjoyable. Let me know what treasures you find!
*Note that I am a pretty trusting person and there is slight risk involved with not taking your stuff the day you buy it (or having two porters deliver something to your house).
**https://www.buzzfeed.com/wamm009/girl-math-explained - If you pay with cash it’s free.