The flea market during King’s Night and Day is the time for many Dutch people to scour the attic for things to sell. Yet it is certainly not just junk that is on the rugs, tonight and tomorrow. But you have to look carefully. A few tips to keep in mind.
Because 90 percent of what is there is junk, says Jeroen Zoetmulder, antiques and archeology expert at auction site Catawiki. “Clothes, toys, household goods, wealth surplus,” he sums up. “But nice things can happen here and there.”
Tip 1: Toys? Run through
To fish them out, the trick is filtering. First, by looking at what is available at a stall. “When it comes to clothes and toys, just keep walking,” Zoetmulder advises. But if there are pottery or pots, then you have to focus. “There could be some nice things in there.”
Tip 2: Check how old it is
Well, then you are at a seller with old things. Then it is important to select the objects that are still in demand among collectors. “Game boys from the 80s. The folding computer games of Donkey Kong or Mario.”
“Or vintage furniture or lamps,” Zoetmulder continues. “And vintage watches, I sometimes look for that too.”
Tip 3: Grab something
It is always worthwhile not to move on too quickly. “Sometimes a box of jewelry comes along. And I usually dig through it to see if there might be a gold ring or brooch in there.”
Tip 4 (for the sellers): Pay attention to what you sell
Before you accidentally throw the heirlooms onto the market for 50 cents, do some research. “For example, if you have a painting with a signature on it: Google it. And do the same with jewelry, if it has a brand in it. The Internet is full of descriptions,” says Zoetmulder. “You can of course also hire an appraiser.”
Tip 5 (for the sellers): Polish it
“If you have something made of silver, polish it beforehand so that it shines nicely,” the expert advises. “The eye wants something too.” Buyers also have little patience, so the first impression is important.
Please note: counterfeit money
There is nothing more sad than having made a great deal, but being paid your hard-earned money in counterfeit bills. To prevent this, you can feel, look and tilt the banknote. Real bills have tactile ink, a watermark and security thread that distinguish them from fakes.
