What Happens When People Know Your Taste

Being on a first name basis with the people who work at thrift stores means they hold out arrivals for your weekly visit. I appreciate this immensely. In this case, they really know my taste! I'd been looking for a pair of ear-climber earrings for a while, so when they came in, they were (pardon the joke) earmarked for me.

The fact that it was a set was a pleasant bonus.

The carved bakelite ring weighs far too much for my pinky finger, but I couldn't pass that up.

This hair clip will get plenty of use.


I've only once had a shopkeeper try to inflate prices because I was wearing vintage, and looked willing to pay. I didn't, and never went back but that's hardly my loss. Word travels quick in the vintage community, and while I didn't sit down and write a scathing review, I did quietly remove the store listing from my Vintagers directory, and from my blog. There are enough places to shop without being subjected to that sort of treatment. My typical experience is that people discover you like something, and want to be helpful-not seize an opportunity to rip you off. People who've been in business a while don't view their customers as marks.

The lesson? Let people know what sort of things you are looking for, and odds are in your favour they'll locate it for you. And for heaven's sake, say thank you!

Thank You!

Hand-Me-Ups Store
Omaha, Nebraska
Maple Street