At a flea market, a piece of furniture can appear perfect at first glance. However, experienced bargain hunters always take a few seconds to do a check that many buyers forget before checking out.
Flea markets attract more and more French people at this time of year. But when you’re not used to bargain shopping, it’s easy to miss an important detail. Many buyers mainly look at the style, color or general condition of the item spotted. However, experienced second-hand dealers often have another reflex before taking out their wallet. A simple, quick and free check, which can avoid many unpleasant surprises once the purchase is installed at home.
When faced with a find, your crush often takes over. The furniture seems solid, the drawers slide correctly and the price seems attractive. This is precisely when many individuals forget to take a few extra seconds to examine some more discreet details. Because an object can appear impeccable at first glance while hiding a problem that is much more complicated to manage afterwards. Regular bargain hunters know this well: certain defects are not immediately obvious, especially in flea markets where the objects have sometimes already been cleaned or repaired before sale.
The check that many people forget is simply the smell of the object. Those who go to flea markets almost always open the doors and drawers of a piece of furniture before buying. They also take a few seconds to smell fabrics, old books or objects that have been stored for a long time. A strong musty, cellar or stale tobacco smell may indicate that the object has been stored for years in a damp or poorly ventilated place. And contrary to what many imagine, these odors can remain embedded in certain materials for a very long time. Once the object is installed in a bedroom or living room, they sometimes become impossible to ignore despite cleaning.
This precaution is particularly useful for antique solid wood furniture which is trendy at the moment. Over time, some materials easily absorb moisture and odors. A few signs should also attract the attention of first-time buyers: warped drawer bottoms, dark stains in the corners or a stronger smell when the piece of furniture remains closed for several minutes. Professionals also advise looking at the back of the piece of furniture, which is often less restored and more revealing of its real condition. A very pretty piece of furniture on the front can sometimes hide a much less reassuring history.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, specialists recommend never buying an item too quickly at a flea market. Opening the drawers, checking the interior and taking the time to observe the small details are part of the basic reflexes. This check only takes a minute, but it can prevent a regretful purchase a few days later.
