Treasure hunting on Treasure Island

The Treasure Island Flea Market, on the island in San Francisco Bay, is gaining popularity as a hip place to hunt for great booty. I decided to check it out myself. But first, I needed some advice on how to maximize my efforts from friend and flea market aficionado, Kristin Viguerie.

Kristin has been hunting for the good stuff since she was a child. She started with a collection of glass decanters that grew into a life-long pursuit. She offered the following tips:

1. Arrive early. Bring cash.

2. Bring a cart, wagon, something with wheels, to transport your finds back to the car. Be sure to bring along some rope, just in case you need to lash your purchase to the car roof.

3. Dress in layers. Wear a sun hat and comfortable shoes.

4. Have a plan of attack. Kristin recommends making an initial pass from the car to the back of the sale, quickly assessing the inventory. Ask to leave your purchases at the booth, so you don’t have to lug them around. But remember to write down the booth number and location.

We talked a bit about bargain hunting and the art of negotiation. Most vendors accept reasonable offers. Kristen suggested a bundling strategy. If you are interested in several items, ask if the seller will accept a reduced price for all of them, and have the cash in your hand when you make your offer.

Fortified with my new knowledge I headed to the market.

The Treasure Island scene is small enough to take at a leisurely pace, yet large enough for the “Wow” factor. The atmosphere is relaxed and convivial, there are over 200 vendors offering everything from 50’s American Kitsch to imported South American, African and European antiques, there’s the requisite vintage clothing, some really unique jewelry and more religious icons than one would reasonably expect.

I found the vendors friendly and willing to offer special pricing. A reggae band provided the perfect sound track and a wide selection of tasty food truck treats made for a delicious afternoon, all in all, a very pleasant day. Oh and what did I find… a great, new-to-me handbag and the inspiration to become a regular treasure hunter.

Find out more about the Treasure Island Flea Market at treasureislandflea.com.

–Fran Meininger