Is It Worth the Hunt? The Truth About Finding Antiques in Charity Shops

Рет қаралды 1,514

2 ай бұрын

Join me on an exciting antique hunting adventure as I explore the charity shops in the heart of the town center. This film dives deep into the thrilling world of treasure hunting for vintage finds, revealing whether charity shops are truly hiding real antiques or just overhyped. With my trusty GoPro, you'll experience the live, real-time excitement of antique sourcing.
As we walk through various charity shops, you’ll witness firsthand the highs and lows of thrifting antiques. Are these shops a goldmine for rare finds, or are they just dangerous traps for unsuspecting bargain hunters? You'll see thrift store shelves lined with potential antiques treasures and get a real sense of the thrill of the hunt.
But there's a twist - I didn’t buy much in today’s film, and I need your sharp eyes to spot any hidden gems I might have missed. Can you help me uncover those valuable antiques hiding in plain sight? Comment below if you see anything intriguing that escaped my notice.
This film addresses the burning question: "Are charity shops any good for buying antiques?" We'll explore how thrift shops might be overpricing items or whether they’re still a viable option for finding unique pieces. This real-time antique vlog offers a candid look at what it’s like to engage in a live treasure hunt, capturing the essence of both curiosity and desire for those hidden treasures.
In next week's film, I'll take you to a different kind of charity shop - one that specializes in antiques and offers them at unbeatable prices. This will provide a stark contrast to today’s exploration, highlighting the differences in shopping experiences and the types of antiques you can find.
Throughout our journey, we’ll touch on key aspects of antique hunting such as spotting hidden treasures and differentiating between genuine antiques and fakes. You'll gain insights into the nuances of antique sourcing, learn the tricks of vintage thrifting, and discover how to navigate the complex world of second-hand shopping.
Don't miss out on these invaluable thrifting tips and the chance to witness real-time treasure hunting. Explore the urban treasure hunt as we delve into the realities of finding antiques in thrift stores and charity shops. Are the bargains truly there, or is it just a myth?
For those eager to own a piece of the adventure, you can view and purchase any of the items featured in my films on my website, antiquesarena.com. This is your opportunity to bring home a piece of the action and own something special from my antique adventures.
So, join me in this captivating journey of antique hunting in charity shops, and let’s uncover the truth about thrifting antiques. Whether you’re a seasoned antiques collector or just someone who loves the thrill of the hunt, this film promises to be an eye-opener. Stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled for those hidden treasures.
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Antiques Arena is the business I've poured my
heart and soul into for over 20 years. I spend
my days buying antiques and other collectibles
from car boot sales and flea markets. The goal
of this is to clean them up, eventually turning it
into a profit through my online store.
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/ @antiquesarena
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paypal.me/AntiquesArena
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You'll also get updates and notifications about new videos
I upload here on the channel!
All my links : linktr.ee/antiquesarena
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For legitimate business enquiries
please feel free to contact me at:
info@antiquesarena.co.uk
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Ensuring all stock is packed adequately
to endure deep storage and shipping
linktr.ee/antiquesarena.packing
Displaying and protecting the stock
on your stall when at the markets.
linktr.ee/antiquesarena.markets
Identifying the jewelleries traits and
then restoring it back to desirable piece.
linktr.ee/antiquesarena.jewel...
Taking eye catching photos of your stock by
employing lighting and positional techniques.
linktr.ee/antiquesarena.camera
Focus Hashtags:
#AntiqueHunting
#ThriftStoreFinds
#CharityShopGems
Supporting Hashtags:
#VintageFinds
#TreasureHunting
#LiveAntiqueHunt
#HiddenTreasures
#AntiquesSourcing
#ThriftingAntiques
#UrbanTreasureHunt
#AntiqueVlog
#RareFinds
#SecondHandShopping
#AntiqueTreasure
#VintageThrifting
#AntiqueAdventure
#BudgetThrifting
#ThriftingTips
#SustainableShopping
#AntiquesInRealTime
#RealTimeTreasureHunt
#AntiqueHaul
#CollectiblesHunt
#AntiquesAndCollectibles
#ThriftStoreHaul
#AntiquesExploration
#ThriftLikeAPro
#HiddenAntiques

Пікірлер: 62

@beverleylocke4207 Ай бұрын

I love going round the charity shops in England when I am over from Germany where I now live. You just have to believe that there will be something in each shop. That one thing.

@AntiquesArena Ай бұрын

Thank you for your comment. There is always a chance of finding a gem. That’s what keeps us looking

@Jamiefrommelbourne 2 ай бұрын

absolutely agree. its all about consistency luck and thinking outside the box. if you only have charity shops in your repertoire then you are going to be frustrated. do everything you can bar stealing and grave digging and you'll be filling ur cabinets of treasure.

@AntiquesArena Ай бұрын

Hi mate, thank you very much for your comment, i love your grave digging example lol

@EmmaBartlett-hd3gh Ай бұрын

Love watching all of your videos. It's a different market here in NZ, but can still find the odd gem at garage sales too. Keep up the good work:)

@AntiquesArena Ай бұрын

Thank you very much Emma I appreciate your comment I absolutely love hearing how things are for dealers in other countries. It’s quite an eye opener at times

@EmmaBartlett-hd3gh Ай бұрын

I'm from Devon originally but been in NZ the last 20 years. The things that sell well here are old NZ items and oriental pieces. I'm really enjoying watching and learning from your videos. I love your passion and totally understand where you are coming from. Cheers Emma:)

@MayfairMagic 2 ай бұрын

Never found anything in a U.K. charity shop, but found a small religious box in one in France which I sold for €550 in a French auction.

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

Well done on the box find. tbh its only hit and miss with the charity shops. for example i went to one of my local shops every time i went shopping because it is next to a supermarket, the week the manager was on holiday i struck gold every single day with some rare antiques for pennies.

@vampyvintage3111 2 ай бұрын

Hello from Washington State. I love carnival glass. That was a wonderful find. Looking forward to next week.

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

Hello Thank you so much for your comment. I appreciate it x

@fionalouise6617 2 ай бұрын

I enjoyed watching this! The charity shops in the UK are so much bigger than what we have in rural Ireland, so it's good to see what is being sold there. I can't wait to see the antique charity shop next week; I had no idea there was such a thing, it must be a rarity!

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

thank you very much for your comment. the antiques only chairty shop is new, its been going about six months, i think they are trialling it and then may roll it out, but they are really fair priced and i have had some beautiful items from them. they are so realistic compared to most charity shops on the highstreet.

@karenratzlaff9977 2 ай бұрын

I am happy if I come out of a shop with one or two things. (Many times I'm empty handed!) Still I keep going because I do find fabulous old things from time to time!! Great find on the carnival glass.

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

Hi Karen. thank you so much for your comment and as always your support x. i do find things thats why i still go in them. i honestly expected to find a few bits but everything i liked was too expensive and with the current climate and how hard things are to sell, i would have thought charity shops would go cheaper not more expensive

@user-fd4nt9iq8k 2 ай бұрын

I got my first refusal to sell at a charity shop last week (a ring out of the costume jewelry section with an indistinct 3 symbol stamp even under their magnifying glass - may have been silver/maybe not) - so I grumbled about it to an antiques dealer who I know does the rounds and he pointed out to me that the shop manager in question is notorious for stealing all the best items to the extent the volunteers complained (the partner of the manager owns an antiques shop and is always popping in and out of the back room without working at this charity shop) - they are still in the job... The antiques dealer then went on to point out all the other charity shops in the area to a lesser or greater extent have people there who have sticky fingers, I had just spotted the worst ones

@user-fd4nt9iq8k 2 ай бұрын

I really enjoy your channel and the advice you give, it has been really helpful! I think the stock in charity shops is getting worse. It's a mix as you said of more people picking backed up by the internet on their phones, shoplifters are now so brazen even I have seen them regularly and then its the staff looking for themselves a good fraction of the time/ever increasing quota demands/new high priced boutique design needs those higher prices etc as well. Some types of collectibles are also overrun by cheap copies e.g glass, but they are still trying to sell it as Murano (as with your carnival glass dish it took your expertise to spot something good that most people can't tell at a glance from the ordinary carnival glass). I think you can spot a particularly bad charity shop a number of ways: 1) general reputation of course (word gets around) 2) shop manager gives the impression of not liking any form of charity (have you met ones that smirk like they think they have ripped you off?) 3) They never have any silver at all ever but lots of costume jewelry and it's not a shop where good items go to their ebay site (jewelry is always screened first for high value items, silver and gold disappears first. Silver is more commonly donated so should show up regularly) 4) prices are excessive to the extent even the main charity chains would think that is a bit dear and stock is clearly not being sold (either an indication that absolutely everything is having its price checked vs ebay etc or they need to make up for the fraction donated that disappears as well) 5) workers are wearing lots of jewelry to the extent they look like mr T (although this is personal style it certainly makes it easier to slip on any jewelry and be hard to prove they have taken it) 6) Gift aid to these shops indicates officially that you have given pennies when you have actually given some reasonable value items some of which have ended up in the shop at inflated prices... 7) People claim to have seen workers there continually put boxes of items from the shop into their own personal vehicles 8) You know people working there have their own personal ebay shops/sell large amounts of items at carboot sales 9) People working there are clearly selling items they kept back to friends/family/dealers for lower prices ( there have been situations where they are literally joking about selling obvious antiques for 50p in front of everyone as the deal is done) 10) The charity shop is run exclusively by a family (new volunteers are excluded)

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

Hi, thank you very much for your indepth comment, all these are very valid points. i used to go to a charity shop alled reuse shop, and it took things from the recycle centre / dump. anyway the shop opened about two years ago, and for the first 18 months i was loving life i would get welsh blankets for £3, waterford crystal for a £1 and so on, it was so good i visited it three times a day and bought items every visit. now i go there once a week, it has new management and new workers and i buy once out of every ten visits and even then its nothing great, i go there now and they have as an example a plaster bust i would sell for £20 at £50 and furniture i would turn in to wood chip at £50. in fact i think i will do a film over the next few weeks on charity shops and their pricing, i regularly see signs no more donatiosn we are full. but if they drop the price they would sell more stuff, and as for all your opinions i share most.

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

I am very sorry to hear about you loosing the ring, trust me i see it all the time, i walk in to a charity shop and very stern and sarcastically i get from a lady behind the counter, THERE IS NO GOLD IN THERE. and then when i say ok can i buy this or that, they say no it has to be looked at by the jeweller. its a common thing.

@user-fd4nt9iq8k 2 ай бұрын

@@AntiquesArena Yeah I have heard them shouting no gold at dealers here too, must be a universal greeting. The ring was only a petty little thing, sorry if I went on too long. The dealer said that sometimes as the shop managers know him and what he is looking for, and if they are obnoxious/follow him around closely, he will feign a great deal of interest in random items just to see how agitated the managers get about the possibility that they missed something...

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

@@user-fd4nt9iq8k thank you for getting back to me. Do you know what. I am going to try that in the future lol. I appreciate your comment and support mate thank you

@alurrix3676 Ай бұрын

Here in the north of Spain we go to this Charity shops but its difficult to find something valuable. Flea markets are my favourites but authorities are increasing pressure on them so many are closing, anyway like 6 years ago you always found something: some glass piece, bakelite, automatic interesting watch, chinese item, etc today just from time to time, there are lots of people looking for objects to resell on line. Antiques stores are fine but a little expensive and most of them are closing, slowly but constantly. I think in a few years there would be no antique stores.

@matteusdevine4216 Ай бұрын

Thankyou for sharing!, I agree in general its not worth a special journey to the town shops, the strike rate is too low for the time and fuel invested. If passing, yes I call in for a quick scan. The younger pickers do better I think, with knowledge of clothes and toys.

@AntiquesArena Ай бұрын

Thank you very much for your comment. I agree it could be a goldmine for clothes dealers. Antiques are so hit and miss mind

@alfonsoalfonso647 2 ай бұрын

Most of the Charity Shops here in Florida, are garbage. Most are full of clothing, and garbage records, in very poor condition. I rarely go in them. Most of my stock comes from the Flea Market, that's 45 minutes from my house.

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

thank you very much for your comment. most of my stock over the years has come from other dealers, i went four or five years with out stepping in a charity shop, so know where your coming from.

@elainedownes4488 2 ай бұрын

Enjoyed watching. I think charity shops have become expensive. Thought i saw some Limoges which i am attracted to. But wouldnt buy if too expensive.

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

Thank you very much for your comment. As a rule I do find things. But today everything was very overpriced

@davewettlaufer7885 Ай бұрын

I find you’re a nervy person, looking so comfortable in these stores. Me, anything glass doesn't see eye to eye. I'm like a bull in a china shop and know my limits. Good video 👍

@AntiquesArena Ай бұрын

Hi. Thank you for your comment. I am comfortable anywhere if I am browsing antiques lol. Don’t like crowds but still put up with them for treasure hunting at a Bootsale.

@alfonsoalfonso647 2 ай бұрын

There was a crystal Decanter you picked up, and said was Nice. Was it too expensive to buy? Or was it damaged?

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

thank you for your comment, the decanter was a strange one, i should have looked at it closer, it was shell shaped so the back of the decanter was like a cone, and the front had two legs, but yes it was too expensive to even lift it off the shelf

@johan.j.bergman Ай бұрын

Is that a Toby jug at 15:56? How up to the right. I hear they're all the rage these days.

@AntiquesArena Ай бұрын

Hi thank you for your comment. Tbh I have so many I didn’t even look at it.

@johan.j.bergman Ай бұрын

@@AntiquesArena I fully understand. They need to be really, really special to have any value these days. In the 70s it was a different story. I sometimes buy them, and other Staffordshire type items, if they're mid 19th century or older. Just because they are so extremely out of fashion. And ugly. (Btw: I actually have a channel kind of like yours, in Swedish. Unfortunately can't find the time to keep going ...)

@MartinClarke-bj4fo 2 ай бұрын

I spotted the kenwood mixer those are worth grabbing go for good money refurbished. Did also spot a art print with a vase flower those are always worth grabbing for cheap. My opinion about the charitie shops I saw in these videos is you'd have to nitch down into whats available ie mid century glass there seemed to be a lot of it

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

hi martin. thank you for your comment. yeah the mixer was £35 i have no doubt it was working as they have to pat test things. but i didnt want to pay that or carry it to the beach lol. there wasnt much mid century for what i say either, the two charity shops that had the nice stuff was just over priced. it was gutting as i do normally find a few bits

@MartinClarke-bj4fo 2 ай бұрын

@AntiquesArena @AntiquesArena if its an older one could be worth grabbing. Pac alone isn't enough you'd need to fully test since they can pass a safety electric test and not work. If you want a different area try carmathen loads of chairty shops and antique shops most are dirt cheap especially for true antiques most of the dealers don't know anything down that end I literally fill my car up ever time I head down there

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

@@MartinClarke-bj4fo thank you. I will have to get up that way to make a film

@johngreen6191 2 ай бұрын

A lot of these charity shop items have been sorted through before the public get there. Brown envelopes and backhanders are rife now. Not just in these shops but everywhere. By law only a very small percentage actually goes to the charity.

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

hi john thank you for your email. i know on alot of charity shops its only 5 or up to 10 percent gets to the charity. but thats a whole other film. its like the charity shops in my local town banned trade so people have to lie and sneak in there to buy, i havnt stepped foot back in there since. if i put aside how little makes it to the cause and concentrate on my cause of trying to make a living and find stock, sometimes i do strike lucky

@johngreen6191 2 ай бұрын

@@AntiquesArena I hope that you dont mind me rambling on. I have mentioned this before. I used to buy used gold items on Facebook Market Place. I only ever bought from one seller, who I trusted. About 50% of her items were well worn. Sometimes hallmarks were really worn out. I often wondered where she could obtain such items. I suspect that she had connections with a Cats Protection charity where people leave their belongings to this charity. Some charities are geared up to house clearence as a business, a one stop shop. "We'll take care of everything" types. She used to sell quite a lot of gold jewellery. Then HMRC stepped in and she disappeared. She deleted all her past sales. I have noticed other ebay sellers of jewellery also disappearing too.

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

@@johngreen6191 hi John. I am very grateful to hear your stories mate. And appreciate the support. I have noticed more and more people leaving the game this year. And I am not kidding if you saw how much I am being offers it’s unbelievable

@MartinClarke-bj4fo 2 ай бұрын

Also I did see you a few years back in splot and you looked like a grumpy sob so it was nice you shown a picture of you and your wife smiling Yes I had to say it ha 😂

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

pmsl what can i say mate, 3am starts at splot were enough to put a sad face on anyone, but i tell you what, its been gone almost two years and i would give my left nut for it back.

@MartinClarke-bj4fo 2 ай бұрын

@AntiquesArena no worries mate totally underable there is a few bootsales around Swansea one by the train station every Sunday that's always packed full of sellers won't need to get there that early either 6am is more then early enough Mentioning that incase you are struggling finding any decent ones in bad weather since its under cover Most of the sellers from splot have came down there since it closed

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

@@MartinClarke-bj4fo thank you very much appreciate it

@Rebecca-zp4gm Ай бұрын

I do find too much good stuff. This includes clothing, toys, plush, jewellery etc. I try to avoid buying everything and don’t pick it all up. I buy for others too like my grandma, niece, nephews etc. There are days where I find nothing and days where I find things.

@AntiquesArena Ай бұрын

Thank you very much for your comment. I agree if you keep looking you will find bits. Just not every time xx

@spacelord1913 2 ай бұрын

I agree that these places are a waste of time for antiques (also for media most of the time). Just constructive criticism on the walkthrough vid, the quality is quite low, looks like 720p or lower - impossible to read prices etc. Maybe your camera can record at higher resolution? Otherwise a phone peeking over your shirt pocket or go-pro footage would be far better quality.

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

thank you very much for your comment. that will be my fault, its a 4k camera but i was worried how long the battery would last and the 64 gig memory card so turned the quality down , but i will up it each time until i know its limits.

@DoubleKarma 2 ай бұрын

13:45 what, no receipt?

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

Whats one recipt out of thousands of items love, the video is a log if they want it and i keep a book of all my buys.

@DoubleKarma 2 ай бұрын

true :) ... LOVE watching your videos

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

@@DoubleKarma thank you

@bigcreator 2 ай бұрын

Great idea for a video! - You could read out some of the prices if you dont mind talking to yourself. As for bluring out faces you could get someone else to do it cheap from people per hours or similar virtual assistant or anyone young that wants to earn abit of pocket money from you - it can likeley be done with AI and facial regconition too easily if you know how.

@AntiquesArena 2 ай бұрын

thank you very much for your comment. i am going to up the camera quality next time and see if it helps, its a 4k camera but i turned it down for not knowing how the battery or memory card would do.