Maybe you are a collector or a dealer of any one of thousands of collectables and you, like me, probably dive into the online auctions looking for them. Before the advent of the online auction the antique fair, antique market, collector's fair and major auction houses were the major source of items and I believe they still are. When looking for items make a plan of where you are going to look and plan your time accordingly.

I believe they are online auctions, antique fairs, antique markets, collector's fairs, boot fairs, auction houses, websites, antique shops/centres, junk shops, church fêtes, collectors magazines, house clearances, garage sales, ads in local newspapers, newsagent's ads, other collectors and dealers.

Online auctions are well established and everyone has heard of eBay, but there are others check on Google or any other search engine.

Antique fairs are well advertised locally but you can also find the majority of them listed in The Antiques Trade Gazette, go to their website, you will find the information is free The Antique Trade Calendar is another source, available at antique fairs or by subscription (call 020 8446 3604). Antique markets are really large antique fairs that start very early in the morning, there are bargains galore at these. Some start before daybreak. Be there when it opens!

Collector's fairs are similar to antique fairs but they usually cover collectables only, sometimes a specific collectable like militaria or art deco, however these can be combined with antique fairs and are advertised as such. They can be a good hunting ground for the serious collector/dealer since these fairs are targeted at collectors.

Boot fairs are widespread these days and can be anything from a small affair where the local inhabitants bring their unwanted goodies or to the more professional ones where you can find professional car booters as well as household goods from individuals. A good source of information is the carbootcalendar. Here again to find a bargain get there when it opens. Beware! Check the opening times; they can be anything from 6.30am to 2pm.

Auction houses always have something for the collector, but it is luck of the draw, subscribe (usually free) to an online catalogue in this way you can ascertain if a trip to the auction house is worthwhile. Much time can be wasted just going to see. If you can't go on the day you must view before you buy otherwise you will buy something not as good as expected or miss that important piece. Most auction houses are accurate in their description and follow a code of practice which ensures the items are properly catalogued. Auction house are listed in the Antiques Trade Gazette and for those near to you in your local telephone directory. Check they sell collectables, antiques, house clearances and not cows and farmyard goodies. How far you are prepared to travel is up to you but don't forget travelling costs money and time. The chances are you will find houses within 30/40 minutes of your home or shop

Dealer's websites, like our own, are a good source of all collectables, check your search engine with just 'collectables' or your specific interest. There are hundreds of them.

Antique shops/centres which are often the same thing can be found in the Antique Trade Gazette and The Antique Trade Calendar. Your local telephone directory is another source as well as friends and other collectors.

Collector's magazines not only have 'for sale' ads. but also all types of information on your particular subject. A must!

Junk shops are just that: you may be lucky, don't pass by without popping in.

The charity shop is now well known for finding bargains as many antique programmes on the TV have demonstrated. They are worth checking regularly; in my small town we have five!

Church and other fêtes may sound a little strange but all sorts of weird and wonderful things appear at these events and like all these affairs you may find nothing. But if you have the time it can be very fruitful. Haggling over the price is not normally expected since the proceeds usually go to some good cause. These will advertised in your local newspaper, on notice boards and often on lampposts. Get there when it opens.

House clearances can be useful. These can be private or more usually run by an auction house. You must go and preview, get a catalogue to decide if it is worth the trip.

Garage sales are usually run by an individual to downsize the house contents or he/she is moving house, here again look carefully at the condition before buying. These events are nearly always view as you buy! They are normally advertised in the local paper or in the street where they going to take place. You can be in and out in under an hour.

Local Newspapers carry any number of 'for sale' ads and it is worthwhile reading these because every now and again someone wants to clear out a box of books inherited from dad or crested china from mum. It is worthwhile spending a few minutes reading. Do it when it comes out.

Newsagents window sometimes have something and it is always worthwhile looking when you buy the paper or those sweets. It's free.

Other collectors and dealers I have left till last since if you are a serious collector or dealer you will be swapping, buying and selling already and probably belong to a club where this is the norm. These clubs usually have their own little private fairs and one can find that all important item probably from a member who has two of them.

Overall if you are serious visit everywhere from websites and to fairs, leave no stone

http://www.taggcollectables.co.uk

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