Now, yard sales are big business. If it weren't all under the table, yard-sale stock probably would be comparable to that of the oil companies. Today, you might have to park half a mile away, fight past the owner's vicious attack dog, side step the owner's vicious attack dog's droppings, and do it all in really bad weather. Still, there are plenty of finds at yard sales. The best bet is to drive randomly in search of unadvertised sales.
Prices are generally higher than at the yard sale, but as the day wears on, they fall.
Flea market sellers hate packing up all the stuff they didn't sell. Medium-sized fleas are just as good as the huge ones, since you can carry only so much before you have to make a trip back to the car. Then, since flea market parking lots are usually the size of major airports, you're too tired to return. Also, remember to pack a lunch. Bob Maschi has been selling and writing about collectibles and vintage toys for over 10 years.