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Buying secondhand a cool thing to doSep 01, 2011 (The News-Sentinel - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Buying secondhand stuff isn't anything new (get the pun?) -- but it's certainly trendy these days, at least if you believe what you see on TV. There's "American Pickers," about two guys who comb through people's junk looking for treasures. "Picker Sisters" is pretty much the same thing except the sisters repurpose their finds. "Pawn Stars" is about a pawn shop in Vegas, but what is fascinating about the show is the value of the used goods -- not to mention some of the weird things people bring in. And then there's "Cash and Cari" on HGTV, starring Cari Cucksey, an estate sale guru who combs through people's houses in search of -- you guessed it -- hidden treasures. Cucksey will be in Fort Wayne Sept. 9 to speak at a fundraiser for the Carriage House. The event is part of Dining Inspirations, a project of Pi Chapter, Psi Iota Xi Inc. So what's with all this fascination about other people's stuff? Cucksey says part of the interest in buying secondhand is driven by the lethargic economy. People are looking to save a buck, and buying used, with the exception of valuable antiques, is a way to spend a fraction on something used vs. the same thing, or something similar, that is new. But it also reflects changing attitudes. "I think it's not so taboo anymore to shop secondhand," she said in a phone interview. "It really is becoming a cool thing to do." Cucksey, who lives northwest of Detroit and runs a store called RePurpose in Northville, Mich., developed a love of antiquing from her mother, who was from the South. Her grandfather influenced her, too. "My dad's father was a picker before it was cool," she says. "He would pick up anything and everything. They never wanted to throw anything away. I think it's really in my blood." Today, she is a professional estate liquidator and owner of RePurpose Estate Services. She sets up estate sales on her clients' properties with the goal of making the most money for the client and finding new homes for all their treasures. An estate sale may include antiques, collectibles and vintage clothes and jewelry, but often is a good place to find appliances and practical household items. "You can find some great deals," she says. In addition to that, "it's the ultimate way of being green." Some people peruse estate sales looking for a specific item; some are just looking for anything that catches their eye. Others are looking to buy and resell and make a profit. Cucksey encourages buyers to research online to determine a fair price. With smart phones, that research likely can be done on site. Buyers, of course, can negotiate the price of an item at an estate sale. If it's a three-day sale, Cucksey says the first day prices are usually as marked. By the third day, although the selection may be picked over, prices will be marked down on what's left. "You really can find some great stuff," she says. So what's her own home like? "Everything in my home is secondhand except for linens and a couple rugs," she said, adding her mattress and box springs were purchased new. Those wary of purchasing an upholstered piece of used furniture can always steam clean it, Cucksey says. It also helps to know where it came from. She describes her house as eclectic. "Everything has a story," she says. She encourages buyers to talk with sellers about the stories behind the pieces they're selling. Cucksey says she ended up with a TV show because HGTV was looking for a female antiques dealer. After shooting a promo show featuring her, HGTV picked it up. "It's really been a blessing," Cucksey says of the show, which has turned her into somewhat of a celebrity -- she does get recognized often when she's out in public. "It's different. It's great," she says. "I get to share my passions and my love for what I do." ___ (c)2011 The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Ind.) Visit The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Ind.) at www.news-sentinel.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |