Early on a Saturday morning, much of the world remains in bed, enjoying an extra hour or two of sleep. But a few Americans are up and preparing for the hunt. Armed with the newspaper yard-sale listings, they plan to be the first to arrive at the sales. What are these yard-sale shoppers hunting for? Secondhand treasures, of course!
　　Yard-sale shoppers aren't the only people who like used goods. From Australia to U.S.A., Westerners love to buy other people's stuff. Even the wealthy willingly search through used goods looking for a unique treasure.
　　Some people buy used goods simply to save money. Others hunt through them hoping to find a valuable antique. Still others look for items to add to their collections.
　　Some items remind people of childhood. A flour tin from the 1940s may bring back memories of Mom's homemade cookies. A copy of a favorite children's book can remind someone of bedtime stories with Dad.
　　True antique must be at least 100 years old. But any item that is no longer made can be a collectible ---and some hold great value.

How Old is Old ?

　　For those in Asia, where 5 000-year-old vases sit in museums, Western antiques don't seem too old. But for Americans, items even a few decades old have value. An ice-cream maker from the 1920s could be worth US＄50. A sign from World War I could sell for US＄4 000 or more.
　　Some who collect want to make money and become antique dealers. They carefully look over items for any flaws that would lower the item's value. They take classes and read books to learn which items will increase in value or are desirable to collectors.
　　Others simply buy whatever catches their fancy. If people enjoy rock 'n' roll music, they might collect old records. A tea drinker may collect antique teacups. Those not looking to make money suggest, "Don't buy it unless it's useful."
　　The trick is finding new ways to use old items. For example, an old-fashioned clothes iron may be used as a bookend. An old children's toy wagon could display books or teddy bears in a guest room. An antique quilt could be hung on the wall for display.

Where to Find Collectibles

　　Secondhand goods can be found in all sorts of places. Saturday morning yard sales are just the beginning. Flea markets are another hot spot for collectibles. You won't find bugs, but you may find yard tools, arts and crafts, and furniture.
　　Shopping at a flea market for the first time can be overwhelming. Tables piled high with junk fill large rooms or outdoor markets. And you have to look through it all yourself to find anything worth taking home. For antique lovers, however, finding just the right treasure makes all that looking worthwhile.
　　More valuable pieces are typically found in antique auctions. You can find them in cities or online. In today's world of technology, someone in California can buy a mirror from a shop in Maine without leaving home.
　　You don't have to spend money to enjoy secondhand shopping. An afternoon wandering antique shops and flea markets can be a mini history lesson. Old movie posters may catch your eye ,or an old movie posters may catch your eye, or an old piano. Each piece brings the past to life. You never knew what treasures you're going to find in someone else's trash.