At an LA estate sale last year with writer and podcaster Ann Friedman. | Mercedes Kraus

Estate sales, flea markets, and the art of haggling

I told someone the other day that I hated shopping, when in fact that?s a total lie. I love shopping?I just don?t like buying new. Originally I bought secondhand because I wanted things that no one else would have. I?ve since doubled down: Buying used is one of the best choices for the planet. Here are a few top strategies from my two decades of experience, though I?d really like to hear your tips, too! ?Mercedes

Use me up
In my normal Los Angeles routine (read: pre-baby), I hit at least one estate sale or one flea market each weekend?often, two. That?s thanks in part to my secondhand sage, Ann Friedman, a writer, podcaster, expert Angeleno, and friend. Before we move forward, you must know that I have picked up crucial LA estate sale and flea intel from her. Last year for Curbed, Ann wrote about the magic of estate sales; I highly recommend it for all you secondhand heads. (The pool photo above was taken at an estate sale we visited last year. Exploring new homes every weekend is the cherry on top.) This week in shopping used, I?ll cover strategy, estate sales (with a quick note on LA flea markets), and haggling. More in a future edition!
General strategy
You can definitely go into any secondhand situation without a goal and just enjoy the ride, but if you?re looking to buy and don?t have any constraints?budge...