Here’s a little tip that can save you lots of time and frustration .  It may seem like common sense, but it really helps .

Things are changing fast these days and vintage dealers sometimes change their addresses, merchandise, or names all of a sudden.  Sometimes they give up a physical address and become internet-only or vice versa.  I have experienced the frustration of searching for a store and finding that it didn’t exist as my information said it should.  That can throw a kink into your day!

When you can and, especially when you are far from home or pressed for time, call ahead or check on-line to get the current details. Do this no matter where you got the info – been there before, someone told you or you read it in a publication or a book like mine. You can even have a conversation with them about what you’re looking for.  No matter what, you will always come away with more information.

But, don’t give up your adventurous spirit if you can’t make contact.  Go anyway because many of the best places are off the radar and when you’re on a mission, you just never know . . . . . . .