Recently, I reported on the semi-annual Fiestaware / Homer Laughlin China Company tent/factory sale. I put out the request to readers to send in their bargain hunting tips.
Janet Means recommends the outlet store sale. Thanks for the great tip!
Check out the spring sale dates at the outlet in Flatwoods, WV. I’ve not been to one of these, but I hear they are crazy. I do know the seconds room at Flatwoods is not huge, and it gets packed on regular weekends, so I can’t imagine what it will be like during a sale.
http://www.everythingfiesta.com/
Elaine E. gave some wonderful tips!:
I go to both the factory tent sales, and went to the first sale last fall at Everything Fiesta. Keep an eye on the HLC website, I talked to the folks at the outlet yesterday and they say that the date will be announced in May. The last couple of years the summer date has been in June.
HLC is quite organized… they post their rules and are quite strict about sticking to the rules. They don’t allow children under 16 or so inside the tent. The first tickets are given out at 7 am. Then you can leave, as long as you’re back in line (ticket number order) by 9:45. Sale begins at 10, and they begin giving out tickets for the rest of the day at that time. Seems like they only allow about fifty people inside the tent at a time, so as people begin to check out, they allow others to enter. They will give you FOUR milk crates, and that’s your limit for that trip through the tent.( After you check out, you can get a new number and get back in line as many times as you like, though.) If you’re smart, you’ll bring a dolly and bungee cords so that you don’t have to heft and wiggle your wares to the check out line. Prices are good, and generally speaking the people in line are very nice. The check out area is organized, and the workers are fantastic about wrapping and boxing your purchases. Believe it or not, I’ve never arrived home with any broken fiestaware.
HLC runs a shuttle van from the tent area back to the parking area after sale hours begin, which is quite helpful in getting your wares back to your vehicle, or they’ll let you bring your car down just long enough to load. Usually the factory outlet has some specials on first quality items, too.
If you don’t like getting dusty or waiting in line… don’t go. I’ve been when it was really cold, and I’ve been when it was REALLY hot… and had a terrific time regardless.
Oh…and they didn’t do tours during the sale, so you might want to plan an extra day there if you want to do that. Usually the tent sale runs from Thurs- Sat, but I’m sure the HLC folks will get us up to date on that as soon as they can.
Thanks ladies for the great advice!
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