My best find would probably have to be while I was garage saling (sp) with my mom. This sale had TONS of stuff you had to dig through. I spied a turn of the century Japanese wood block print (I didn't know it was that at the time, just knew I liked it). After I bought it, I took it up to an appraisal event in San Francisco a few months later. There was no one else at the table for "oriental art" so all three "experts" looked at it. They LOVED it!! Told me that it would sell at auction for over $1200, but that I should insure it for more. Didn't have the heart to tell them I only paid $7 for it. When I told my mom that, she said that I always had a good eye for things.
As far as bargaining goes. If I think the item is worth the price, I pay it. If I'm on the fence about something, I bargain with them. Doesn't hurt.
P.S. Oh, I forgot to tell you that I still have that print. It hangs above my fireplace. It still puts a smile on my face every time I see it.
