How We Work
We gather objects and items with a story to tell. If it speaks to us, if it grabs and holds our attention, then when we know we have found something special, something that can evoke the warm nostalgia of memories jumping from the lived experience. We are on the hunt for vintage objects and items that will be treasured by others, focusing on a theme we call “Americana at the local level.” Including all states and territories, First Nations (whose boundaries looked very different from ours today), as well as occasional jaunts across neighborly national borders, our “treasure hunts” have us gathering objects and items from all corners of this diverse, inspired land. 20th-century, mostly, American, mostly, our finds come with deep-dive descriptions in which we detail their unique histories. Everything that does find its way into our inventory has made the case that previously owned objects and items project not only the story their subject symbolizes, but can also absorb the character of the era in which they were produced, the methods of their manufacturer, the life stories of previous owners, and of course the unique draw of the region they represent.
How We Choose Our Product Line —
We employ a four-part test for use “in the field” on our treasure hunts, by which we determine if an object or item is right for The Regional’s inventory:
- Does the object or item have a specific American or North American regional tie?
- Is it priced as a bargain, thereby allowing us to set an affordable resale price?
- Is there evidence of craftsmanship (i.e. is this a quality piece and not tourist-trap crap)?
- Does the item have a strong aesthetic with a story begging to be told?
If an item ticks off each of these four boxes — and it must for us to consider it — then we know we have found a treasure. As mentioned, we are on the hunt for truly unique American (mostly) items that stand out to us amongst the racks and racks and shelves and shelves of used stuff that we regularly scan. And when we make that connection with a particular object or item, we take on a deep sense of responsibility to dig into its backstory, uncover the history embedded in it, as well as the history surrounding the era it represents, and then present all of this alongside what might just seem a simple non-descript object or item. We infuse this rewarding process of research and discovery into each rich — unapologetically lengthy — product description that we write. We go beyond all the necessary specs and basics to present the WHOLE story.
Our "haul" from a recent treasure hunt
Our Conditional Grading Approach —
We apply one of four grades to all the objects and items that we collect:
- Like New
- Used Very Good
- Used Good
- Used Acceptable
This easy to visualize range was inspired by the standard grading system applied to used books, a series of codes that we realized could be adapted intuitively and universally to our entire inventory — be it a metal tray, an accordion postcard set, textiles, maps, barware, beer cans, decorative trivets, unique one-of-a-kind collectibles, and of course: books. These four grades allow Regionals treasure hunters a quick idea of the state of any object or item, while allowing us to set appropriate prices based on item-type / condition. We also provide additional contextual details specific to each item-type within our product descriptions. For instance, you would not compare the conditional grade of a wood stash trinket box to a metal ashtray. Each requires conditional details appropriate to the object or item type. Still, anyone can get a general sense of the condition of any object or item that is “Like New” or “Used Good.” We are clear-eyed, discerning, and straightforward in documenting the condition of our finds and want you to know at a glance.
Here is a quick sample ... The North Dakota tray shows a number of scratches, a few rust spots, and clear indications of not being well cared for; but it is still a cool find. The Minnesota tray by comparison shows only a common amount of age wear caused by improper storage (probably having been stacked without a paper separator). Such blemishes are more common than not with the cool old stuff we find. Finally, the Nebraska tray came to us with only a few fleck-size imperfections. Its condition is as good as we would ever expect to find for a souvenir over half-a-century old. 
Our Packing Method + Philosophy —
Our main goal is to get your found treasure to you in the same very good to good used condition that we found it, but to do so using the least amount of waste possible. We employ packing methods that blend security and an economy of materials. We take note of the best practical tricks used in objects and items that are sent to us. We provide the sturdiest protection against an unforgiving package delivery system, without adding to the scourge of single-use waste. Durable rigid “kraft” cardboards (often recycled from packages sent to us), judicious bubble-wrap and stay-wrap sheeting (again, often recycled), hard-wall mailing tubes, even recycled egg cartons (they protect fragile eggs, after all!)—all of this makes up our packing material assembly line. We avoid any give within sealed packages so as to remove the possibility of side-to-side movement, this a common culprit in dings, dents, or worse during shipping. Our evolving “ship-to” philosophy is a point of pride and is something factored into the pre-tax cost of each object or item. There are NO hidden shipping supply or material fees.
Given this intentional focus, we are not to be held responsible for items damaged during shipping. All sales are final. No refunds, returns, or exchanges. However, we will engage with you on a case by case basis (through our on-site contact form) in the unlikely event that breakage or damage does occur during shipping.
For now, we ship only basic USPS as a cost-saving measure for all involved. We understand that you want to get a hold of this cool stuff as much as we want you to have it. But a few extra days in transit in order to save you $5, $10, or even more in extraneous shipping costs strikes us as a thrifty compromise. (We may include add’l USPS options and add add’l carriers in the future.)