Whether they're in the market for a bargain or a fabulous find for their homes, savvy shoppers in Atlanta know that the second weekend of the month puts unlimited opportunity in one place. With more than 2,400 vendors, there's a vast selection of furniture and decor merchandise on display at the Scott Antique Market on the Southside.

Finding that period piece, a few additional silver spoons, a set of dining chairs, antique linen napkins or an armoire for the guest room is possible with a one-stop trip to the market that fills two adjacent showrooms at the Atlanta Expo Center off Jonesboro Road. But unless you want to spend hours wandering aimlessly, digging out your treasure is going to take a bit of know-how.

Renee' Hannans Henry / AJC (ENLARGE)

Laura Iarocci (left) and Christine Eisner check out doors and gates at Scott's Antique Markets.

Renee' Hannans Henry / AJC (ENLARGE)

Laura Iarocci (left) and Roula Elias (center) listen to Christine Eisner (rightt) describe tables for sale at the market.

(ENLARGE)

Laura Iarocci, a floral designer, searches for containers and objects to put arrangements in.

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Designer Christine Eisner heads to Scott's at least six times a year, usually in the company of clients who want her help in making their purchases. Over the years, she worked up a tip list to make the experience easier for buyers. And she frequently takes groups of shoppers through the grounds, like a tour guide in a very crowded museum.

"Scott's is an incredible resource but so many people get overwhelmed here," said Eisner. "I like to take the mystery away and give them the lay of the land."

Last month, Eisner shepherded seven shoppers through the market's two giant showrooms and the outdoor booths. She brought along Alan Noel, owner of Noel's Woodworx, a restoration company in Brookhaven. Noel gave the group a mini-workshop on wood, from various grains and finishes to how to get rid of water marks.

"I always find two extremes here," said Noel. "There are dealers who have no idea what they have and those who think what they have is worth a lot more than it is. For instance, I saw a nice table for $475 that should have been $24.75. But you can find great things from $5 to a few thousand."

Noel also cautioned shoppers against buying defective items. "If it's broken, I'd walk away," he said. "There's enough stuff out there to find something else."

Many shoppers buy because they fall in love with an item and can't resist taking it home. "That's one consideration," said Noel. "But you should know what you're buying. Is it a reproduction or an original? Look for irregularities that show a piece has been hand-carved. That can have a bearing on the price."

Eisner also encourages her shoppers to consider function as well as form. "If it's a dining room table, sit down at it. Try out that chair. So many times, you fall in love with something then bring it home and find it's not right at all."

When it comes time to buy, don't hesitate to bargain. "Sellers will often come off their price a little bit — it's part of the ritual," said Eisner. "And if you're really looking for a deal, go on Sunday when the sellers are looking to carry less home. Some are very flexible then."

Both design experts agree that shopping Scott can be an extremely rewarding experience. "The selection is massive," said Noel. "It takes patience to look through everything. But you never know what you're going to find."

What you'll see

More than 2,400 vendors fill the Atlanta Expo showrooms with an array of goods. Shop for china, marble-topped chests, drop leaf tables, cane-backed chairs, paintings, rugs, armchairs, antique bread bowls, benches, iron fencing, crystal sconces, copper pails, bedroom suites, dining chairs, Victrolas, jewelry, mirrors, bird cages, baskets, china closets, roll-top desks, bookcases, antique telephones, collectibles and more.

Shopping tips

• Make a wish list of what you're looking for. A night stand for the guest room? A table decoration? Chairs for the porch? Knowing what you want makes the search easier.

• Wear comfortable shoes and carry a small purse of just necessities.

• Bring measurements of the space you're looking to fill and a tape measure to see if the piece you're considering fits your space.

• Bring a notebook. As you see items that might fit your list, jot down the facts (price, color, size) and note where in the market it is located.

• You also may want to bring fabric swatches or photos of other pieces you're trying to accent.

• Though most vendors accept major credit cards, they're willing to deal when you pay cash. Bring enough checks and ID. And you'll need $5 to get in the parking lot.

• Consider in advance how you'll get your goodies home. Bring your pickup, borrow a friend's, or arrange to pay someone to deliver the item to your door.

• Empty your trunk so you can fit smaller items in the car.

• Bring water and an energy bar to keep you going. There are snack bars at the Expo, but serious shoppers won't want to waste time sitting down to eat.

WHERE TO FIND IT

If you go

The Scott Antique Market is held on the second weekend of each month. Hours this weekend are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. There's a $5 parking fee at the gate. Ask for a ticket and you can get in for the entire weekend.

Getting there

Take I-75 south toward Macon and go two exits to I-285 east toward Augusta. From 285, take Exit 55, Jonesboro Road. Turn left off the ramp and follow the signs for the Atlanta Expo Center/ Scott Antique Market.