This is the perfect time of year for garage and yard sales. There are bargains galore, if you know how to shop wisely. To make your trips to garage sales fun and productive, take heed of these tips from some yard sale pros!
Plan Ahead
Use the newspaper classifieds to plan out your garage sale schedule. Having a good map is a plus. But don't forget to be flexible too. Many yard sales are not advertised in the paper, so keep your eye out for signs posted in the neighborhoods you are visiting. Try to arrive early, but not before the posted start time. Early birds are not always welcome. If you are looking for the lowest prices, consider visiting garage sales later in the day, when prices generally start to drop.
Have the Right Equipment
Wear comfortable shoes that can get dirty and wet-you never know what you might run into. Bring several bags or boxes in your car to place your items when you are ready to take them home. Have old newspapers to wrap breakable items, as many sellers don't provide this. Bring a supply of batteries to check the operability of items requiring them. Don't forget to remove your batteries when you are done! Bring lots of small bills and some change if you are planning on making smaller purchases. And remember, most sellers will only take cash! If you will be out all day, bring sunscreen, a hat, and a cooler full of beverages.
Wheel and Deal
Examine all items carefully, as there is usually an "All Sales are Final" policy. Instead of offering a price, ask what the seller will take for an item. You will sometimes luck out if the seller gives you a lower price than what you would have paid for it. If you see an item you might like, but are unsure of, carry it around with you. Otherwise, someone might snatch it up and buy it before you. If your kids are with you, let them pay for their purchases themselves. Besides teaching them about money, kids will often get better prices on items from sellers.
Closing the Sale
Check items completely before purchasing them. Plug in electrical items, check the insides of things, and make sure of sizes. Be especially careful of baby items. You never know if something has been recalled or if a car seat has been in an accident. If you purchase something that has to be picked up later, like a refrigerator or a sofa, be sure to get a receipt for the item. If you do see something you'd like, but it is priced too high for you, give the seller your name and phone number. Tell them that if it doesn't sell by the end of the day, you'd be interested in buying it if they would come down on the price. You never know-you may end up with a great deal!
Plan Ahead
Use the newspaper classifieds to plan out your garage sale schedule. Having a good map is a plus. But don't forget to be flexible too. Many yard sales are not advertised in the paper, so keep your eye out for signs posted in the neighborhoods you are visiting. Try to arrive early, but not before the posted start time. Early birds are not always welcome. If you are looking for the lowest prices, consider visiting garage sales later in the day, when prices generally start to drop.
Have the Right Equipment
Wear comfortable shoes that can get dirty and wet-you never know what you might run into. Bring several bags or boxes in your car to place your items when you are ready to take them home. Have old newspapers to wrap breakable items, as many sellers don't provide this. Bring a supply of batteries to check the operability of items requiring them. Don't forget to remove your batteries when you are done! Bring lots of small bills and some change if you are planning on making smaller purchases. And remember, most sellers will only take cash! If you will be out all day, bring sunscreen, a hat, and a cooler full of beverages.
Wheel and Deal
Examine all items carefully, as there is usually an "All Sales are Final" policy. Instead of offering a price, ask what the seller will take for an item. You will sometimes luck out if the seller gives you a lower price than what you would have paid for it. If you see an item you might like, but are unsure of, carry it around with you. Otherwise, someone might snatch it up and buy it before you. If your kids are with you, let them pay for their purchases themselves. Besides teaching them about money, kids will often get better prices on items from sellers.
Closing the Sale
Check items completely before purchasing them. Plug in electrical items, check the insides of things, and make sure of sizes. Be especially careful of baby items. You never know if something has been recalled or if a car seat has been in an accident. If you purchase something that has to be picked up later, like a refrigerator or a sofa, be sure to get a receipt for the item. If you do see something you'd like, but it is priced too high for you, give the seller your name and phone number. Tell them that if it doesn't sell by the end of the day, you'd be interested in buying it if they would come down on the price. You never know-you may end up with a great deal!
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