I have a different take on garage sales. First, you can't go looking for something specific, you'll never find it. I look for 'new' items - I have 3 coffee makers in my garage, 2 Mr. Coffee and 1 Braun. Never opened boxes. So when mine gets skuzzy I just toss it and bring out a new one. Didn't pay more than $5 for any one.
Secondly, I do a lot of selling with my garage sale purchases on Ebay so I look for unusual items - old does not always make it valuable, scarcity does. I don't buy 'figurines' - too many Made in China for $3.99 and not sellable on Ebay.
I live in a California city of about 40,000 and only do city/neighborhood, weekend garage sales. I don't go out into the country for so-called barn sales. If it's not in 'my backyard' I won't go hunting, I also don't go at the crack of dawn - usually 8-10 and I'm done on a Friday and/or Saturday. My best purchase was a $3 copper vase which I sold on Ebay for $5,800! That particular sale was ending and it was about Noon - turned out to be a great garage sale day. Didn't realize what I had for a couple of weeks.
I exchange Christmas presents with my best friend but we only give what we have purchased at garage sales throughout the year. Lots of fun....many items trigger a memory.
Go for it!
Vicki
RedTex
September 07, 2009
My husband is anti yardsale, but went to be with me. Getting a man to get a price on girly stuff, like sewing items, is great! He gets better deals than I do. He's great at haggling, friendly and polite, gets good deals. Never insult the seller by belittling items or offering pennies on the dollar of selling price. Curb your kids and use your manners. Sellers appreciate it. Even if we don't buy, we always thank the people.
jacquilives
July 06, 2008
Great tips, but I will add one more: If you love something, I mean LOVE it, and it's a fair price, buy it.
ModHomeEcTeacher
February 09, 2008
I've never been denied when I offer someone less than asking at a yard sale or garage sale. This especially works at the end of the day, obviously. What do we have, two more months until weekend hunting begins?
yeye_joijoi
November 18, 2007
I just want you to know that you are amazing for posting such great, clear, instructional tips. My greatest fear (well... okay maybe not greatest) is haggling. I have a terrible fear of seeming cheap. But your guide makes me feel ready for the game!
The cleaning posts also, have been a great inspiration to me. Thanks!
atrophie
August 01, 2007
great post! i've never really had enough confidence to haggle but i think i'll be trying it out in the near future!
houseonthecorner
March 07, 2007
I love these tips and love the chairs!
ideagirl
March 05, 2007
Great yard sale tips--I agree with you on the haggling. It seems like most of the people I see trying to haggle at yard sales and swap meets start out with the negative--"Ten dollars? Yeah, sure, I'll give you two." Why they think insulting the seller will get them a discount is beyond me.
Anonymous
I have a different take on garage sales. First, you can't go looking for something specific, you'll never find it. I look for 'new' items - I have 3 coffee makers in my garage, 2 Mr. Coffee and 1 Braun. Never opened boxes. So when mine gets skuzzy I just toss it and bring out a new one. Didn't pay more than $5 for any one.
Secondly, I do a lot of selling with my garage sale purchases on Ebay so I look for unusual items - old does not always make it valuable, scarcity does. I don't buy 'figurines' - too many Made in China for $3.99 and not sellable on Ebay.
I live in a California city of about 40,000 and only do city/neighborhood, weekend garage sales. I don't go out into the country for so-called barn sales. If it's not in 'my backyard' I won't go hunting, I also don't go at the crack of dawn - usually 8-10 and I'm done on a Friday and/or Saturday. My best purchase was a $3 copper vase which I sold on Ebay for $5,800! That particular sale was ending and it was about Noon - turned out to be a great garage sale day. Didn't realize what I had for a couple of weeks.
I exchange Christmas presents with my best friend but we only give what we have purchased at garage sales throughout the year. Lots of fun....many items trigger a memory.
Go for it!
Vicki
RedTex
My husband is anti yardsale, but went to be with me. Getting a man to get a price on girly stuff, like sewing items, is great! He gets better deals than I do. He's great at haggling, friendly and polite, gets good deals. Never insult the seller by belittling items or offering pennies on the dollar of selling price. Curb your kids and use your manners. Sellers appreciate it. Even if we don't buy, we always thank the people.
jacquilives
Great tips, but I will add one more: If you love something, I mean LOVE it, and it's a fair price, buy it.
ModHomeEcTeacher
yeye_joijoi
I just want you to know that you are amazing for posting such great, clear, instructional tips. My greatest fear (well... okay maybe not greatest) is haggling. I have a terrible fear of seeming cheap. But your guide makes me feel ready for the game!
The cleaning posts also, have been a great inspiration to me. Thanks!
atrophie
houseonthecorner
ideagirl
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