Finding Gold in a Garage Sale
Stuff at garage sales has all been used. It’s true that much of the stuff for sale at garage
sales has been used, but it’s generally in good condition. There’s also a lot of stuff that is
brand-new. When we had our garage sale last year, I put out a number of things that
were still new-in-box.
Stuff is dirty. This is silly. Stuff at garage sales isn’t dirty. Sellers want you to buy their
stuff; they’re not going to put out things caked with grime.
I can get what I want. This isn’t always true. And these days with online websites it is
much easier - Try http://GarageSaleCow.com/
It’s too time-consuming. In a matter of an hour or two on a summer afternoon, you can
hit ten or twelve garage sales. You probably won’t find anything you want at most of
these, but every so often you’ll stumble across the perfect bargain.
I’m no good at negotiating. Neither is the seller, probably. It cannot hurt to try.
There are two types of garage sales: the ones where people want to make money and
the ones where people want to get rid of stuff. The latter are best for finding deals.
For maximum efficiency, map out your route. This is only for the truly hardcore.
If at all possible, leave the kids at home. If you must bring children with you, make sure
to bring plenty of snacks. Allow the older children an allowance to find bargains of their
own.
Be prepared. Bring lots of change and dollar bills. Keep your money in your pockets, not
your purse. Bring a tote bag.
When you find something you’re not sure you want, pick it up and carry it with you
while you continue to look. This prevents somebody else from finding it while you’re
trying to decide.
Always ask politely if the seller will reduce the price. Beware: sometimes the prices are
so low that it seems impolite to ask for less.
If there is something you really want, but the seller is asking more than you want to pay,
offer a lower price. If they say no, leave your name and number in case they change
their mind.
Check items for hard-to-see tears, stains, and breakage. Better safe than sorry.
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It is best to go early, but don’t panic if you can’t. The best stuff is available at the start of
a sale, but the best deals can be had later in the day when the seller is tired and
nonplused about carrying everything back into the house.
If you don’t have success in one part of town, try somewhere else the next time.
Sometimes the best garage sale neighborhoods are the ones you don’t expect.
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