Buyers Quick Yard Sale Tips

Yard Sale Portal
Yard Sale Portal
Friday, June 24, 2005

Read from the Source

• If you're looking for a certain item in a yard sale (garage sale), you'll be wise to spend a little bit of time looking through ads in the local newspaper or Pennysaver to see if anyone is listing what you're looking for (skis, baby clothes, TV, etc).
• Bring cash on you; don't plan on anyone taking a check at a yard sale (garage sale).
• Don't be afraid to haggle. Sellers often price an item at one price but have a lower price in mind that they would accept. It's all a part of the game. As my mom always told me, "It never hurts to ask. The worst they can say is no!"
• Don't be afraid of NOT buying something at a yard sale (garage sale). Otherwise you’ll end up with so much stuff you’ll have to have your own yard sale.
• If you see an item you like (but is priced too high and the seller won't negotiate), give your contact information to the seller. Tell them you are interested if it doesn't sell by the end of the day and they are willing to come down on the price.
• Be careful when digging through a box of used kitchen utensils - so you don't get cut by an old rusty knife.
• When making a purchase, carefully look over an item before you buy it. Most items at yard sales (garage sales) are sold "AS IS."
• Take off the price tags of your treasures shortly after getting home. Most times the longer a sticker stays on an item, the harder it is to remove.

• When buying dishes or glassware, run your fingers over the edges. Your fingers will most likely catch any chips or nicks that your eyes miss.
• Make a list of the items you know you want to look for. This will help you to remember to look for certain important items at each yard sale (garage sale) you go to.
• It can be very distracting looking at all of the interesting things that you will find at the sales you go to. Making a list will free you up to browse while still keeping you focused in your search.
• A fair "Yard Sale" (garage sale) price is typically 25% to 40% of the price of a similar new item, depending on its condition.
• Write down the prices you would be willing to pay next to each item you have on your list. This way it will be right where you need it when you are out looking for stuff.
• Plan to get some cash in small bills before you go out, especially when you go out early. If you get cash from an ATM machine ($10 and $20 bills), make sure that you break them before going to your yard sales.
• To break your bills buy something small like a pack of gum or breath mints with a $20 bill at a local convenience store.