YARD SALE FUN TIPS

A garage sale is a good way to find bargains on almost everything.  In some areas known as rummage sales, yard sales or tag sales, a garage sale often yields special finds for the thrifty, smart shopper.  Bargains can range from designer clothing, furniture and tools, to children’s clothes and knickknacks.  Often, antiques can be found at a garage sale for very little money.  The savvy shopper has done his or her homework and knows when a collectible is a bargain.  Whether looking for personal items or things to resell, it is wise to plan a strategy wen heading to a garage sale.  This plan should include:

• Newspaper and shopper’s guides ads with sale areas highlighted and grouped together by region
• Addresses in order (I use MapQuest)
• Plenty of gas in your vehicle
• Small cooler with water and snacks (trail mix, cheese sticks, granola bars and nuts are good examples)
• Antibacterial wipes for your hands
• List of items you need/want
• Cell phone (if there is Wi-Fi available you can use it to research your item’s value before you buy
• List of clothing sizes
• Cash (set a limit of $100 and carry it in small bills and change along with my checkbook in case of a special “find”)

Also, be spontaneous.  If you see a YARD sale sign posted that you didn’t have on your list, check it out as long as it doesn’t take you much out of your way.  You might find just what you’ve been looking for!

GARAGE SALE HOW TO

A garage sale is a good way to find bargains on almost everything.  In some areas known as rummage sales, yard sales or tag sales, a garage sale often yields special finds for the thrifty, smart shopper.  Bargains can range from designer clothing, furniture and tools, to children’s clothes and knickknacks.  Often, antiques can be found at a garage sale for very little money.  The savvy shopper has done his or her homework and knows when a collectible is a bargain.  Whether looking for personal items or things to resell, it is wise to plan a strategy when heading to a garage sale.  This plan should include:

• Newspaper and shopper’s guides ads with sale areas highlighted and grouped together by region
• Addresses in order (Try MapQuest)
• Plenty of gas in your vehicle
• Small cooler with water and snacks (trail mix, cheese sticks, granola bars and nuts are good examples)
• Antibacterial wipes for your hands
• List of items you need/want
• Cell phone (if there is Wi-Fi available you can use it to research your item’s value before you buy)
• List of clothing sizes
• Cash (I set a limit of $100 and carry it in small bills and change along with my checkbook in case of a special “find”)

Also, be spontaneous.  If you see a garage sale sign posted that you don't have on your list, check it out as long as it doesn’t take you much out of your way.  You might find just what you’ve been looking for!

SECOND HAND BASICS

There is a new trend in shopping today.  Second hand stores are all the rage.  Garage sales, thrift stores and flea markets are now chic.  More and more people are boasting, “I bought this “second hand.”  It has become a badge of honor to score the biggest and best deal on everything from furniture to clothing, kids toys and items for the home.  There are a few rules to follow when buying items second hand.  They include:

• Have a plan
• Don’t just randomly pick up everything you like.  Keep a list of things you need for your home or items of clothing you are looking for. 
• Do your homework.  Check online for cost of the items you are looking for and comparison shop.
• Check items over carefully for disrepair, cracks, spots, etc.  Be sure to plug in and check out small appliances and the like or get a note from the seller agreeing to return the item if it doesn’t work
• Learn to haggle.  Don’t be afraid to ask if the seller will lower the price – you don’t know if you don’t ask.

Second hand doesn’t mean second rate.  You can score brand-new items at thrift stores and garage sales by keeping a sharp eye out.  Many people buy things on impulse or are given gifts they don’t want or need and unload them at sales or donate to their favorite charity.  There is no shame involved in buying a totally new or gently used item.  In fact, today it’s a score!