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Home > Smart Spending > Archives > 2009 > February > 23
Monday, February 23, 2009
Spring into yard sales, but be prepared
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Spring is just around the corner. Well, maybe two corners. (I don’t care what the meteorologists say. My bones tell me it’s been a colder-than-normal winter.)
That means yard sales, when homeowners haul out their junk — er, expendable household items — and unload them to bargain hunters.
Are you a yard sales seeker? What is the appeal? Feel free to share here a funny or educational shopping experience.
For the newbies, here are a few tips.
First, compile a list of needs. That doesn’t mean you won’t grab something spontaneously — wow, look at that cool stuffed deer head! — but it will help you prioritize.
Load up on dollars and change, plus bills of every denomination. In this credit/debit card world, currency rules at yard sales.
Check the wording of the yard sale notice. If you see “collectibles” and “antiques” in there, it may be a higher-priced sale than usual.
Arrive early, before the best stuff is snatched up.
Be ready to haggle — politely. There is a difference between a low offer and an insulting one.
Bring cards with your contact info. Ask the seller to call you at the end of the day if an item you covet seems overpriced. By closing time, its cost may be dropping like the sun.
If you plan to hit several sales, minimize your time commitment by mapping out a route. Here’s a website that lists sales in metro Atlanta. And another. One more:.
Oh, yeah. If spring is not around the corner, but two or three corners, bring a warm jacket. Maybe you’ll find sellers unloading space heaters.
