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Home > Smart Spending > Archives > 2009 > February > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSpring 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.
Services »
Comments
By inou
February 23, 2009 11:54 AM | Link to this
At closing time, they are almost willing to give the items away. They don’t want to bring them back in the house.
By Lorrie Harris
February 23, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this
Another hint - check the curb a day or two after the garage sale. One time I found an item placed out for trash pick-up that I had wanted, but was priced too high (and obviously didn’t sell).
By Sherry
February 23, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this
Join your local freecycle group for end of the day yard sale giveaways.
By Citizen of the World
February 23, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this
Look to pay anywhere from 10 to 25 percent of an item’s original value. Sometimes it’s reasonable to expect to pay more, depending on the condition or utility of the item in question, but in most cases, if the seller is asking more than that, they don’t understand the yard sale shopper’s basic mindset. We’re looking for steals, not deals.
Don’t be shy about bargaining. If I think something’s too high, I’ll just walk up and say, would you take $X for this? Most of the time, they’ll agree.
But, often, I’ll pay what they’re asking because 1) it’s something I want or need at a good price, and 2) it’s hard work to put on a yard sale and the seller deserves to make some money.
By woody
February 23, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this
Yea bring cash to a Garage sale…Thanks for that insightful tip. What a freaking joke?
By ATL Foodie
February 23, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this
I’m confused about the bring cash tip. What kind of cash? Will they take foreign money, or just U.S. Dollars? Does cash include coins too, or just bills? What about a money order? Can I use that? Can I bring items to trade? Like, if I have a busted TV, do you think someone might trade for their busted stereo?
By Laurie Harry
February 23, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this
This is a tip for the sellers. Don’t expect to get retail prices for your stuff. Be willing to negotiate. Keep in mind that this person might be the only one of the day interested in that particular item. Yes, garage sales are hard work and unless you want to haul it back inside or off to Goodwill, think twice about that offer.
By Take it to Goodwill
February 23, 2009 3:48 PM | Link to this
Based on the way buyers are bargaining and the sometimes creeps that show up at past yard sales, consider taking it to Goodwill and get a receipt. You get around 30% of retail and is better than putting on a yard sale. If you have a sale, have some worthwhile items that will bring you more than a quarter. Rally a few neighbors and have a multi house sale. Buyers like that. Also, you might want to load up and go to a local flea market. Lots…of buyers and you sometimes get more price respect than at your house. Also, cash is king. Don’t show up with a check or credit card.
By Koz
February 23, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this
Woody, you must not have too many yard sales. You’d be surprised at the number of yard sale amateurs that don’t carry cash.
By Atlanta Native
February 23, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this
LEARN TO HAGGLE
At my last sale people kept coming up with items that were clearly marked and asking how much I would take for them. Do not ask the seller to bid against themself. Make an offer and see what happens.
After a couple of hours I started telling the people who came up to ask what I would take for a clearly marked item a higher price than was marked. They would then point to the price and protest. I responded by telling I thought they couldn’t read and was trying to get more for it. I still sold my stuff, but it cleared out the annoying people.
By mr. cheapskatin'
February 23, 2009 4:11 PM | Link to this
ATL Foodie: Depending on how much you’re willing to spend, my suggestion is a roll of ones, plus some fives and tens. Maybe a couple of twenties. Many sellers will take coins if they are peddling cheap items. But you never know, so bills is the safe route.
By ELL
February 23, 2009 5:23 PM | Link to this
Have a 50% off sale the last day or the last few hours. Keep this in mind when you are pricing for the first day!People love it!!