Yard Sale Tips?

[twol]

I've always wanted to shop around at yard sales, but I have never wanted to go alone. Now I have a friend that wants to try it out too. Does anyone have any tips for a newbie?

[greenthumbjan]

Big smiles, and be flexable all the while you stand your ground.   

[cwillard1]

Be careful when they say antique.  It may be old but not an antique.  If buying electronics always try them before you purchase to make sure they operate. 

[kapeh12]

If there are specific items you are looking for, be sure to get there early.  Often some of the best items/deals go fast.  It's crazy how some people plan.

When I first moved out on my own, most everything I got (lamps, dishes, cookware, end tables, kitchen table/chairs, bed, dresser, chairs) all came from garage sales.  I still use most all of them over 20 years later.  I didn't have any issues with mis-matching things, as long as the items were good, I still use them.

[lvstephanie]

Go early. Not just the day that the sale opens, but also the hour they open... That's prob'ly my biggest pet peeve is that the sales tend to open Thurs. or Fri. morning when I'm at work, so there are times when someone will advertise having something but by the time I can get to the sale after work, the item is already gone.

If you live in a fairly large urban area (it doesn't have to be that large, but just the largest city in 100 miles), there are some web sites that will list the sales in your area and may have a small description of the items they sell... These are nice to check on a smart phone while going around to different sales; I like to check the site when finishing up one sale to see where the next sale is at. They may even have a link to a map, which the smart phone may be able to use for GPS navigation (esp. useful in those residential areas that loop all over the place and all have similar names like tree names, etc.).

Bring plenty of cash and in smaller denominations. Some sales don't have a bunch of change, so they usually appreciate when someone can pay without needing change. Sometimes if they're really hurting for change, they'll give you a discount if you pay in bills that they're hurting for; I once was given $2 off because they were needing $1-bills and I had only 10 left (my bill was $12, so it was either I give them a $10 and 2x$1s or pay all 10x$1s and get $2 off).

Just like amusement parks, sometimes the best days to go are the days that have the worst weather. If it's raining a lot, fewer people will go out to the sales, so the sellers are more willing to make a bargain for the few customers that do show up.

You can usually get the best bargains on the last day of the sale. Although the good items are usually picked over by then, the seller is also more willing to let the remaining items go for less than what they were originally asking for. Some sales will actually post something like "1/2-off all items on Sunday".

[ghunter]

Only that the Early Bird catches the worm. 

[tjung10]

We love yard sales, we go whenever we can. Have found some good deals over the years!

[cateyes1]

Sorry but I cant say that I've ever been to a yard sale

[kingozzy]

Don't be afraid to ask if they will take a lower price than they have marked, most people are just trying to get rid of things instead of trying to make a bunch of money

[smhact]

cool. Our community is having a garage sale. I love them because you get more traffic plus they advertise so that is one less expense for me to help clean out.

[BMaston12]

I've always wanted to shop around at yard sales, but I have never wanted to go alone. Now I have a friend that wants to try it out too. Does anyone have any tips for a newbie?

I say that you look for things you will really use or want. Too many times I go to sales and come home with just more junk that I really don't need. Prices are cheap and it is a temptation. Remember there will always be another sale! Happy hunting.
BMaston12

[heypeg]

I love garage sales, remember people are usually willing to negotiate. Its a good idea to go on the first day early in the morning so you can check out everything that is available. If you see something you really like make an offer and be willing to haggle a bit, if you see something that you like but don't really have to have make an offer if its not accepted walk away, go back the last day and see if its still there. Most people mark everything down the last day because they are planning on donating or junking anything that is left.

[kqa]

I would say to always barter and don't buy anything electric or electronic unless it can be tested first. I advertised a brand new salon-type hair dryer one time that had never been used. A lady contacted me about it, so I decided to test it.  Sure enough, it would not run because it had been in storage, so I let her know it wouldn't run.

[LenoraMinogue]

Make sure to go to yard sales earlier in the day or you'll miss out on the best stuff. Be friendly and ask questions and test any electronics. If you think something is overpriced, don't be afraid to haggle a little.

[mrisha]

I don't do yard sales?  Why buy somebody else's junk to take back to your home.  I see people selling clothes etc. and those buying those clothes it makes me want to gag.