#10- Make a wish LIST. These are items you hope to find while hitting the sales. Note the importance of each item on your list. ie. mirror-need in the next 3 weeks before mother-in-law visits, Christmas lights- no rush,Immediate needs are tough to find yard saling but it doesn't hurt to try.
#9- Be prepared with SMALL BILLS. Hopefully the yard sale host is prepared if you walk up with a $20 and only spend $2.50, but make it easy on them and faster for you. Correct (or close to it) will keep things speedy so you can be on the move.
#8- Check the local NEWSPAPER. Most papers and their websites include a yard/garage sale section. Make note of the ones in your area and dates and times. Find a local street map to help navigate. Watch for Community Yard Sales, City Wide Yard Sales, Church Sales etc. You'll have a lot of options and possibilities.
#7- Keep your eyes peeled for SIGNS. Not all yard sales end up in the paper. Many stick a single poster board on a phone poll and hope you see it. Be prepared for quick turns off the beaten path.
#6- Give it a CHANCE. Many yard sales don't display all items so they can be seen from the street. Its worth it to park the car and quickly glance around their tables. Always keeping in mind your wish list. You'll know within 90 seconds whether or not you're interested in what they have.
#5- NEGOTIATE! Don't be afraid to discuss price. The worst thing they can say is no. Many hosts are willing to barter a few dollars difference. ie- Rocking Chair priced at $20. Offer $15. Go from there.
Be respectful in your negotiations. Don't mention damage or poor quality of an item. Its all As-Is on their driveway.
#4- This is a one time offer, if you like it PICK IT UP. I've lost too many items because I continued to browse without picking it up. Someone else walks by after you and pulls the dollar bill out and its gone forever. You can always set it down and leave. Better to be safe than sorry.
#3- No returns so CHOOSE WISELY. Buyers remorse happens at yard sales too. Take your time with items, especially big ticket items. Evaluate the quality, need vs. want, price etc.
#2- Know when to CALL IT A DAY. That is when I'm hot, tired, hungry and/or broke. Typically, I last from 9am-12pm. In my experience, by noon most have been picked over. I don't do my best shopping under any of those circumstances. Whether I go home empty handed or with a trunk full just remember in 7days I get another shot.
#1- BE KIND! Kindness will get you a lot. I once offered $5 for a wagon. Another woman a bit earlier had apparently offered $5 also and was denied. But the saler told me I was nicer about it than the first so she took my offer.
Always buy the lemonade from the kids selling! The parents see this and appreciate it as much as the kids do.
Be respectful about the seller's yard. try to avoid walking on their grass when possible.
Always say hello and respond when they greet you. Even if you don't buy anything wish them a good day as you leave.
Happy Hunting!
