10 Tips for Garage Sale'n Success
I love to go garage sale-ing. It is one of my favorite weekend activities and not all that easy to do with three little ones. Thankfully, when my TH is home for the weekend he sleeps in with the boys, I grab the baby, my Thriving Mommy and we are OUT! Nothing is more fun than a good old fashioned treasure hunt (for what you ask? everything and anything) to kick off a Saturday.
Whether a rookie or veteran hunter, hopefully these top ten tips will help you on your next adventure!
1. Pick A Point. Have a destination in mind and head in that direction. Check out your local Craigslist to see what's poppin' the next morning; community sales are always a plus. With a route in mind, cut through every suburban neighborhood you can find on the way, then follow the signs.
2. Start Early. The unofficial rule is, "If the sun is up, the sale is on". Typically I like to start about 30 minutes post sunrise. Garage sale treasure hunting is an early morning sport and if you aren't up and ready to roll, you will surely miss the worm.
4. Carry Cash. I hope it goes without saying that you need cash, so hit that ATM the day before. Try and get change for big bills as a lot of people will not have change. Keep small bills bundled together in groups of 5's. Then you can play my favorite game, "Oh shoot, I only have $2, would you take that instead of $5?" If they say no, then you can scrounge around your pocket and maaayyybbbee find another dollar, if not walk away...often times they will sell it to you anyway rather than have to haul it back in their garage later.
6. Cruise Then Stop. Always start with a drive-by...slowly creep past the house, check out what they have out and then decide to stop and get out. Don't bother actually parking unless you see something that catches your eye...like when you decide you are going to start playing tennis since your neighbor has a court...
7. Stay Ahead. The garage sale circuit crew is brutal. There are "pickers" (people who buy items at garage sales to sell in a store front) and "exporters" (people who buy items at garage sales to bring to Mexico) and there is often a train of cars/trucks driving from one garage sale to the next. The goal is to get ahead...I mean it. If you get stuck in a garage sale train of cars, get out and find a new stomping ground...or you may be left with slim pickins'.
8. Talk 'Em Down. If the price says $5, offer $3. A simple, "Would you take $___" for this? Some will say no, but at least you asked. However, in most cases they will say yes as they just want to get rid of it.
9. Buy In Bulk. The more you buy, the more you'll save. When I find a good sale I ask to make a pile. Then I inquire if they offer a "Big Buyer Discount"...that alone gets me a few chuckles. Then, when they are adding up the price, they will often take off a few bucks or make it an even $_whatever_. I love this game and do it regularly.
10. Chase Until You Can't Chase No Mo'. Garage sale hunting is fast and furious. There may be days when you get more stuff then you could every imagine, don't really even know what you got but can't seem to fit anything else in the car (love these days). Other times you may get nothing (rare, very rare). Either way, keep going until you are done. Some of the best stuff is found at the last minute as people are desperate to purge and practically give it away...and yes, this is usually around 10am when they want to be DONE!
3. Treat Yo'Self. Whether you are a Starbuck's lover or McDonald's $1/free refills supporter like I am, make sure you get your coffee treat before you hit the circuit...makes it all the more fun.
4. Carry Cash. I hope it goes without saying that you need cash, so hit that ATM the day before. Try and get change for big bills as a lot of people will not have change. Keep small bills bundled together in groups of 5's. Then you can play my favorite game, "Oh shoot, I only have $2, would you take that instead of $5?" If they say no, then you can scrounge around your pocket and maaayyybbbee find another dollar, if not walk away...often times they will sell it to you anyway rather than have to haul it back in their garage later.
5. Have A Co-Pilot. Garage sale sign hunting is no joke. It takes well trained eyes. Not every sign maker is as skilled as the next so you need someone who can spot and scream when you need to make a quick turn.
6. Cruise Then Stop. Always start with a drive-by...slowly creep past the house, check out what they have out and then decide to stop and get out. Don't bother actually parking unless you see something that catches your eye...like when you decide you are going to start playing tennis since your neighbor has a court...
8. Talk 'Em Down. If the price says $5, offer $3. A simple, "Would you take $___" for this? Some will say no, but at least you asked. However, in most cases they will say yes as they just want to get rid of it.
10. Chase Until You Can't Chase No Mo'. Garage sale hunting is fast and furious. There may be days when you get more stuff then you could every imagine, don't really even know what you got but can't seem to fit anything else in the car (love these days). Other times you may get nothing (rare, very rare). Either way, keep going until you are done. Some of the best stuff is found at the last minute as people are desperate to purge and practically give it away...and yes, this is usually around 10am when they want to be DONE!
What is it they say again, "One man's trash is another Thriving Wife's treasure"...? Well, they are right! Hope you use these tips this weekend and tag us when you find some treasures!
Strive to thrive,
Em
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