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Each spring when warm weather returns, so do those familiar signs on street corners advertising “Yard Sale” or “Garage Sale.” For many, it’s a welcome sight indeed! Browsing yard sales can be a pleasant way to spend a day. It can also be a great way to save money and find unique items.
There are many reasons for shopping at yard sales. As the saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” At many yard sales, you usually won’t just find the junk that’s been gathering dust in a basement or attic; you’ll find many useful items that simply aren’t needed. Perhaps a family will sell children’s clothing, toys, or furnishings because the children have outgrown them. Also, people redecorate their homes on a regular basis, which means that perfectly good furniture or decorative items are often available at yard sales. Some yard sales include handmade crafts.
There are several types of these sales, and knowing the difference will give you an idea of what to expect regarding prices and the items usually offered.
Yard/Garage Sale
Yard/garage sales usually involve general merchandise offered by families de-cluttering their homes: books, children’s items, and cast-off adult clothing. Pricing is moderately low, but be careful. Some people love having yard sales and will price items high, knowing the unsold items will simply be placed back out a couple weeks later. You can spot these “pros” by watching their procedure; they’ll have specialized money boxes, color-coded price tags, layout items as if running a retail establishment, and sometimes offer cookies and lemonade. Others just want to have it over and done with. These are the ones who dig change out of their pockets or from a battered shoebox and don’t have price tags on items. When you ask for a price, they have to think it over before answering. Expect bargain-basement prices from these sellers; haggling will almost always be successful.
Multi-Family or Neighborhood Sale
Consider these the mega-malls of the yard sale. When many families participate, the atmosphere is similar to a block-party or street fair. When a multi-family sale is scheduled, residents who wouldn’t normally hold yard sales share in the event, yielding an amazing variety of valuable merchandise. Children’s items, decorative items, books, kitchen supplies, unused craft material, jewelry, bedding, furniture, exercise equipment, and much more can be found here. Sometimes you’ll even find a bake sale.
Moving Sale
People who are moving to a new home are usually eager to get rid of unnecessary items for low prices. Large, bulky items are a regular feature of these sales: furniture, tools, even houseplants.
Rummage Sale
Often operated by charities, churches, or other fund-raising groups, these yield an amazing variety of valuable merchandise. Prices are high, and haggling is usually discouraged. However, during the final hours you might be able to purchase bags of items for extremely low prices.
Estate Sale
This is a different type of sale, which is often operated by professional sellers who take a commission on the total proceeds. You won’t find children’s items there, but estate sales can be a great place to find antiques, collectibles, and high-end decorative items.
Before you go hunting, prepare. Make a list of the types of items for which you are looking. Browse the classified ads in the newspaper and map your route. Take along enough small bills and change to cover possible purchases, just in case the seller runs out. Some yard sales begin on Friday; keep this in mind if you’re looking for items that are in high demand. If you want the best selection, go early. If you’re after the lowest prices, hit the sale during its final hours. Some of the best bargains are obtained just as the sellers are packing up for the day.
Should you bring the kids along? That depends on your goals. If you’re trying to get the best possible value for your money, leave the kids at home. Otherwise, you might find your trunk filled with toys and yet more stuffed animals to add to their collection. But yard sales can be a fun family outing and a great opportunity to teach your children the art of frugality. Kids are usually more than welcome at these sales. Let the kids bring their own money along to make purchases.
A weekend spent browsing yard sales and their related events can be extremely worthwhile. Clothe your children cheaply, decorate your home for pennies, and find that one-of-a-kind item that is available nowhere else. You’ll also teach your kids a valuable lesson in money management. Exceptional bargains are possible; planning can help prevent wasted money and time.
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