Yard Sales or Treasure Hunts?

My sweet friend Christy Ann emailed me recently to brag on her amazing yard sale finds! She sent a photo of some of the items – but couldn’t fit them all in one photo! She spent $17 and these are just some of the things she got:

• Electronic Taboo board game
• 1980s Trivial Pursuit game
• Large brass key with fish on it (might hang with new aquarium)
• 6 Oneida silverware
• 3 Royal Velvet never-used hand towels
• 4 Assorted small glass bottles
• 1 Spring blossoms small Pyrex baking dish in perfect condition
• 2 tennis balls for dog Rory – free!
• Hallmark singing Christmas decoration
• Large hardcover dog book
• 4 Reams of ribbon
• 3 Talbots shirts – NEW!
• 1 Sterilite storage container – new
• (not pictured) 4 Rolls of new Hallmark wrapping paper
• (not pictured) New lacrosse stick (for school)
• (not pictured.) Small bag of paperclips, stapler, staples, tape (for school)
• (not pictured) Medium wooden mirror

This is a great example of all the wonderful things you can get at yard sales. This is a wonderful Saturday morning activity to share with family or friends. People are always getting rid of things – for various reasons – and, their trash can be your treasure! 

Here are a few tips for how to score big at yard sales: 

1. Check your local newspaper and any online sources (Craigslist, community bulletin boards, etc.) for yard sale listings. Many people advertise the week before the sales will occur. If you plan to go to more than one sale, plan out a route that makes the most sense based on where you live, where the sales are, and the times listed in the advertisements. Make a list of items you might be interested in seeing at each sale – that way, you don’t miss anything!
2. Remember that times are not set in stone! Serious yard salers show up EARLY, so, if a sale is listed as starting at 8 am, serious yard salers will show up at 7, just to check things out. This is important for you to know if you are seeking a particular item, or, if you are ever hosting a yard sale.
3. Don’t be afraid to call ahead. Many advertisements include a listing of items, or types of items, the seller will be including in the sale. If something strikes your interest and you want to inquire, call (if possible). Most sellers would love to get rid of an item early. And, this way, if the item doesn’t end up being quite what you’re looking for, you don’t waste precious time on Saturday morning looking at it.
4. Always carry cash.
5. Don’t be afraid to negotiate. The worst thing that can happen is that someone tells you “no”. Either way, you’re probably getting a great deal. If the price of something doesn’t suit you for an item that you’d really like, consider coming back towards the end of the sale. Many sellers will cut their prices (often times in half) in the last hour or two of the sale, just to get rid of as many items as possible. However, understand that the item may be gone when you return.
6. If you plan to buy a large item, but will not be able to take it immediately, speak to the seller before making the purchase. This is important, as you want to make sure that the seller agrees to keeping the item for a few more hours (or days).

What are your best yard sale tips and secrets?

Coming soon…

Tips for having your own successful yard sale!