Garage Sale Secrets

I shouldn't share this, as it might hurt me when I am out on a garage sale rampage...

However, just for my Gather friends, I will divulge my tips on how to get the best out of your money and time, hoping that you'll share your secrets with me....

1. Always take the kids if you can.  I know sometimes it is daunting with them  along, but they can be great assets!!!

2. Dress the kids nice, but not too nice...  You want them to look cute, but not like they have too much or too trashy...  Find that middle ground...

3. Arm your child with a quarter.  Yes a quarter.  That's it. 

4. Tell your child as you approach the sale, what you want them to find.  I tell one to find Barbie, Polly Pocket, or My Little Pony stuff...  Then I give another one the task of finding something else and so on...

5. Have THEM ask how much it is.  The younger kids can do this despite a price being on it, because quite possibly they are unable to read...

6. Typically they will have that quarter in one hand and the object in another.

7. Shy or polite children will usually walk away with they toy for a quarter.  I'm not talking about just a little Polly doll, but a sandwich bag full of clothes and such...

8. Make sure they say their thank yous and that you thank the seller as well!!!

9. Now if the kids are dressed one way and you another, that defeats the deal seeking purpose right???  So dress down honey, and forget who might see ya while you're out-you're gonna get the deals...

10. Loose the purse/handbag if it's name brand or a good knock off.

11. Keep your money in different pockets.  Allot one pocket for major purchases with your big bills in there, one for dollar bills and quarters (only $5-$7), and one to replinish the one dollar bills you use...

12. Make sure those pockets don't show too much...

13. Leave the fancy jewelery at home.  Less is more here....

14. Keep the makeup and hair at the just acceptable to go out level...  Notice a trend???  Minimalist is the way to go...

15. Driving a fancy car isn't gonna help out much so park behind other traffic if you can.  People's perceptions may not be accurate, but they assume things anyways...

16. See something you MUST have?  Stand there looking at it for a bit, examine it, put it down, walk away, recompose yourself while looking at other things, then go back to it...

17. Haggle of course!!!  Haggle Haggle Haggle!!!

18. A friend REALLY needs this NOT YOU!!!  It is just too much for you to pay for your friend...  Seriously-you don't NEED it or they won't go as low (normally)...

19. Remember it is the seller's sentimental stuff they are offloading.  Avoid pointing out too much being wrong with the item or they'll get upset...

20. Don't forget to use the appropriate pockets...  Sometimes it may help to linger over an item and count those ones looking disappointed before you walk away...

21. The longer you are there, the more the seller may get worried or agitated. Learn to time it based on their behavior...

22. Always be courteous and put objects back where they were in the first place or pick up after the little brat whose parent isn't paying attention while they run amok...  (Bonus points for that)

23. Go outside your normal area...  In our metro area we have places that people stereotype as rich, poor, etc...  Sometimes the good deals are in the higher class neighborhoods-sometimes you'll find the best treasures in that neighborhood you probably would never want to live in...

24. If the trip is preplanned...  Do your homework.  Map out the route you want to take beforehand and put the ones you really want to go to in a different way (star, hi light, and so on).

25. Want that item and really don't have the money or feel like paying that price?  Walk away-you'll get it next time!!!

26. Be you just a little different...  Let your normal personality shine through despite the change in dress...

27. Keep your pen and notepad handy.  You never know who might just say that if they don't get a better offer, they'll sell it to you at the end of the sale...

28. Later in the day, when people start packing up their sales can be an awesome time to get that deal or really agitate the seller...  You be the judge on this one...

29. Never tell anyone you are an Ebayer, reseller, or craft for profit person!!!  They are trying to maximize their sales not yours...

30. If you really want to save money keep a small cooler with drinks and snacks in it for the kids.  Then they don't want to buy it from the sale.

31. Do be generous when children are selling soda or grab bags.  Their parents will appreciate it...  Maybe you don't want what they have to sell, but you could spare one of those trusty quarters...

32. Back to the notepad...  Did you notice something at the sale that probably should be thrown away that was FAR too overpriced???  Write that down and drive back by the house after the sale.  That item might be sitting at the curb waiting to be thrown into the trash truck...

33. Don't make a mess at the curb when you see stuff out for trash.

34. Please don't touch it if it's at the curb and marked for charity!!!!

35. HAVE FUN!!!  Enjoy the "art" of getting a bargain and finding a treasure!!!

WOW!!!  Didn't know I had that many tips hiding in my brain, but there we have it...  Hope it is helpful...

I guess I should clearly state that I am in NO way trying to take advantage of anyone with these measures...  I am simply trying to get a good deal for my money, as well as accumulate things we need/want and could not otherwise afford...  I did not just randomly come up with this, but learned it from experience-not only from being a buyer, but from being a seller and observer as well...

Oh and I am not using my children for my benefit...  They enjoy this more than I do and usually purchase things for others...  It just so happens that they are REALLY good at it...

Did I leave anything out???  What works for you???  Any suggestions???