Savvy Garage Sale Shopping

Columnist - Gayle Lynn Falkenthal

Think garage sales are just too lowbrow for you? Think again. There are real bargains on quality items to be had at garage sales. Get over the feeling that you’re slumming it. You’re giving perfectly good things a new home and providing someone else a little income. It’s truly the ultimate in recycling!

If you are new to the garage sale scene, let a seasoned veteran share a few tips.

Plot out your shopping route the night before. The best place to learn about garage sales these days is Craig’s List. You can search by neighborhood which is very convenient. Check the addresses and map out your stops. Note the sale hours, which usually start between 6 and 8 a.m. Get there early, but DON’T be one of those rude “early birds” who show up at 6 a.m. when the sellers aren’t ready.

Garage sales are cash only propositions. Bring lots of bills in SMALL denominations. Sellers will love you for it and might give you an even better deal if you’re not handing over $20 bills from the ATM. Change is helpful too.

Take bags along to carry items. Most sellers don’t have them. If you’re buying breakable items like china, consider having some boxes and newspaper or other padding in your car to wrap items safely. Also take a tape measure if you need something in a particular size. Batteries are helpful if you are interested in checking whether an item runs. Also, it’s smart to have some hand wipes, as not everything may be clean.

Open battery compartments to check for corrosion. Open all boxes and cases to make sure the item pictured on the cover is ACTUALLY inside, and that it’s a complete set. A seller may have just upgraded and the old stuff is inside the new box.

Clothes are a great deal at garage sales because they aren’t hot sellers. Don’t rely on size. Use your tape measure and know what you need by measuring your items at home, especially children’s clothing. Look things over carefully for stains or damage. Note whether there are pets in the home or whether the seller smokes, as it’s often hard to remove these odors from items. If you see an item you might want but haven’t decided for sure, pick it up anyway and carry it with you until you decide. If you wait, someone else might have grabbed it. You can always put it back down.

Unless you arrive with a big van or truck, you might have to return if you buy a larger item. Arrange with the seller to make a partial payment to hold the item until you return. If you must pay in full, get a handwritten receipt verifying payment. Exchange phone numbers. Come back for pickup as soon as you can and let the seller know when you’ll be back.

It’s true that garage sales in better neighborhoods have nicer stuff, but if you’re looking for children’s clothing, toys, strollers, and so on, pick a suburban neighborhood with lots of children. If you like antiques or furniture, older neighborhoods where people may be downsizing are your targets.

If you see something you like but the price is too high, give the seller your contact information and ask them to call if you if it doesn’t sell by the end of the day. It could pay off in a great deal for you and a sales opportunity the seller might have otherwise missed.

When you get home, take any price stickers or tape off your items right away. The longer they stay on, the harder they are to remove. Then congratulate yourself on getting some super bargains, and feel free to brag when someone compliments that item you picked up for a song.

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