There’s something about the thrill of the hunt. The unpredictability. The potential of finding a buried treasure. The concept of beating others to the punch.
The excitement is almost primitive.
I’m talking, of course, about yard sales. The season is officially upon us: on any given summer weekend, with a little planning and wandering, you are likely to come across driveways filled with piles of stuff. Prices are low, and with a little haggling and negotiating, they can become even lower. Deals are everywhere.
Of course, it’s easy to get carried away at a yard sale. The line between a total gem and a hunk of junk can get blurry, especially in the flurry of excitement surrounding a yard sale. Here’s what you need to know to hit the sales like a pro and score a bona fide deal.
Plan Your Route
If you’re serious about finding a treasure, create a plan of attack the night before the hunt. Scour the local newspaper classifieds section as well as online sites like Craigslist for sales that pique your interest. Map out the sales that you want to hit up, and plan a logical route.
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Go Early for Big Ticket Items…
Unlike retail stores, yard sales don’t have deep stocks: there is usually only one of everything, so if there’s something specific that you’re seeking, hit up the yard sale early. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
…But Stop By Late for Deals!
Later in the day, sellers will often mark down their asking prices (sometimes by half!) to ensure that their stuff gets sold—they don’t want to spend their evening lugging it all back inside the home. Stop by towards the end of the sale for incredible deals.
Stop and Think
The very nature of yard sales requires you to act on impulse: if you don’t grab something, someone else will! Still, it’s important to be a smart shopper: don’t buy something just for the sake of it. Ask yourself whether you would buy the item at a normal store for full price—if you wouldn’t, think twice about making the purchase.
Bring Cash
Given that most yard sales are held out of family homes, cash is the best way to pay for your goods. Bring plenty of small bills and change.
Haggle Mindfully
Most sellers are willing to offer deals, and even expect buyers to haggle. Be respectful and don’t low-ball—offering a dollar on an item priced at $20 usually won’t get you too far.
BYO Bags
Bring along a few reusable shopping bags. Sellers often don’t provide bags, plus it’s the eco-friendly thing to do.
Buy in Bulk
The seller is more likely to consider a deal if you’re picking up several items from the yard sale. If you collect a few items from a single sale, don’t be afraid to ask for a bulk discount.
Ask Questions
Always chat up the seller about the items you are interested in: this can provide you with additional information about the product, and can also build rapport with the seller (read: better deals). Always ask if a more complex item, like an appliance or electronics, has all the parts and whether it is in good working condition. You can also ask to plug an electronic item in to see for yourself whether or not it works.
