‘Tis The Season … for Yard Sales, Have Fun, & Get Bargains

Hunting for treasures at a yard sale is an activity enjoyed by many. It’s fun. It gets you out into the fresh morning air, and, with luck, you’ll find great bargains.

Marenda Babcock, author of Frugal Times Newsletter takes these items with her on a bargain hunt:

• A map to locate the houses
• a canvas bag for personal items
• a tape measure to check clothing sizes and the length of curtains and furniture
• and a roll of quarters

She recommends wearing comfortable shoes, going on the first day, and arriving when the sale opens to find the best selection. Other recommendations:

1. When you arrive at the sale, scan it quickly for what you are looking for. If you aren’t sure you want an item, pick it up anyway. You can always put it back.
2. Take your time and look under tables, in corners, and at the bottom of piles.
3. Offer a lower price if you want to. Make it about 25 percent less, never half the asking price or less.
4. Sniff items. If books or stuffed toys smell bad, move on.
5. If you take your kids, give them money to shop. It’s good experience.
6. Take a drink and a snack with you so you don’t have to waste time between sales.
7. The last day of a sale can also be good because prices may be marked down.

For Your Own Yard Sale

• Advertise in newspapers; hang posters with directions in laundries and libraries, and post signs the day before the sale.
• Team up with friends. People love a four-family sale.
• Put large, attractive items near the curb, like a baby bed or lawn mower.
• Mark every item with a price. Have plenty of bags and lots of paper to wrap breakables.

To Discover How To Cut Your Expenses And Save Money, Without Feeling Punished go to our Frugal Living for Moms page.