Tools of the Trade

garagesalegal — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:25:23 +0000

I have listed some important things you will need to get started on your garage sale expedition!

1. Enthusiasm:

You must be ready and willing to conquer those sales early in the morning! Be up at 6AM and out to your sales by 7AM, the early bird gets the worm! In Saint Louis, sales are popularly held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. In and around O’Fallon MO, they hold Friday night pre-sales, you can hit these on your way home from work!

2. Cash

Most importantly you must have CASH and some spare change. Bring small denominations, many people will have change, but that doesn’t mean that they will have it for you. I usually bring about $40-$50 and that will hold me over, unless I am looking for a large ticket item.

3. Gas, Food, Drink and a Potty…

Yes, I said potty. If you are toting little ones around, you must bring that portable potty seat so they can go in the car. Theres nothing like being at a great sale and baby girl says “momma, I have to go potty!” It takes too much time to run out to McDonald’s. Plenty of gas will greet you around and make sure you pack snacks and beverages.

4. A “semi” clean car

You will need plenty of room for your purchases! So don’t forget to clean out all of that extra junk that is lingering in your car.

5. Competitive edge

You hate to do it, but be ready to be assertive to get what you want and if you see it, pick it up, or someone else will! Take note of other buyers negotiating prices, because if they succumb to others chances are they will bend for you too. I usually try to get 20% off of items $10 or over and ask for $1 off lower items.

6. The MAP and ADS

Don’t forget to bring that map that you charted while looking at the sale ads last night…you remembered to do that right? Cutting down on driving time and distance will get you more goodies and save money on gas. If you have a smart phone you can add the Craigslist Pro App for free to look up ads on the go. You should also add the EBAY selling APP if you are into antiques and re-selling items, you can use it before you buy anything.

7. A good attitude

Remember to smile and have fun! Talk to people and be friendly, they will be more willing to negotiate with people that they would rather see their items go with. Never tell them if you plan to re-sell items or what an item is worth on Ebay. Most people like to think that their sale items will be re-used and appreciated by the purchaser. I always tell them where I intend to use something “oh, I have the perfect spot for this on my mantle” and I think that allows them to better envision the new home and lessens their emotional ties to their stuff. Yes, women are emotionally tied to things, most of it, they really don’t want to sell. Sales held by men, on the other hand, are usually great, because they just want to get rid of junk! Be leery though, they drive a harder bargain when it comes to more expensive items.

In a nut shell, I have listed some things that are necessary to get you started! It will enable you to enjoy success when scouting for things you want! Ok, now go get ‘em!

Let me introduce myself!

garagesalegal — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:53:43 +0000

Recently, the economy has spurred people of all economic backgrounds to take to the streets and begin their hunt for the treasures that they deem worthy of up-cycling into their home. Garage saleing and bargain hunting have finally become cool! It is now trendy to display and even talk about those bargains that you found down the street, the ones that used to showcase in your neighbors home.
I proudly admit that I have been garage saleing for over twenty years, thanks to my wonderful mother and father who have taught me many tricks of the trade. Of course back then, I used to cringe when we had to enter the “Parkway South” territory and I would sweat as we walked into the garage sale, praying that there was not a cute classmate lingering behind that sale card table. I have no worries now because I get to drag my children around and inflict the same pain on them, while satisfying that rush I get when I buy a Peg Perego ride-on tractor for $1!! (They will thank me some day!)

So please enjoy my blog full of tips and tricks, while I outright brag about all of the wonderful items I buy at garage sales! If you are friend or family, don’t hesitate to contact me if you are looking for a specific item…I’ll put it on my list!

Happy Garage Saleing!

Carolyn

Garage Sale Gal

Tools of the Trade

Let me introduce myself!