It probably comes to you as no great surprise that I love a bargain. In fact, I have amazing recall when it comes to sharing just how little I spent. Sure, I can’t remember where I put my keys half the time or if I left the oven on or not, but I can pretty much tell you the point of sale, approximate date, and exact price of nearly every item in our house. I’m gifted like that.
So when the weekend spring sunshine begins to flood the streets, my heart makes a little leap of joy. I know it won’t be long until they’re everywhere. The directional signs point the way like tiny treasure maps. The yard cards display an entire neighborhood’s worth of deals. Yard sale season will soon be in full swing. If you’re a bargain junkie too, you’ll want to think through these shopping strategies meant to keep you at the top of your game in every garage or driveway where tables are laden with discounts and deals.
Plan Your Attack
Unless you really just want a leisurely walk around the neighborhood, it’s never a good idea to walk into the process of garage saling blind. Instead, check the local paper. Look on Craigslist. Download an app like Yard Sale Treasure Map. Find out what sales will be held when and better yet, search for items you’re interested in. Then, map out the destinations and prioritize your time.
Know Your Kids Sizes
There is nothing worse than seeing the perfect dress, shoes, or Halloween costume and wondering if it will fit your child or grandchild or not. Before you head out, jot down a list of sizes for the people you’ll be shopping for. Don’t waste precious haggling time trying to remember if she’s in an 11 or a 1. Keep your handy cheat sheet at your side at all times.
Bring Cash
Rarely will you find a front yard retailer who accepts debit or credit. Most won’t be interested in taking your personal checks either. So hit the ATM or raid your piggy bank and bring enough cash with you to make your purchases. Cash also allows you the ability to stay on budget, too. You might even have a couple of bucks leftover to pick up a snack or lunch on the go.
Don’t Be Afraid to Haggle
I get it. Not everyone is comfortable asking for a lower price on an item. But it’s common practice at garage sales. If the seller is uncomfortable with your offer, they can always decline. Don’t be obnoxious and offer only a dollar on something that is worth much more, but be bold enough to see if there’s any wiggle room at all. Many times, the seller really wants to be rid of the entire inventory by the end of the day, so flexibility is in their favor to clear out the haul.
Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away
If your lower offer gets declined, don’t be afraid to put away any item you don’t 100% love. There’s nothing worse than buyer’s remorse. If you don’t have an immediate plan for how you’ll use the item or if it doesn’t make your heart sing or if it’s simply out of your price range, put whatever it is down and slowly back away.
Circle Back Later in The Day
Not so sure about the price? Need to talk a purchase over with your spouse? Ask the seller how much longer the sale will continue. Then, circle back just before they’re ready to close up shop. As time wears on, you may find that people will be much more likely to cut you a deal on an item they had hoped would sell but just hasn’t.
Someone else’s trash really could be your treasure this spring. The more intentional you are, the the better your bargains will be. Before you know it, you’ll have an uncanny ability to repeat the pricetag on that great deal to anyone who will listen – even if you can’t remember their name, birthday, or why it was you were talking to them in the first place.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
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