It’s always consoling to know that today’s Christmas gifts are tomorrow’s garage sales. – Milton Berle
It’s 6 a.m. on Saturday morning. Time to rise and shine and get ready for the prowl.
You’re anticipating a catch – to lure in some orphaned goods and drive a good bargain.
Fall’s grandeur heralds in taking in the beauty of fall colours, an appreciation for cooler temperatures, cuddling up by a cozy fireplace, or perhaps engaging in a round of golf. It’s also time to browse, haggle, and hopefully purchase, before anyone else, the trinkets, tired treasures, and simple “don’t want anymore” items that catch the eye. It’s open season for the yard sale.
The origins of yard sales
Yard sales began at waterfront docks where unclaimed or damaged goods sold for discounted prices. By the late 1890s, yard sales were commonly held by churches or charitable organizations to raise funds. During the 1950s, the yard sale was a popular event.
A yard sale entails some understanding of the human psyche. What is it that the seller is hoping to achieve? What is the buyer searching for? For the seller, it can be a means of making extra money or simply ridding themselves of unwanted clutter before a move. The buyer’s goal may be more personal, an initiative born in the hope of discovering items, among the boxes and dusty clutter, of unique interest – to find a bargain. The seller’s display is as diverse as the personalities themselves.
How to navigate yard sales
It’s a sure bet that if you see a number of parked cars and people herding in one direction, there’s definitely something of interest up ahead. Follow the troop to the feeding grounds and keep in mind the rule “move it or lose it.” If you don’t immediately pick up an item of interest, there’s the possibility that someone else will.
Leisurely stroll and observe when stumbling across a great yard sale. Don’t be too hasty to get to the next sale. Visiting that one great yard sale may be the best of the day. Returning to make amends to your oversight leads to disappointment, as most good items are gone.
Once you’ve spotted a must-have item, instead of bargaining, ask the vendor about the history of the item. They’ll probably warm up to you if they think you really appreciate their displayed item for personal reasons. You’ll better your chances at a good bargain.
Time of day dictates price. The early morning hours usually demand higher prices. As the day lingers on and the seller realizes that some merchandise isn’t moving, they will lower the price in an effort to transfer ownership, rather than drag it back to the garage.
Another approach in securing a good deal is to initiate the bargaining process yourself. Take an item of interest and suggest a price. Don’t ask “what will you take for it?” If the seller asks for a higher price than you’re willing to pay, put the item down and continue to bargain. Your message will indicate that now you’re less interested, at which point they probably accept a lower price.
Purchasing the orphaned treasures
Be creative. Think of a potential use rather than intended. A worn laceless pair of boots, a toy pickup truck, or a rimless tire may be ideal in accenting your flower garden. Add your favourite perennials, paint, and position the item where it will get noticed and will accentuate the effect.
If you discover that perfect dresser or sofa and don’t have the means to get it home, ask if they could possibly deliver the item. Most sellers will do the right thing and indicate the item as sold.
Remember that if you’re lucky, that decrepit yard sale purchase could be a real treasure. For example, an oil painting that sold for $100.00 turned out to be a noteworthy work by a late artist that fetched $100,000 at an auction. Incentive is enough to adopt those displaced orphans.