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August 2024 NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM Page 7 How to Score the Best Deals at Yard Sales
It seems like yard sale signs are always popping up! People use yard sales as a way to sell items around their home that aren’t getting used and are caus-
ing clutter. This is a great opportunity for you to get your hands on furniture, electronics, housewares and more at a bargain. Here are some of our best tips for scoring a great deal at ga- rage and yard sales.
Plan your route
There are so many on-
line resources now to find garage and yard sales in your area. You don’t have to look for homemade road signs to point you in the right direction. Get on websites and apps such as YardSaleSearch or Yard Sale Treasure Map on Craigslist. Now you can find yard sales in your area and hop from one to the next throughout the day.
Research what you’re looking for ahead of time
If you’re hoping to snag a particular item, such as a TV, re- cord player, vintage jewelry, etc., research it ahead of time on eBay to see how much it’s going for so that you’re better equipped to negotiate if you find what you’re looking for. This will also save you from overpaying. Or, if you happen upon an item at a yard
sale that you love but you’re un- sure whether it’s selling for a fair price, look up the item on the spot using the eBay phone app.
Bring cash and small bills
It’s becoming increasingly common to find yard sale hosts using credit card readers attached to their phone as a means of pay- ment. However, cash is always preferable — especially if you’re visiting an estate sale or going to a neighborhood with older resi- dents. In these places, people are less likely to take credit cards. Also, for haggling purposes, take small bills with you. It’s awkward if you negotiate the price of an end table from $50 to $20 but all you have in your wallet are $50 or $100 bills.
Know the right way to haggle
The art of getting a great deal takes a little bit of patience and relationship building with the
seller. Before you suggest a much lower price on an item for sale, get to know the seller. Ask about a few differ- ent items, where they come from and how old they are. Strike up a friendly rapport and then ease into negoti- ations. However, don’t be afraid to walk away if the seller simply won’t budge. Some people just aren’t in-
terested in bargaining. If that’s the case, move on and maybe you’ll have better luck at the next
yard sale.
Test any electronics before purchasing
If you find any electronics, such as TVs, radios, phones or tablets, ask the seller to demo the items for you first. Insert batter- ies if they’re needed, or plug the item into an outlet to ensure that it works. Nothing is worse than getting home with a new item just to find out that it won’t turn on or that the picture or sound quality is poor.
Buy in bulk
Agoodwaytogetadealisby purchasing multiple items from the seller. If you find a set of tea-
cups, some mismatched plates and some linen napkins, ask the seller how much they’ll charge for everything in a single purchase. Oftentimes, sellers are more will- ing to give you a deal if you’re buying multiple items because their goal is to sell as many things as possible so they don’t have to bring them back into their home.
What tips to do you have for scoring big at yard sales? We’d love to hear from you!
Plymouth NH Town Wide Yard Sale, contact sheila@cop- pertoppe.com (603) 744-5036 For more information or to comment, visit https://www.facebook.com/ PlymouthYardSaleNH/
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