yard sale

12 Garage Sale Items That Sell Like Hotcakes

Marla Walters — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 08:30:09 +0000

Spring cleaning is in full swing, which means it's out with the old, and in with the new. So why not earn some extra cash by throwing a garage sale and ridding your home of your unwanted items? Here are 12 perennially popular items that are sure to sell like hot cakes. (See also: 10 Easiest Items to "Flip" for Cash)

1. Gently used clothing, in good condition

Everyone needs clothes, and savvy shoppers know you don't have to pay retail to look good. I once met a lumber "baroness" who confided in me that she bought all of her clothes at yard sales. Good quality holds up, and regular yard sale shoppers know that.

For women's and men's, hang clothes up on a rack, rather than folded on a table or in a box. It makes it much easier for people to go through it, as well as to examine it for stains or tears. For kids' clothing, folding it is fine, but it's nice if the sizes are noted and sorted. Many garage-sale shoppers are resellers, and they may take you up on a "$__ per bag" offer.

2. Tools

My husband is like a moth to a flame when it comes to a garage sale with tools. He not only likes power tools, but also older, vintage ones that are not only still useful, but fun to collect and display.

When selling your old tools, have a power strip nearby so power tools can be tested, or have them charged up if used with a battery.

3. Furniture

If you live in a college town, furniture is sure to go fast. Also, with DIY projects soaring in popularity, more people are looking for furniture that can be remade. Bookshelves will always sell — even old, beat up bookcases can be used for storage!

Make sure any furniture you sell is clean. Old leather furniture can be spiffed up using a mixture of vinegar, olive oil, and a little lemon juice. Vacuum upholstered furniture and treat any spots. Also, suggest a price, but be open to negotiation.

4. Vintage dishes, glassware, and casseroles

Any Pyrex collectors out there? How about milk glass, or Spode? You may have some items hidden away in your cupboards that are hot.

When you go to sell these items, advertise using the brand name (i.e., Pyrex, milk glass, Corningware, etc.); add photos to your ad, too. Collectors will flock to you. (See also: 10 Old Knick-Knacks You Can Flip for Easy Cash)

5. Garden tools

Spring fever also means that home gardeners are eager to start tilling, trimming, planting, and digging.

Be prepared to start up that old lawn mower, or be honest about what isn't working. Handy folks may be willing to take a chance that they can get a broken item running again. We just bought a garden tiller for $15. It wasn't running, but my husband knew how to fix it. Sometimes, a shovel blade or rake may be fine, but the wooden handles are rotting. You can purchase new handles at Home Depot or Lowe's. But price these items accordingly, if a replacement is going to be necessary.

6. Shoes and handbags

Think nobody would want to buy your old shoes? Guess again. Shoes, especially if in good condition and carrying a popular brand name, sell like hot cakes at garage sales. Kids grow out of shoes so fast that size doesn't matter. If they're too big now, they'll probably grow into them later. Handbags are also enormously popular — especially if it's a designer label.

When selling shoes or old purses, obviously, clean and odor-free are necessities. If you still have the original boxes, that's a plus. The key factor with shoes and bags is showcasing any designer brands. Put the designers in your garage sale ad, and place them front and center during the sale. Then watch the flock of shoppers arrive.

7. Costume jewelry

If your jewelry box is overflowing with costume jewelry and statement pieces you know you'll never wear, a garage sale is the perfect place to unload them.

Find a rack of some sort to hang necklaces on (a coat hanger will do, in a pinch). Bracelets can go on a dowel. Just make sure to keep costume jewelry close to your cashier area because sadly, some folks will try to pocket it.

8. Games, toys, and bicycles

Have too many toys and games cluttering up the house? Give them a new home by selling them at your garage sale. Vintage games being popular at the moment, you should be able to easily sell Monopoly or Life. Before you sell these, make sure you have all the game pieces. "Lil' Tykes" plastic furniture is always popular, too. Pump up bike tires for bikes you're looking to unload, and give them a wash.

9. Books

It doesn't matter how fancy or state-of-the-art e-readers become — actual books will always be easy to sell. Make the ones you no longer want super cheap — $1–$3 each — and they'll fly off your shelves.

10. Appliances

I know, you just had to have a Magic Bullet, or a bread-maker, or a hand blender. And now they're sitting on your kitchen counter, collecting dust. I'm guilty of this, too. Luckily, people love appliances, and you can probably unload them.

When you sell them, it's a good idea to have a power strip handy so folks can make sure they work. They should also be spotlessly clean. Check eBay to see what they're going for before pricing.

11. Camping gear

Purchasing new camping gear gets a little pricey. However, used gear is usually still in decent condition, since it only usually gets used a few times each year. Yard and garage sales are the best places to get it, and smart shoppers will snap it up.

Make sure to mention the items in your ad and include pictures. Open up tents so people can see the size.

12. Exercise equipment

So, you bought that trendy elliptical machine when you were still clutching the remains of your fitness resolutions. If you didn't use it, that's OK! time to get it out of your garage and into someone else's.

Specify what you have, and put pictures in your ad. Basic exercise equipment, like weights, will usually go quickly, but older treadmills or exercise bikes may linger, depending on how you price them and how quickly you want to get rid of them.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Marla Walters of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

13 Smart Garage Sale Bargain Hunting Tricks

Dr Penny Pincher — Fri, 06 May 2016 10:30:04 +0000

Unlike retail stores where prices are fixed and the sales staff has a lot of experience handling shoppers, garage sales are a free-for-all. Many garage sale sellers have little experience setting prices, running a sale, or negotiating with buyers. A smart garage sale bargain hunter can score some great deals at garage sales.. (See also: 5 Things in Your Garage That Have Serious Re-Sale Value)

Here are some tricks that can help you get the best deals on the best items at garage sales.

1. Make Sure It's Built for the Future

Kids will continue grow and will need clothes for many years. You might as well get them cheap at a garage sale. If you find high quality kids' clothes for cheap prices, pick up sizes that are too big now, and put them away for a year or two.

2. Seek Apathy

Try to bargain with the person at the garage sale who is the least attached to the item you are trying to buy. I have been at garage sales where the husband seemed to want to hang on to an item, but the wife has said, "he never uses that" and gave me a great deal!

3. Leave the Car Behind

Use a bicycle or walk at citywide or neighborhood garage sales. You can hit more sales and avoid crawling along in the traffic jams. Come back later with your vehicle to pick up items you have purchased. Sellers are happy to mark your item "Sold" after you pay for it so you can pick it up later.

4. Buy It All

Offer to buy an entire set of items for a reduced price. For example, offer a few dollars to take all of the books in the box, or all of the pans on a table if you are interested in a few of them. People want to get rid of stuff at a garage sale and will usually give great deals if you offer to buy a lot of items together. You can always sell the extras later and perhaps make a profit.

5. Haggle on Prices

At garage sales, the price tags are only a suggestion. Selling items for 20% less than asking price is pretty standard. If you are not used to bargaining, it can be uncomfortable, but garage sale sellers expect to get offers for less than the tag price. The worst thing that can happen is that your offer will be rejected and you'll have to decide whether to offer more to get the item.

6. Hit the First Day

Go on the first day of a garage sale while all of the good stuff is still there. If a garage sale is advertised for Friday afternoon and all day Saturday, go on Friday afternoon. The best items and deals are likely to be gone after the first few hours.

7. Plan Your Attack

If you have several garage sales on your list to visit, make a plan to minimize your driving and maximize the number of promising garage sales you can check out. This will increase your chance of finding bargains and reduce your expenses from driving around.

8. Bring Cash

Bring cash to garage sales. Many garage sales will not take personal checks. Cash is better for bargaining — if you have a variety of bills, you can pull out the exact amount you want to offer and present that to the seller. It can be hard to say no to cold hard cash.

9. Arrive Early

The early bird gets the worm at garage sales! You might be able to scoop up a great item before the sale even gets officially started. "Early Birds" is a term for buyers that show up at garage sales before it starts to pick out the prime items. If you are really interested in an item, you might be able to check it out while the garage sale is being set up — and maybe even buy it before competing buyers arrive.

10. Check Your List

Make a list of items you are hunting. It's easy to get distracted by the wide variety of cheap items and bargains you see at garage sales. I keep a list of garage sale items on my cell phone so I can check my list when I happen upon a garage sale.

11. Check Back at Closing Time

If you see things you like but the prices are too high, stop by during the final hours at the end of a garage sale. If the items are still there, this is a chance to get a substantial discount. Garage sale sellers don't want to deal with leftover stuff after a garage sale and welcome getting rid of one more thing and getting a few more dollars to put in their envelope before the sale ends.

12. Items to Avoid

Although there are lots of potential bargains at garage sales here are some items to avoid:

Car seats: Older models may not be as safe as modern products.
Cribs: Older cribs had safety issues, and it's not worth the risk.
Helmets: They may have hidden damage and no longer be safe. Older models may not be as safe as newer models.
Packaged food: It is likely near the expiration date or past it.
Pets: Puppies for sale at a garage sale may comes with a risk of future health problems due to inadequate screening and vet care that professional breeders provide.
VHS and cassette tapes: The audio quality of old tapes degrades over time and with use. Look for CDs instead.
CRT TV sets: You may need to pay to dispose of this, plus old TVs use a lot of energy.
Old electronics and computers: They may be cheap, but old electronic items are likely outdated and not as capable as a newer items, which likely give you more performance for the money.
Old appliances: These are usually heavy and hard to move, and may have problems that you won't discover until after you get it installed in your house.

13. Look for These Instead

If you are looking for bargains, check out these items at garage sales:

Antiques and collectibles: When someone decides to clear out their attic, you might be able to pick up some interesting, or even valuable stuff.
Exercise equipment: Often found for pennies on the dollar compared to the cost of new equipment.
Books: You can find lots of popular titles for almost-free.
DVDs and CDs: These don't wear out as fast as older tapes and are cheap at garage sales.
Bikes: You can find great deals on quality bikes that have been outgrown or have become clutter.
Tools: Look for quality items and specialized equipment. Older tools are sometimes sturdier than new ones.
Lawn mowers: Sometimes people move to a larger place, upgrade their lawnmower, and sell their previous mower for to make room for the new one.
Sporting goods: A lot of sporting goods for sale at garage sales are very lightly used.
Clothes: Kids clothes, suits, jeans, jackets — these are all fair game.

What are your best tips for getting bargains at garage sales? Share with us in the comments!

This article is from Dr Penny Pincher of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: How to Get the Most Cash at Your Yard Sale

Amy Lu — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 19:00:28 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found a step-by-step guide for getting the most cash at your yard sale, the best places to score cheap Halloween candy, and ways to fight groggy mornings.

Convert Your Crap Into Cash Without a Garage Sale

Brittany Lyte — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 15:00:05 +0000

We all have extra stuff lying around that we'd love to pawn off for cash — in theory. But let's face it. Organizing a garage sale can be sort of like planning a dinner party without the payoff of good friends, good conversation, and a couple of refreshing gin and tonics. All that sorting and polishing and sticker-tagging and sign-making — not to mention the time you'll spend trying to shoo the neighbor who wants to take home your kid's $500 barely used air hockey table for 20 bucks — and you might not even earn enough to cover your expenses for that bottle of upholstery cleaner. (See also: Have Your Best Yard Sale Ever)

Fortunately, it's true what they say: One man's trash is another man's treasure. The trick to making this maxim work for you is finding the right platform that will put your well-cared-for Coach purse before the eyes of fashionistas who deeply value the absence of scratch marks on the leather strap.

The Internet is a brilliant resource for reaching your best-bet buyers. So is your flesh-and-blood network of family and friends. Here's our guide to getting the biggest bang for your leftovers and unwanteds using the basics of target marketing. It's all about finding your niche.

1. Clothing

The founder of ThreadFlip launched the up-and-coming online marketplace for second-hand garments and accessories two years ago after taking a peek at his wife's cluttered closet. What struck him was that most of the overflow was comprised of perfectly fashionable, cared-for pieces that she never even wears. When he asked his wife and other women why they hold on to clothing they know they'll never put on, they gave him the same answer: "It's too hard to do anything else with them.

Sites like eBay and Etsy work great, too, but ThreadFlip offers the added benefit of a niche audience. This is fashionistas selling to other fashionistas, so you're bound to rake in more cash for those peach-colored stilettos than if you were to try and hawk them on a generalized resale site. (Another excellent option for pre-owned luxury clothing and accessories is Portero).

When you sell on ThreadFlip, the site helps you lure in buyers by marketing your items with high resolution photos. (If you're clumsy with a camera, you can fork over a higher percentage of your earnings and the company will handle the photography for you.) Once you hook a buyer, an empty box arrives at your doorstep. Simply fill it with the items you've sold and call for a pickup. ThreadFlip will ship the box directly to the buyer, and for this the site takes a 20% cut of the sale.

2. Furniture

It's not easy — nor cheap nor in any way desirable — to sell a couch by mail. Sites that facilitate resale transactions with buyers right in your local community are your best bet for larger items, like furniture, swing sets, and pinball machines, that are too cumbersome for the postal service.

While Craigslist is well-known, Krrb (pronounced "curb") is a newer hyperlocal classifieds platform that's on the rise in popularity. The 75,000-member online consignment boutique caters to the bargain hunter with sophisticated taste. High-end furniture pieces go for anywhere between $800 and $10,000 depending on condition and style. Recent listings include a Victorian aquarium, 19th century furnishings, and a vintage mahogany sideboard. There's also a pair of taxidermy goats that's going for $1,500.

In most cases, the buyers on sites like Craigslist and Krrb are willing to come to you. And it's on them to hire a truck to transport the antique bed and night stands. All you have to do is hold out your hand. Ahh, how good it feels to have a fistful of cold, hard cash.

3. Electronics

Here's the good news: Amazon will buy your old electronics in exchange for money to spend on Amazon. And considering the breadth and depth of the Amazon marketplace, credit for this online shopping site is nearly as good as cash.

It works like this: Check the trade-in page to see if your old cell phone or video game console is eligible for the gift-card program. (Books are also applicable.) Then package up your gadgets and send them off to Amazon. The company will even pay for the shipping. Once the company receives the items, your Amazon account will be credited in about two business days.

Amazon doesn't have a monopoly on the electronics trade-in industry, although its service in this department is streamlined and immensely easy. Still, there are other options to explore. Nextworth and Gazelle offer similar trade-in programs with an added benefit: They'll actually send you a check for your outdated iPad. On the downside, Nextworth can often take upwards of 10 days to reimburse you while Gazelle tends to lowball its offering price.

4. Valuables That Aren't Selling Online

There are certain items you won't want to part with unless you're getting what they're worth. Diamond earrings. The teak end-table. Those leather boots you bought on your honeymoon in Italy. You know they are high-value items, even if the bid amounts on your eBay auction suggest otherwise.

Chances are that at least some of your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors share in your taste and would love to go on a shopping spree at your house. So why not let them? Simply price the items you want to sell and invite a group of people over to browse.

Or, take a hint from the minimalist, world-traveling duo Warren and Betsy Talbot and host a Reverse Birthday Party. The next time your birthday comes around, examine the stuff in your house and stick price tags on all those beautiful, loved items that you could only bear to part with for a fair price. Then invite over the friends and family members you know will appreciate just as you do that antique farmhouse spinning wheel or the cutesy Christmas china set and let 'em loose. In lieu of gifts, your guests will be doing you a favor by spending that gift money — and then some, if all goes to plan — on all that exquisite stuff you need to part with in order to declutter your life.

Take whatever's left over to a brick-and-mortar consignment shop.

How have you turned your old stuff into cash without bothering with a yard sale? Please share your secrets in comments!

This article is from Brittany Lyte of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Have Your Best Garage Sale Ever by Following These 9 Retail Secrets

Linda Condrillo — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 11:00:21 +0000

It's that time again. De-clutterers unite! After a big spring cleaning of your house, it's time to unload your unwanted items and put some extra cash in your own pocket. Why not sell like the big boys do?

1. Advertise, Advertise, Advertise

Big box retailers know the power of advertising when it comes to the big one day sale. But you don't have to take a full page ad out in the Sunday circular to attract a crowd full of buyers to your next garage sale. Classified ads in hard copy can eat into your budget, so unless you're splitting the cost and having a giant multi-family sale, consider free advertising instead on venues such as Patch.com, Craigslist, estatesales.net, and estatesales.org.

In addition to your personal Facebook page, many towns are now sprouting community Facebook pages where you can advertise your sale as well as post photos to attract friends and neighbors. Or, do things the old fashioned way — call or write.

Send a blanket email to everyone in your contact list advertising your sale and include photos of big ticket items, with lots of descriptive keywords. (I thought I'd never get rid of old albums from the 60s and 70s, and I was pleasantly surprised at how many people responded to my email blast).

Helaine Fendelman, a nationally recognized authority in the arts, antiques, and collectibles field recommends sellers pick up the phone and call buyers who might be interested in the items to be sold, and invite them specifically to come to the sale.

Of course, posting signs on telephone poles never hurt — and may attract impulse buyers out for a Sunday drive. Just remember to take them down when the sale is over.

2. Presentation Is Everything

A well-organized (and clean) store makes for a pleasant shopping experience. The same is true for your yard sale.

Assemble larger or higher end items in front and group similar items together. Designating areas for furniture, clothes, toys, electronic devices, and books will make it easier for customers to browse. Have a few power strips handy to test electric devices such as stereo equipment. (Or have them plugged in and working, with pleasant music playing.)

Attract last-minute shoppers to your sale towards the end of the day by tossing several items into a very large box marked "free." Display stuffed animals or other miscellaneous toys in baskets or colorful bins.

Remember, neatness counts. Items covered in dust from the attic or basement will sell faster when cleaned or polished. Put loose parts into clear storage bags. Arrange smaller pieces attractively on multiple levels on tables by placing them on top of shoe boxes or other sturdy small boxes.

If you have a friend who has a knack for displaying items in and around his or her home, chances are they can do the same at your garage sale. Ask for her or his help and in return, offer to sell some of his or her unwanted items.

3. Pricing: Become an Expert

Do a quick search on eBay for the exact same items you have. If you find a match, print out the information with prices and attach to the goods, so customers can see their "potential" worth (and what a great bargain they are getting!). And if you watch enough Antiques Road Show episodes, you'll know you should probably open an old book to see if it's a first printing before tossing into a box for a quarter. (I almost did that with a John Steinbeck novel at my last tag sale.)

However, if the purpose is to get rid of all the stuff you don't use or need any longer, and you're just as happy to see someone get a real bargain rather than spend time researching, set your prices as low as possible (and be prepared for even more haggling). I once went to a garage sale that had a sign that read "Name Your Own Price Yard Sale."

4. Add Ons — A Profitable Selling Tactic

Scoring a great deal on a designer dress at your favorite retailer's one-day sale allows more money to be freed up for matching shoes and a new bag, and perhaps some jewelry.

When personal stylist Madeline Gerris is hosting a Stella and Dot trunk show, she sizes up what a client is wearing and then coordinates accessories accordingly. "If jewelry or accessories are on your yard sale table, have mirrors handy. Observe what folks are wearing and let them know you have the perfect bag, necklace, earrings, etc. that would match that outfit they are wearing quite nicely. If you have clothes for sale as well, pair up accessories with clothing items when the buyer is ready to purchase."

5. The Art of the Deal

Practice your negotiation skills! If someone is interested in an item, deal with them on the spot. This might be the only person who expresses interest in that item the entire sale.

Have plenty of single dollar bills on hand and don't sell any item for less than a buck, even if it means selling two or more items for a dollar. The time you spend looking around for nickels and quarters will eat into your valuable time (not to mention patience). Wouldn't you rather spend your energy striking a bargain with someone interested in a piece of furniture or sports equipment?

Be firm with bargain hunters and run your garage sale as if you were the owner of a discount retail shop. Be prepared for low ball offers and don't take things personally or become insulted with customers looking to get everything for a quarter.

Be kind with children — if there is a toy you don't mind parting with, hand it to the child in front of the parent and offer it as a gift. A small gesture may make a customer more inclined to make additional purchases.

Don't accept checks from anyone you don't know. Prepare for those low on cash by using a mobile app like PayPal to accept credit card payments.

6. Organize Pre-Sales and Post Sales

Ever notice some back to school sales start in July? While you may not need that much lead time before Saturday's big event, Barry Izsak, past president of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) recommends you start your sale on Thursday or Friday and get a jump start on the weekend garage sale games.

Afterwards, and about two hours before you're about to call it quits, slash prices in half. Make one large "50% off everything" sign, and post it in front of the sale. Combine items for special discounts, or offer the "buy one get one free" items.

7. Those Darn Early Birds

Businesses don't open before the crack of dawn, so why should your garage sale?

Some experts in the industry say do not allow any pre-selling the morning of, as that will lead to cherry picking, or worse — catching you off guard before your first cup of coffee. If you're easily distracted, a poor decision could cost you later.

The presence of the family dog, no matter how friendly, also tends to ward off folks looking to go through your items before they are neatly arranged.

Be firm with early birds, or consider adding the words "early birds pay double" to your advertising campaign.

8. Take a Tip From Successful Non-Profits

Consider donating a portion of your profits from your next tag sale to a local charity.

Rick Ostberg, General Manager for a New Jersey Habitat for Humanity's ReStore says, "When folks know profits from the sale of goods will be put to good use, they tend to buy more — especially when the prices are sold at deep discounts."

9. Snacks and Refreshments

Nothing puts people in a better mood than food. And while you don't have to provide free hot dogs and rent a popcorn machine to rope folks into your yard sale, you may want to consider offering or selling snacks.

Enlist the help of your children (or grandchildren) and encourage them to set up their own side business at your garage sale, selling lemonade and cookies. Or provide or sell small bags of popcorn, cookies or bottled water for your customers. The added benefit of selling or providing snacks will also put your shoppers in a better mood, and bargain hunters may just linger a bit longer at your sale.

What worked for you at your last yard sale? Please share in comments!

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Linda Condrillo of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Throwing a Yard Sale When You Live in an Apartment

Ashley Jacobs — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 10:00:32 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some fantastic articles on throwing a yard sale if you live in an apartment, networking for jobs, and children and allowance.

Great Ways to Advertise Your Yard Sale

Thursday Bram — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 09:48:44 +0000

I’m in the process of packing for a cross-country move. By the time I was three boxes in, I was committed to making sure that I had to move as little as possible, so I scheduled a yard sale. I’m in a particularly tough location to rely on people driving by and stopping to shop — I live on a dead end with no through traffic. So I went into advertising mode. (See also: How to Have a Successful Garage Sale)

Depending on the details of your yard sale, you may want to tweak your advertising plans to make sure that you’re getting the information in front of people who are actually likely to buy. These options target a general audience, but if you’ll be selling something very specific that you know a certain type of person will be interested in, like supplies for a certain hobby, reach out directly to that audience, such as by emailing the local groups that practice that hobby.

Your Social Networks

I know that my friends have a lot of the same interests I do, so when I decided to hold a yard sale, my first step was to set up a public Facebook event and invite all of my friends in the area. I listed some of the items that I thought they’d all be interested in and got a huge response. In fact, I got a few requests from out-of-state from people who saw something on the list and were willing to pay to have me ship something their way!

Of course, you can take your advertising offline and tell your social groups in person. Making a point of mentioning your garage sale at work and at social events can have a similar impact.

Put Up Signs

It’s tried and true — putting up signs in your neighborhood will always help bring shoppers to your yard sale. I put up signs from the closest high traffic route straight up to my house, with arrows at each turn. Make sure your signs are big enough to be easily read from a distance. A single sheet of paper probably won’t cut it — invest in some poster board and think big.

Advertise in the Classifieds

There are plenty of places that you can advertise your garage sale inexpensively or even for free. Personally, I rely on Craigslist because it’s free and easy to post to. But local newspapers and newsletters will often let you publish a classified ad for only a few dollars. You do have to plan these ads further out — at a minimum, you’ll probably need to place your ad a week before your yard sale.

The Yard Sale Sites

There are some devoted yard sale shoppers out there, and they follow certain sites closely, particularly because they include listings of local yard sales. Yard Sale Search and Garage Sales Tracker are good places to start.

Community Bulletin Boards and Newsletters

In your area, there are probably plenty of different opportunities to connect with your neighbors — the library or church or grocery store down the street may have a community bulletin board that you can post to. The neighborhood or community association may have a newsletter where you can send out updates. It’s just a matter of getting your yard sale listed.

Be Creative

You can do as much or as little advertising as you’d like for your yard sale. Doing a little more, of course, increases the chances that you’ll sell everything you’d like to. If you’re not sure if you’ve reached enough people through these advertising options, get creative. It’s just a matter of telling as many people as you possibly can.

This article is from Thursday Bram of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Help From a Former Pack Rat: Getting Rid of Stuff

Meg Favreau — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:36:16 +0000

I am writing to you from the trenches — my parents' house in New Hampshire — where the me of today is engaged in battle with the pack rat me of the past. Our battlefield is the drawers, boxes, and bins full of stuff that I left here. Right now, I am happy to say that I am winning — although the fight has not been easy.

Overcoming my pack rat tendencies over the past several years has taken some serious work. Part of the trouble is that, on the surface, being a pack rat can seem very frugal — it's easy to justify keeping stuff by telling yourself that you're saving it to reuse. For example, I used to craft a lot — but when I realized that I had multiple bins of craft supplies sitting around, untouched for years, I had to admit that I had a problem. (See also: Simple-Living Lessons I Learned From "Hoarders")

Below are some of the things that have helped me get rid of stuff — and if you've had a pack rat past, I hope they can help you too.

1. Set a Deadline

People who are able to get things done without deadlines, I salute you. But for me (and so many people I know), a deadline really helps drive productivity. Whether it's something big, like moving, or just agreeing to participate in a neighborhood yard sale, set a deadline to get yourself sorting through stuff.

2. Ask When You'll Use It

This isn't the same as how you'll use it. It's easy enough to look at a bag of yarn and tell yourself “Oh, I'll pick up knitting again sometime.” If you haven't used an item in the last six months and you can't see yourself using it in the next six months, toss it. If you do decide you want to knit again, there's always a good chance someone else will be selling their old gear around that time.

3. Work With a Voice of Reason

It's easy to argue with yourself about whether or not you'll use something and then get frustrated. Ask a trusted friend or loved one to help you sort through stuff and provide another perspective.

4. Get Excited About Making Money

Hey, you don't just have to get rid of stuff — you can sell it. Whether it's at a yard sale, on Craigslist, or via eBay, getting excited about the extra cash your old stuff might bring in can help you get active.

5. Experience the Joy of Giving

I'm not ready to have kids yet, but many of my friends and cousins have started having children...while I still have toys from when I was a kid sitting in my parents' basement. Yikes! But that means I also get to be the awesome person who bestows gifts on all of my friends' kids, and if you haven't seen a kid open a gift recently, let me tell you — it's pretty joyful.

6. Take Pictures

Digital photographs don't take up physical space — unlike the piles of middle and high school art I have. Now, when I'm throwing out art, I always take a digital picture first. That way I can still see my bizarre artwork if I really want to (and I'm serious about the bizarre part — earlier today I found a colored-pencil drawing I did of Scully from "The X-Files" standing near a phone booth on an abstract, multicolor background) without having to carry things around.

7. Go Through Again

I thought it was a good idea to keep some photos from my college photography class...until, when I was going through another closet, I found even better versions of the photos I decided to keep. Revisit what you've decided to keep. After you have a better sense of the big picture, you might be more willing to part with things you had previously decided to save.

8. Save Some Stuff...or Don't

There are two ways to approach what to keep, I think, and it all depends on what matters to you. I'm keeping a small selection of photographs, journals, and items that really matter to me. It makes it easier to get rid of other things when I think about how truly important these items are.

At the same time, getting rid of everything can really help you focus on the present. The important thing is to spend some time thinking about what really matters to you.

9. Remember the Joy of Simplicity

To not be bogged down with stuff, to not be paralyzed by too many choices, to live without clutter — these things are wonderful. Remember that as you get rid of things. Even if you can't sell something, even if you have to give it away for free — in many ways, you are not losing, you are gaining.

Are you a former (or current) pack rat? What helps you get rid of stuff? Leave you answer in the comments below.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Meg Favreau of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ask the Readers: How Do You Get Rid of Your Unwanted Stuff?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 10:36:08 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Autumn, kristina, and Tom for winning this week's contest!

Everyone has items in their house or in storage that they don't need or want anymore. Whether it's an old TV that never gets used or items of clothing your kids outgrew, odds are you've either sold, donated, or thrown away things you no longer use or just don't need. Some people take the time to sell stuff on Craigslist or have a yard sale while others either donate or throw away their unwanted stuff.

How do you get rid of your unwanted stuff? Do you sell it on Craigslist? Have a garage sale? Donate it? Or do you just throw it out?

Tell us how you get rid of your unwanted stuff and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — one for random comments, one for random Facebook "Likes", and another one for random tweets.

Mandatory Entry:

Post your answer in the comments below

For extra entries (1 per action):

Go to our Facebook page, "Like" us, and leave a comment on this article telling us you did, or
Tweet your answer. You have to be a follower of our @wisebread account. Include both "@wisebread" and "#WBAsk" in your tweet so we'll see it and count it. Leave a link to your tweet (click the timestamp for the individual URL) in a separate comment.

If you're inspired to write a whole blog post OR you have a photo on flickr to share, please link to it in the comments or tweet it.

Giveaway Rules:

Contest ends Monday, July 23rd at 11:59 pm Pacific. Winners will be announced after July 23rd on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
You can enter all three drawings — once by leaving a comment, once by liking our Facebook update, and once by tweeting.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook.
You must be 18 and US resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

Tell us how you get rid of your unwanted stuff and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: How to Host a Yard Sale

Ashley Jacobs — Thu, 31 May 2012 10:00:42 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some awesome articles on hosting a yard sale, shopping smarter for crafts, and frugal health and beauty tips.

News & Events

Wise Bread Tweetchat (#WBChat) — Don't miss our weekly #WBChat at 12pm PST! We will be giving away prizes!

Be sure to check out our News & Events Calendar to see all the awesome upcoming events in the personal finance world!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Tips for Yard Sale Success

Ashley Jacobs — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:00:11 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some great articles on tips for yard sale success, going green, and saving on your next family vacation.

News & Events

Wise Bread Tweetchat (#WBChat) — Don't miss our weekly #WBChat at 12pm PST! We will be giving away prizes!

Be sure to check out our News & Events Calendar to see all the awesome upcoming events in the personal finance world!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Ways to Earn Extra Cash When Money Is Tight

Mikey Rox — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:36:54 +0000

Even though I’m self-employed full-time, I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to make more money.

Earlier this year, I wrote a Wise Bread post on websites that can help you earn extra cash. I thought it was time to revisit the topic and let you in on a few more ways to get paid. (See also: 4 Reasons Why Everyone Needs Side Income)

1. Offer Experiences to Strangers

I recently learned about a new site called Vayable, which allows people with specialized knowledge and talents, local info, and time on their hands to create experiences that others can purchase. It’s basically a touring and activity company without the company. Anyone can join the site and set up an experience. For instance, the Kan Brothers offer motorcycle tours of San Francisco — which include helmet rental, a drink at a local hotspot, and a city map — for two to four people at $75 per person. In New York City, Kim G. is offering a personalized painting lesson for groups of two to six for a flat rate of $300; the experience includes acrylic paints; canvas board and supplies; studio space; wine, cheese, and crackers; and Kim’s undivided attention. Consider this tip if you’re interested in joining Vayable — browse the site to see what other people in your area are offering. By creating a unique experience that no one else has established, you have a better chance of getting booked.

2. Become a Mystery Shopper

Mystery shopping gigs have always been elusive — until now. I had to pass a written interview to be accepted by Goodwin & Associates Hospitality Services (and you will, too), but I’m enjoying the experience so far. The company maintains a database of available shops from which to choose and allots a dollar amount for each shop. Last week, I accepted an evening shop at Heartland Brewery for the amount of $60. Between my guest and me, we had to purchase one beer and one other drink, an appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert. The $60 fee may not seem like much — and it isn’t (you’re not going to walk away with much cash) — but if you purchase the cheaper menu items and your bill (plus tip) comes in under the allotted fee, you pocket whatever’s left over when the company pays you. After dining, however, shoppers are required to detail the experience on a questionnaire and provide a receipt in order to receive the fee. As I mentioned, you won’t make much money unless you’re thrifty, but at least you’ll receive a free meal.

3. Seek Out Odd Jobs on the Internet

So long as Craigslist is around, so too will there be part-time gigs like walking dogs, house cleaning, babysitting, yard work, and more. If you have the skills to accomplish these tasks, by all means get in touch with the poster. Depending on the nature of the job, you can make anywhere from $8 to $60 an hour, usually all cash and under the table. (See also: The 6 Best Lawn Mowers)

4. Have a Garage or Yard Sale

Every one of us has a storage unit, attic, basement, or garage piled high with things that we no longer want or need. So why are they sitting around collecting dust or rotting away? Take a day to clean out the clutter and put them up for sale, whether it’s on your front yard or on the Internet. If you have items that you think are more valuable than what you’ll get for them at a yard sale, take them to a pawnshop. Pawnshops are great for electronics, musical instruments, jewelry, and tools.

5. Turn Your Space into a Microsublet

I’m always singing the praises of microsubletting — that is, renting out your spare space to travelers — because, in my opinion, it’s the number one way to make a lot of cash with relatively minimal effort. We list our guest bedroom on Airbnb and Roomorama, and we’re consistently booked. In fact, we’re booked up every day until early January 2012. What that means is that travelers are paying us a nightly fee (ours averages $88 per night, but you can set your own) to stay in our home instead of in a pricey hotel. These cost-conscious travelers want a local experience for an affordable fee, and that’s what we give them. We also provide an immaculately clean home, free Wi-Fi, HD cable TV, a mini fridge, linens, coffee service, and more.

Now you’re probably wondering — doesn’t having guests in your home all the time bother you? No (though it does take a certain kind of person to do this), because the guests didn’t come to see me. They’re here to explore the city. They leave early in the morning and come home after dark. All I do is make sure the house is clean, provide them with welcoming hospitality, and watch my bank account grow.

6. Register for Focus Groups

I’ve participated in a few focus groups over the years, and it’s an extremely easy way to make money fast. Most groups will require you to fit a certain criteria, depending on the focus, but if you fit the bill, they’ll hand you some crisp ones in return. I’ve made anywhere from $50 to $125 per session, which usually last from one to two hours. That’s a pretty good payday just for offering my opinion. To search for focus groups for which you may qualify, check out the aptly named Find Focus Groups website.

7. Perform on the Streets

In New York City, there’s no shortage of street performers. Even the mother of Academy Award-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe sets up shop in the subway, singing for cash. While you may not make enough money to pay the rent, someone is always willing to drop change in that hat. Besides, if you don’t have anything else to do, you might as well entertain pedestrians.

8. Collect Recyclables for Cash

Every Sunday evening, there’s some person or another rummaging through the recyclables outside my building. They’re there to claim cans, bottles, and scrap metals before the city can whisk them away. And why not? Depending on where you live, you can earn up to 10 cents per item for turning in recyclable materials. This means of making money has become so popular in NYC that there’s a self-service recycling station at the end of my block. Collecting cans isn’t going to make you rich, but it will certainly help buy groceries.

9. Sell Your Body to Science

You don’t have to sell the whole thing, but certain parts of you are quite valuable to the medical community. Sought-after specimens include plasma, hair, eggs, and sperm. But before giving your goods away for a profit, you should consider the moral and ethical ramifications of such a decision. Donated sperm is sometimes used to fertilize donated eggs. If the prospect of having a biological child in the world that you don’t know about is too much of a burden to bear, don’t do it. A lifetime of wondering is not worth the quick cash you’ll receive.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Simple Steps To A Successful Garage Sale

Parenting Squad — Mon, 16 May 2011 09:48:30 +0000

A garage sale can be a great way to clean out your closets and make some extra cash. But if paying customers can't find you or aren't interested in what you have to offer, your hard work can quickly turn into a wasted Saturday morning.

Garage sales aren't complicated, but they can be intimidating if you've never had one before. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can follow to ensure that your garage sale is a huge success.

1. Sell The Right Stuff

Don't have a garage sale if you don't have stuff that other people want. Sure, one man's junk is another man's treasure and all that, but if you only have junk, your sale won't be very successful. Big ticket items like baby furniture and appliances, as well as useful items like tools, household accessories, and children's toys, are almost always popular.

You can certainly sell your trinkets too, but you're less likely to attract customers or make a decent profit if that's all you have. Consider designating a spot in your home to collect items you want to sell, and then, once you've accumulated enough quantity and variety, you can begin planning your sale.

2. Make Your Sale Visually Appealing

The same principles of retail apply to your garage sale — the more visually appealing your display, the more likely people are to make purchases. Everything at your sale should be clean and well-organized. Borrow tables and clothing racks if you can. Sort clothes by size to make shopping easier for your customers.

Don't just throw things in boxes, either. If you're selling books or movies, stack them neatly or line them up so that the titles can be read easily. Also, consider playing some background music to keep the mood pleasant, and if it's going to be a hot day, try to have a fan handy.

3. Curb Appeal Matters

People will drive by your sale to determine if a stop is worth their time. Be sure they can tell where the sale is, particularly if you have a rear-entry garage. Tie some colorful balloons to the mailbox or make a sign for the yard. And display some of your merchandise on the driveway, so they can catch a glimpse of what they'll be missing if they decide to keep driving.

4. Advertise

The more people who know about your sale, the more money you have the potential to make. Place an ad in your local paper. Make fliers and hang them on community bulletin boards. Post the date, time, and location of your sale on Craigslist, and don't forget to include the types of things you're selling, and pictures if you have them.

Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are also good options for spreading the word. And, on the night before your sale, put up signs at the entrance to your subdivision and the end of your street with arrows and your address.

5. Bundle Small Items

Things that won't sell on their own are often more likely to sell if you package them together. Fill Ziploc bags with a variety of tiny children's toys that you're looking to dump (think Happy Meal toys, bouncy balls, etc.). Bundle leftover rolls of wrapping paper with any extra ribbon and bows. If you have baskets or containers to sell, consider filling them up with goodies and then selling them for a higher price.

Also, instead of selling children's clothes for fifty cents or a dollar a piece, you might make more money (and get rid of stuff faster) if you sell an entire container of clothes in one size or season for a flat rate.

6. Sell Snacks and/or Beverages

People are more likely to take their time and browse if they're not hungry or thirsty. Keep a cooler filled with water bottles and soda, and sell them at cost (or make yourself a little extra profit). Or let the kids run a lemonade stand. Cookies, whether store bought or homemade, are also a big hit.

7. Appeal To Both Sexes

Typically, women shop at garage sales more than men. But a woman will spend a lot less time shopping if there's an anxious man waiting in the car. Men gravitate toward appliances, electronics, tools, and any kind of home repair items. (Yes, I know that's sexist, but in my experience it's also true.)

Do you have extra nuts and bolts or screws lying around your home? Maybe you just finished a home improvement project, and you have some items left that you won't be using to add to your sale.

8. Join Forces

Multi-family garage sales are always well-received because customers expect to find more choices and variety. Ask some of your neighbors if they're interested in having a garage sale on the same day as you do, or organize or participate in a subdivision sale. You'll get a lot more traffic this way, because potential customers are more likely to visit these sales.

If possible, though, encourage each family to host their own sale in their own garage. Dividing items and figuring out who made how much money can be tricky if you sell all your things together.

9. Price It Right

According to some sources, garage sale items should be priced at roughly 1/3 of what the item cost new. However...your customers don't care what you paid for it, and it's only worth what somebody is willing to pay. When you're pricing your items, think about how seriously you want to get rid of them. The cheaper the price, the more likely it is to sell.

Also, make your life easier and keep your prices simple. There's no reason to be stuck calculating sums like $1.35 plus $3.75 when you could just as easily be adding 1 plus 4. And make sure that everything has a price on it. Yes, it's hard work, but if you buy the color-coded stickers that already have the prices on them, it's not that hard.

10. Be Willing To Bargain

Most garage sale shoppers are looking for steals and deals. Price your items so that you have a little wiggle room when they ask if you're willing to "go lower." Be friendly, and be available to answer questions. Customers are more likely to buy if you seem trustworthy, and not like someone who's just trying to pawn off stuff that's going to break as soon as they get it home.

Another great tactic is to only bargain at the checkout. See what they've collected, and then instead of negotiating each item individually, tell them what you're willing to take for the whole pile. (If you offer to throw in something extra, they're very likely to take you up on your offer, and you're more likely to have an empty garage at the end of the day!)

Extra Garage Sale Tips

Be prepared with plenty of change and small bills.
Keep your money in your sight at all times.
Stockpile plastic grocery bags so you can offer bags with purchases.
Check local laws about placement of yard sale signs.
Don't hold your sale on a holiday weekend.

Garage sales can be intimidating if you've never organized one before. Follow these 10 simple steps and you'll be on your way to having your own successful garage sale.

Guest Post Blurb:

This post is by Alyssa Chirco from our sister blog, Parenting Squad. Visit Parenting Squad for more parenting tips and news:

This article is from Parenting Squad of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Have a Successful Garage Sale

Janey Osterlind — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:00:09 +0000

I recently had my first garage sale ever as an adult. It was a wild success, if I do say so myself. In dollar terms, let's just say we made enough to go out to at least four gourmet dinners, which is completely worth the effort in my book. How'd I do it? Here are some things I did that might be helpful when you plan your own sale:

Advertising

Letting people know you're having a sale is, of course, one of the most important parts of the equation. I put a posting on Craigslist on the Monday before the sale describing the location, time, and some of the better items for sale. I noticed that others who were posting about garage sales were including pictures and descriptions of some of their priciest items — a good idea, in my opinion, because people will email you ahead of the sale to purchase those items at full price. I also purchased a Friday ad in my local paper ($14), only because I assume professional garage sale shoppers scour these ahead of the weekend.

Finally, I made numerous signs to be put up at major intersections near my home and in my neighborhood to guide people to the sale. Be sure to check your local ordinances and neighborhood covenants for stipulations about signs, though, and always remember to take them down after the sale.

Setting Up the Sale

The two most important things to keep in mind when setting up your garage sale are money and time. As far as cost, keep it low by borrowing everything you need, including tables and clothing racks. For these, I called on friends and family. All told, I'd say I borrowed about six long folding tables, a shelving unit, and a clothing rack, which was perfect for my modest two-car garage.

I say to keep time, as well as cost, in mind because I failed to do just that. Apparently, lugging tables and clothing racks, setting them up, arranging items and pricing them takes some time. Who knew? I assumed (wrongly) that it was something I could knock out on the Friday evening before the sale. Give yourself several days to collect items, set up, and price items. And, speaking of pricing items, I erred on the high side. That way, people will bargain and feel like they're getting a great deal.

I also recommend pricing items either by table (as in, "all items on this table $2") or by type (as in, "all pants $2"). This is MUCH easier than pricing individual items. On the other hand, people don't like to look around, decide what category an item fits in, and try to guess price. So put prices on items that aren't clearly in one category or the other. Lastly, I'd only price in one-quarter increments — who wants to deal with making change in pennies, nickels, and dimes?

Checking Out

Have a cash box ready with plenty of bills and change. Despite the 20 or so $1 bills I had before the sale, I somehow found myself running short by 9 a.m.! Luckily, my parents stopped by (a consequence of living in the same town, I guess), and I hit them up for some change for a $10 bill. Problem solved, but you might not have that luxury. Prepare accordingly. Also be sure to keep the cash box on you at all times. It might seem like a no-brainer, but it bears mentioning.

Business

Here is a hodgepodge of tidbits to keep in mind during the actual sale:

The majority of people will be in and out of your sale within the first half hour, since the serious garage sale shoppers know that you have to go early to get the good stuff! After that, it's a pretty consistent (though sparse) stream until near the end of your sale. Mine was from 7 to 11 a.m.
Don't be afraid to tell people to leave. This is your home, and you should feel safe. I doubt this is the norm, but I had to do it after a strange man decided that it would be appropriate to shout expletives at his wife/girlfriend via cell phone at the end of my driveway. He wasn't buying anything, anyway.
Consider selling other items. In my case, we sold brand-new tailgating chairs (a long story relating to a failed chair store endeavor some years back), but you could also sell baked goods or coffee.
Do something with your barky dog. I thought about it beforehand, but couldn't think of a good solution to keep my giant Boxer from greeting people loudly when they approached. Perhaps you can come up with a solution for your own sale.

After the Sale

The work of a garage sale doesn't end at closing time, unfortunately. After the sale, you might consider selling some of your better unsold items on Craigslist (none of the shipping hassle that comes with eBay). You might also consider leaving some of your larger unwanted items on the curb and creating a "for free" post on Craigslist. Chances are, the item will be gone before the evening, no further hassle on your part required! Other items can be donated to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army, or you might consider posting an ad on The Freecycle Network.

In addition to taking care of unsold items, don't forget to return any borrowed tables or clothing racks to friends and family in a timely manner. And, after all is said and done, consider doing something worthwhile with the money you've earned from the sale. Although I said I made enough at my sale to pay for four gourmet dinners, I think my money will be better served in a high interest-rate checking account. Well, maybe whatever is left after just one gourmet dinner.

What about you? What experiences have you had that led to a successful garage sale? Share your thoughts!

This article is from Janey Osterlind of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

3 Proven Ways to Save Real Money at Garage Sales

Linsey Knerl — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:00:05 +0000

I just ended my whirlwind tour of a recent neighborhood garage sale event in a nearby community. Having been an annual tradition for as long as I could remember, I got up at 7 a.m., took breakfast on the road, and hit the sales with my mom in the driver's seat and my newborn son in the car seat. We hit sale after sale, armed with pockets of cash and an attitude of hopefulness.

Overall, it was disappointing: This year marked the first year I can remember wondering, "where is all the stuff?" Even with the obvious lack of selection, however, I was able to score some great items. Here is how I managed to get those awesome deals!

1. Look for forgotten items

That box of miscellaneous junk under the table, a shelf of unmarked items, or a few odds and ends that seem like an after-thought are going to be some of the best bargains at a yard sale. Why? In the rush to get everything tagged, many sale holders just don't know what to do with certain items. Items with price tags are those that they are hoping will bring in a profit. Those that aren't — they are just kind of there with no realistic expectations.

I recently snagged a set of Bushnell mini binoculars in excellent condition for a quarter because they were sitting on a shelf with no clear destiny. (I had just bought the same pair online for $20.) Those orphaned items are your best bet for coming in well under market price. Go ahead and offer a lowball price, or ask what they want. I guarantee you'll be surprised at the final price tag.

2. Scan all sales, then circle back for competitive pricing

A quick drive up and down a major garage sale route will tell you — in minutes — what the "hot" items are this year. During our recent sale experience we saw many of the same items at the end of every driveway: bunk beds, infant girl clothes, and high chairs. Seems like an odd trend, but one worth noting. I could drive around until I found the item most suited to my preferences and then strike up a deal.

The conversation would go something like this: "I see you have just the item I'm looking for. Since six other houses on in the neighborhood are offering a similar item, however, I'd love to just buy it here and save myself the trouble. Can I offer you $5 to take it right now?" By giving the seller the impression that the item will have to be competitively priced to sell, they will most likely give you your asking price (provided it is, indeed, fair).

3. Ask for exactly what you're looking for (even if you don't see it)

I was desperate to find my son knee pads to use with his new scooter. I didn't want to pay retail. After visiting about six sales with no luck, I began asking each seller if they happened to have any for sale. One of three things will happen by coming out and asking directly:

You will save time at each sale by not having to scour tables of junk for what you're looking for (and possibly can save money by not being tempted by unnecessary items).
You give the seller a chance to consider whether or not they might want to sell one that they own (but don't have out on the tables).
You give the seller a chance to let you know about a neighbor or friend that is selling one at their sale (which gives you a direct lead to what you want, without all of the window shopping hassle). When you arrive to the destination sale, be sure to let the seller know that you came in search of a great price on the item, and that their neighbor referred you. They will appreciate the business and might be willing to haggle on the price.

In the case of our knee pads, one seller could tell us the exact address of a sale that she swore sold them. She ended up saving me much time in my search through over 50 sales!

All in all, I found the yard sales to be a great reminder of how to negotiate in the real world. If you're terrified to try bargaining tactics at your local mall, why not get some practice at the next city-wide garage sale?

This article is from Linsey Knerl of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

yard sale

12 Garage Sale Items That Sell Like Hotcakes

1. Gently used clothing, in good condition

2. Tools

3. Furniture

4. Vintage dishes, glassware, and casseroles

5. Garden tools

6. Shoes and handbags

7. Costume jewelry

8. Games, toys, and bicycles

9. Books

10. Appliances

11. Camping gear

12. Exercise equipment

Like this article? Pin it!

13 Smart Garage Sale Bargain Hunting Tricks

1. Make Sure It's Built for the Future

2. Seek Apathy

3. Leave the Car Behind

4. Buy It All

5. Haggle on Prices

6. Hit the First Day

7. Plan Your Attack

8. Bring Cash

9. Arrive Early

10. Check Your List

11. Check Back at Closing Time

12. Items to Avoid

13. Look for These Instead

Best Money Tips: How to Get the Most Cash at Your Yard Sale

Top 5 Articles

Other Essential Reading

Convert Your Crap Into Cash Without a Garage Sale

1. Clothing

2. Furniture

3. Electronics

4. Valuables That Aren't Selling Online

Have Your Best Garage Sale Ever by Following These 9 Retail Secrets

1. Advertise, Advertise, Advertise

2. Presentation Is Everything

3. Pricing: Become an Expert

4. Add Ons — A Profitable Selling Tactic

5. The Art of the Deal

6. Organize Pre-Sales and Post Sales

7. Those Darn Early Birds

8. Take a Tip From Successful Non-Profits

9. Snacks and Refreshments

Like this article? Pin it!

Best Money Tips: Throwing a Yard Sale When You Live in an Apartment

Top 5 Articles

Other Essential Reading

Great Ways to Advertise Your Yard Sale

Your Social Networks

Put Up Signs

Advertise in the Classifieds

The Yard Sale Sites

Community Bulletin Boards and Newsletters

Be Creative

Help From a Former Pack Rat: Getting Rid of Stuff

1. Set a Deadline

2. Ask When You'll Use It

3. Work With a Voice of Reason

4. Get Excited About Making Money

5. Experience the Joy of Giving

6. Take Pictures

7. Go Through Again

8. Save Some Stuff...or Don't

9. Remember the Joy of Simplicity

Like this article? Pin it!

Ask the Readers: How Do You Get Rid of Your Unwanted Stuff?

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

Mandatory Entry:

For extra entries (1 per action):

Giveaway Rules:

Best Money Tips: How to Host a Yard Sale

Top 5 Articles

Other Essential Reading

News & Events

Best Money Tips: Tips for Yard Sale Success

Top 5 Articles