• Look at everything- try to be quick but thorough.
• See a box sitting off to the side? Dig through it. Everyone else has probably overlooked it, thus leaving the treasure for you!
• Strike up a conversation with the person hosting the sale. They are far more likely to give you a better deal and possibly even throw in some freebies!
• Use your imagination. Sometimes you have to envision that battered odd chair as the beautiful unique piece that it will be after a coat of paint.
• For clothing: when in doubt, buy it anyway. If the clothing is less than $1 per piece, it’s worth the risk of it not fitting you. If it doesn’t fit, give it away or donate it to your local thrift store for a tax write off.
• Remember: the more often you hunt, the quicker you’ll be able to spot the treasures.
• Older more established neighborhoods tend to have the best deals. (At least in my experience.) Why? I have no idea- this is just my experience.
• If you even think about buying something, pick it up. I’ve literally had the rug pulled out from under me! (I really should have bought that rug!)
• Don’t be bashful about making an offer if you don’t like the price. Don’t lowball, but offer what you think is fair.
• If you see something that may have come in a set (dishes for example) ask if they have more.
• Bring plenty of cash. Most people will not accept checks and you never know what you’ll find!
• If you have other friends that yard-sale, share lists of things you are looking for and how much you’re willing to pay. This way, if you can’t get out that day, you still have a shot at finding what you need.
The waiting game!
We wait 5 minutes for the coffee to brew, 20 minutes in traffic, 2 hours at the doctor’s office, and 9 months for our babies! So why is it so hard to wait when it comes to buying things? Do you have to have that bedspread today? Is your life going to end because you didn’t buy those shoes yesterday? Like any good hunter would tell you, be patient and it will pay off! I just restrained myself from buying something at the store yesterday. I just reminded myself that yard sale season is right around the corner and I'll be kicking myself later if I buy this thing full price now.
My number one tip for saving money on groceries is to wait until you can get a good deal. Stock up when you do hit a great sale and soon you'll have your own "store" from which you can draw when good deals can't be found. By using this method, you will never be forced to pay a high price for something when you really need it. When I get certain items for free or almost free that I don't need or plan to use, I donate them to the local food bank or rescue mission. What a fun way to help others with your savings! So if you're wondering what to do with 4 sticks of deodorant, just stash it away and when you're ready for a new stick, you won't have to pay $6 for it.
