How to Grab a Real Bargain at a Yard Sale

Many people attend yard sales because they just cannot resist a bargain. Anything that is marked down can look appealing to people who are looking around to find a good bargain at a yard sale. But before you head off to your neighbour's yard sale, it is best to be prepared.

1. Make a list

This isn't the same as going to the supermarket and doing your weekly grocery shopping, but you are still a consumer when you go round someone else's home with the intention of buying something. What tends to happen when you go shopping with no shopping list? That is when you are more likely to place items in the basket that you do not really need. The same is true when you go to a yard sale as well. So think carefully about what you would like to buy. Do you need children's clothes? Kitchen appliances? Towels? If you have been searching for cheap clothes for months and you see a sign for a yard sale, you could end up finding just what you want.

2. Budget

It may seem odd to say that you will need a budget when you go to a yard sale, but it is surprising how many people will will go home after spending a great deal of money at a yard sale on items they have bought. This is often because it is tempting to see the words "yard sale" and immediately equate that with "bargain" and "cheap". It is true that most items on sale at yard sales are cheap. But if you buy five bags of items, will you still be within your budget. It is worth considering before you leave the house. Consider limiting yourself to a certain amount of money.

3. Condition of items

When you attend yard sales you will see items in varying conditions. Some items will look flawless and practically new, while others will have scratches, stains, marks and fading. If you are looking through clothes, be particularly careful. Look for holes, stains and evidence of wear and tear. A skirt that is on offer for $3 may seem cheap, but if it is ripped and has a hole in it, have you really saved yourself any money? It will probably end up in the bin. The same can be said for cheap furniture. If a coffee table has a lot of visible marks of wear and tear, it will not really be worth putting in your home, unless you are able to restore it.

4. Price

The price on items is not always the final price. You can haggle if you feel up to it. I have done this, but I feel uncomfortable doing it! Normally, people are willing to go down a few dollars, if they are really keen to make a sale. But do not take haggling to extremes. Remember that you are probably already getting a good bargain. So learn when to reach a compromise.

5. Be a good customer!

Half the fun of yard sales is browsing around and chatting with the people who are hosting the yard sale. Ask about the items on sale and have a good look through things. But if you choose not to buy anything, make sure you fold up the clothes you have been going through and put the ornaments back where you found them.

Attending yard sales is a fun pastime for some bargain hunters. If you are well prepared for a day of bargain hunting, you will enjoy yourself even more.