posted on April 24, 2003 01:48:47 PM new
I'm not talking about those books on "how to run your own successful garage sale" ~ I'm actually looking for a book with tips on how to get the best deals at garage sales, how to shop effectively. Let me know if you know if one!! Thanks much!
Sherah Taylor
Publisher of the "Auction Moms" Newsletter
*Learn the inside secrets of selling children's clothes on eBay for High Profits*
(email [email protected] for your free subscription)
posted on April 24, 2003 09:35:09 PM new
Sherah: Your posting looks very much like an ad, hence the "spam" message here. To give yourself a little more credibility, next time you have a question be sure to just ask the question!
posted on April 25, 2003 09:43:34 AM new
Thankyou all for your "kind" replies! While I do understand your jumping to the conclusion that it was a spam post, it definantly was NOT. I am always looking for things to give my readers the edge up -- and I am truly looking for a book with hints on how to shop for garage sales.
As for the search engine, believe me, that is where I started!! EVERY single one of them that I find, even on Amazon, was on how to do your OWN garage sale. I'm not interested in that part of it.
My newsletter is about selling kids clothes on ebay, and during the summer everyone knows things slow to a crawl in that area. So I would like to steer them towards garage sales, and would love to have a good (affiliate or not) book to offer.
Thanks again guys.......you were most helpful. And thanks to the kindly old lady also ......I appreciate your kind words. This time I'll take out part of my signature; does that make it better?
Sherah Taylor
Publisher of the "Auction Moms" Newsletter
posted on April 27, 2003 03:43:09 AM newWhile I do understand your jumping to the conclusion that it was a spam post, it definantly was NOT.
Oh, it definitely WAS.
...since your contrition did not go as far as editing the original post to remove the blatant advertisement.
--
"I'm thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said `I drank WHAT?'"
posted on April 28, 2003 08:15:51 AM new
I don't know if such a book would be too useful. There isn't a set pattern at garage sales. Some people sell high, some people sell low. Some people deal, some people don't. Some people have good stuff, some people have junk. What I consider good stuff, someone else might consider junk, and what I consider junk other people might consider good stuff.
It all comes down to common sense, and being able to exploit a market. I don't go to garage sales looking for glassware or antiques, because quite frankly I don't know much about that. I specialize in a couple of different areas, and have gotten to the point where I know what is good, and what is bad. It just takes practice and experience, nothing that you can really teach someone in a book.
posted on April 28, 2003 09:20:30 AM new
I was thinking more along the lines of helpful tips such as.....go to garage sales right before they close, because alot of times things that were marked way high (and didn't sell) will be 1/2 off or even free. Or, give them your phone number to call you when the sale is over, if the "widget" didn't sell.
For me, these are things that I remember now but I might forget when it comes time to go to the garage sales. It would just be handy to have something full of tips like these -- to jumpstart my memory and also find out things I never thought to do before.
Of course haggling, etc is a given but there are alot of things the average person wouldn't think of (at least I didn't until I read this board) like not driving your SUV and dressing really nice -- not having big bills, etc.
posted on April 28, 2003 09:46:03 AM new
There are benefits to going early or late. Early means the best stuff, and if they are underpriced, some tremendous deals. I recently picked up a box of about 100 brand new unusual CD's for about 35 cents each. I talked them down a little, but not much. I've sold these for about $10 each. That wouldn't have been there at the end of the sale. I've also picked up video game systems and games at unreal prices - again, early was the only way to go because they would not have been around later.
End of sales are good times to make really lowball offers. I've done well doing this as well. Worst they can say is no, that is my philosophy. They may bargain as well, I've gotten pretty good at that. I don't think there is a best time to do this, a lot is just plain dumb luck.
posted on April 28, 2003 11:40:20 AM new
And here's another thought, too! I was out of town for a garage sale that sounded really good. The following week I went over, knocked on the door, and explained I'd been gone, asking if there was anything left. Was there ever!
They led me to a huge garage, where they'd laid out all the wonderful stuff, including great collectibles! they hadn't sold, AND all the things they'd laid out for the NEXT sale. They told me to take my time and browse through. I bought 3 boxes of things plus two wonderful Pottery Barn area rugs, total of $170. What a bonanza. So I think I'll be doing this again!
posted on April 28, 2003 12:35:13 PM newgo to garage sales right before they close, because alot of times things that were marked way high (and didn't sell) will be 1/2 off or even free.
In this economy?
With so many people selling on eBay or knowing someone who sells on eBay?
Gee, how come I never ran into anyone who was giving away boxes of Roseville vases?
--
"I'm thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said `I drank WHAT?'"
there are still plenty of things at garage sales that sell very well, you just have to use your head.
last Saturday I went to a garage sale and saw a few of the area BM antique dealers looking around...well
while they were looking up there noses at everything, I picked up about a dozen items for a total of $23.00...
just one item sold for $177.00 last night...they didn't want it, fine with me. i made over $400.00 this week on purchases I made last saturday...total spent less than $35.00.
it just takes a little intuition and a lot of common sense.
early or late to sales? I have done well at both. I always ask if they will take less than sticker price, they can only say no and most say yes when they see my arms full of items.
garage sales are about the same as flea markets late in the day...they don't want to pack it up so are inclined to make you a great deal.
fluffy
Roseville at yard sales? in my area you can still find them once in a while. I purchased 3 pieces of older McCoy last year, all same pattern, for 35 cents apiece... final tally? over $200.00
