Garage Sale Saavy

Ok, we have all done this. We have gone to a garage sale and found the perfect item for a great price. Got it home and it doesn't work. The next time that you know you are going out to garage sales remember a few tips.

If it is electric, plug it in before you buy it. Don't be shy, you don't want to get it home to find out that it doesn't work.

Keep a small bag of batteries with you so that you can drop them into an item to make sure that battery operated games or items work.

Inspect any boxed items and make sure that all of the parts are with it.

If you see something that you like, pick it up and carry it around. Even if you are not sure that you want it. You can always put it back.

Being the first person at the sale is great, but sometimes they are not ready setting up and you may miss out on a great find. Don't be afraid to get to a sale too late. I have gone to sales late in the afternoon and found things that I really wanted and was often able to get it for much less than the marked rate.

Make sure that you take cash in small bills and change. Don't roll it all together. Sometimes I will put small amounts into different pockets. Now I have some bartering power. You can say, gee I only have $5, then not pay for it with a $20, or pull out a wad of cash blowing your bluff.