Yes, it is just about time for the bargain hunter's season to start up. April 1st seems to mark the beginning of the yard, garage, and house sale season and this year might be a good year to pick up some real winners. The weak economy may translate to home owners looking to unload some of the garage, basement, and attic treasures, including the furniture, stored away. Picking up a little cash from a yard sale may mean that pickers like us, will have great opportunities to come up with some real finds. Just a few tips to help you out.
- Be Fair: Just because it's a yard sale does not mean everything has to be less than a buck. Be fair with the bidding. A chair for $20 may be a steal, but to work the price down to a fiver might be rude. Others are watching your transaction.
- Look for labels and marking: When checking out the china, pottery, silver, and even the furniture, dig around and see if you can locate the markings that would indicate the manufacturer. Picking up locally made items can be a great selling point for you later. You may have to study up some about markings for pottery and such, as there are a ton of them. If you like a certain artist, manufacturer, style, or model, let others know. If others come across something you mention, the are likely to give you a holller. You can't be everywhere. Let the homeowners know if you are looking for something specific. They may have a few items in reserve, not knowing whether to put it out for the sale or not.
- Have fun: Driving from street to street with no plan of action, in a reckless run to find the bargain of the weekend is not the way to spend your day. Plan out a travel quest and follow the route. Remember, you are in neighborhoods where kids are playing, running, and riding their bikes and trikes, so be on the alert when you are behind the wheel.
I know a number of folks who work together. If you have a collectors group or a seatweaving guild, you might share your interests and then when everyone hits the road, you have 4 or 5 other pairs of eyes on the lookout for your items. Remember to look for others' interests as well. I am always on the lookout for an interesting Golden Oak caned chair, rocker, caned pieces, and kid's furniture. If you see something, give me a ring!
Happy and Safe Hunting
Charles Elliott
TaleWeavers
Posted at: 06:18 PM | Add Comment