Anonymous said…
Talking about books, it will be yard sale season soon. Can you write a post about where to find yard sale, what will be considered good deals, and any tips?
In response to anonymous, I am sharing what I’ve learned about efficient yard saling over the last few years. I am by no means an expert, but I will share these simple strategies to get you started:
1) Have a game plan
I learned this from Mrs. Jones, the mother of my forever best friend, Amanda (a frequent commenter on this blog) whom I grew up with since nursery school. Mrs. Jones always bought a paper and mapped out where she was going to go shopping on Saturday mornings. With the internet, a paper isn’t always necessary, but a game plan is. In our area, most people advertise on Craigslist. I log onto Craigslist Friday night and search for neighborhood or community yard sales. I used to go to ones that were in my general vicinity but because I am shopping for specific items instead of just going for fun, I find it more appealing to hit 15 yard sales in a three block radius (or even better a community parking lot) instead of driving around for hours looking for random yard sales.
Additionally, I used to yard sale in the neighborhoods around my house with little luck in finding children’s items. That was when I realized all the people with kids older than mine live about 20 minutes away in several established family neighborhoods. Now, I scout those areas instead. Do a little reconnaissance. I have been known to drive to my mom’s an hour and half away for a children’s yard sale that happens in the spring and fall. I can mostly outfit my kids between these two sales and even picked up some birthday and Christmas items last year.
2) Know what you need
I alluded to this in an earlier post… before each season I do an itemized inventory of the kids’ clothes. I then make a list noting what I have and what I need. It can be overwhelming when you get arrive at a parking lot with 50 vendors and have no idea if you need pink pants or blue pants to round out your child’s wardrobe.
I also keep track of toys. I know what ‘sets’ my kids own and only buy more of those sets. Otherwise I am overrun with parts, pieces, and babies from every brand out there. For example, my girls play with Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony, and Polly Pockets. They also have Barbies that were gifted to them from their father and others, but I do not actively seek these out at yard sales. Because they don’t watch a ton of T.V. they don’t how many other things are out there and don’t know to ask for other popular toys.
I always snatch up craft items, even if they’re random. The girls are always cutting and gluing something. It’s a cheap way to keep them entertained.
3) Start early
I try to leave my house by 7 a.m., even when the yard sale ad says it starts at 8 or 8:30. If it is a big community yard sale, I might leave earlier. First, I know I am traveling twenty minutes to get there and second the best things are snatched first. So it just makes sense to try and be the first one there. (Sidenote: don’t forget to take a snack to get you through the morning!)
4) Know your stuff
This is where pricing comes in. Know what things cost MSRP and what brands hold up better than others. For example, Gymboree and Carter tend to run a little big so when bought used, they are mostly still true to size. The more inexpensive brands like Old Navy and Target tend to shrink with use so are smaller than labeled when bought second-hand. Know this before you shell out money for kids’ clothes. No matter how much money you save, it’s still a waste if you get it home and it doesn’t fit.
5) Know your kids
As with fit, style is becoming more of an issue in our household. I think I actually have to take Natalie with me this year when ‘shopping’ for her clothes. I bought several beautiful dresses and shirts for her last year she refused to wear because they weren’t her style. I like to feel as if I look nice so I want to afford her the same.
6) Barter and Pricing
Most people having a yard sale are not trying to make a huge amount of money – most are simply trying to get rid of what they can no longer use. Something is only worth what you are willing to pay for it. If it is priced a little higher than you want to pay, it is okay and expected for you to offer a lower price. If I feel an item is overpriced, I typically ask if the seller will take half the asking price anticipating them to counteroffer. If the item is an odd numbered price, say $5, I round up in my math, in this case $3. The object isn’t to offend the owner, but to settle at a price that works for both of you.
Knowing what price you are willing to pay comes with experience. The more you get out there, the more you will know what the typical going rate in your area is. If I pull up to a sale that has their kids clothes marked more than $2 a piece, they better be selling a very expensive brand and even then I don’t tend to stick around long. I know there are some who happily pay $5 for a Gymboree shirt, but for me I know I can get Gymboree shirts for $5.99 on clearance and I know there are yard sales out there selling the same brand for $1 or $2. I am willing to wait for those sales. This isn’t everyone. Set your own price point and stick with it.
As a sidenote, I typically don’t spend more than $1 for baby and toddler clothes. There are so many in good condition at yard sales that it is easy to outfit a kids at this price. For 4T and up, it is harder to find good quality and good condition. Therefore, I have been known to pay up to $3 for the right article of clothing, especially nice church dresses.
I pay up to $5 for winter coats. For boots, $3ish. And mittens fifty cents. They are $1 new at Target.
For books, I don’t spend more than $1 for hardback and fifty cents for softback and kids books. There has been a time or two when I’ve really wanted a kids book so paid $1 when the seller wouldn’t budge, but that is rare. There are so many people getting rid of books you are bound to find enough at the inexpensive rate.
For toys, it really depends on what it is. And knowing the MSRP is the best way to judge if you are getting a deal. I have no tips here except to know what type of toys you are looking for and what they go for in the stores.
I’m sure there are many other tips out there. Anyone else have something to share?
(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss
Comments (5)
when is the spring yardsale in hagerstown? stephanie
Thanks for writing it. This is great!!! I will put it to practice this coming spring, maybe next week?
Anonymous who asked the question.
This is a great post… do you mind if I link up to it for my Thrifty Thursday Bog?
Thanks,
Michelle
pageturnercrafts@gmail.com
pageturnercrafts.blogspot.com
The spring yardsale sponsored by the hospital and Mack/Volvo is on May 22 in the Volvo parking lot.
There is a fabulous yardsale put on by the Frederick County Parents of Multiples (Google this for directions) on April 17. The nice thing about this one is that they sort the clothing into size & sex so it’s much easier to shop. The books, toys, strollers, etc. are also sorted.
Great tips!! Thank you!
Melissa h.