Reasons to go, tips for yard sales

I think I have already mentioned that I like yard sales, but I wanted to show you three of the best reasons why. The silver tray, crystal bowl and teapot were all purchased at yard sales in the last year. I spent a total of $12 on these three items and I have really enjoyed all three.

Now that school is back in and the weather is not so extreme, yard sales are going to pick up. They actually happen year round, but they peak in the spring and again around Labor Day. It is a very popular way to get rid of old stuff and a good opportunity to pick us something useful. I am hoping to host my own sale as soon as it gets a little cooler.

Tips when shopping:
Only buy what you KNOW you will use, re purpose, resell or can give away. Just because it is a good deal doesn't mean you have to have it.

Try to talk people down on prices, but never be rude. You are the guest. Just because their prices are too high or seem offended, doesn't mean you have to respond negatively. Just walk away. You will find the item down the road or another weekend for a great price.

If you think you can resell the item for a better price, then buy it. So many people are finding they can sell something on eBay and make a few dollars -- but this is risky. If you don't care about taking the risk, buy, if you don't like risks, don't do it.

Just because there is a sign on the item saying it is an antique, doesn't mean it is. I saw an old computer desk the other day at a yard sale with a sign saying it was an antique. It had a hefty price. Who were they trying to kid? It was crazy! Just don't be fooled by the tags. Make sure you know antiques. Also, for antiques to be worth a high price they must be in good shape. A dented and scratched chest with a high price just isn't worth it. You can go to an antique store sale and often get better prices (and genuine antiques). Of course it if is worth it to you, buy it, just beware about claims on yard sale tags.

If you want to re purpose something, check it over thoroughly to make sure it is something you can fix or reuse.

Use a GPS or Google maps or something similar to map out your yard sale adventure. This will help to save on time and gas.

Don't worry if you have to miss some yard sales. There will always be another one next weekend with similar items. It's amazing how many of the same things I see.

Have any more tips? Leave a comment and I will add it to a later blog post.