If you’ve set up a budget, you know how hard it can be to keep on track. We all have times when our expenses are bigger than we thought. Shopping at yard sales can balance your budget again in a hurry. Put aside your biases (“new” is not always better than “used”), grab the classified section of your local newspaper, and start saving!
Make a list. Many people have a great time ambling from sale to sale. For them, it’s entertainment and sport. But a budget-minded shopper wouldn’t enter a grocery or discount store without a list. The same applies to yard sales as places to economize. What do you need to buy? Write it down. This will help you keep to task.
Plan your route. If you live anywhere near the world’s longest yard sale, you have it made! Just circle the dates on your calendar and hit one highway lined with tables of wares. But most of us need to plan our yard sale journeys. Check classified ads in your local newspaper as well as Craigslist. Plot your route on a map, plug sale addresses into an online mapping site like Yahoo! Maps, or program your GPS device to create the shortest route, which will save fuel and vehicle wear and tear.
Shop early. Or late. Great items go fast at yard sales. If you’re shopping for an advertised hot item, get there just before the sale’s starting time. On the other hand, some things – like adult clothing, for example – can usually be purchased by the bagful at pennies per item, especially as a sale is drawing to an end. In general, the best prices will be found at the end of a yard sale, but the selection may be more limited.
Take cash. But not too much. Set yourself a limit for the day’s shopping, and take only that much cash with you. Leave your checkbook and ATM card at home. Change is always appreciated, as are small bills.
Bargain for a better price. Always ask, “What would you take for this?” (And try not to let your voice quiver with excitement if it’s something you’ve been really needing!) If you are buying more than one item, it’s fine to make an offer that is a little lower than the prices the seller is asking. Be courteous, and be willing to walk away from the deal if it is not to your satisfaction.
Leave your guilt at home. You do not need to buy something at every yard sale you encounter. You will not be insulting anyone if you browse a while and then leave. Smile, wish the seller luck, and go on to the next sale.
Smart Saturday morning garage sale shopping can bring your budget back in line fast. For more money-saving tips and tools, check out Quizzle.com, where you’ll find out your potential for credit improvement and get the most affordable credit monitoring on the web.
Also, check out these other great money-saving articles from the QuizzleWire:
- Advice for a Successful Garage Sale
- Got Debt? 5 Steps to Get out of Debt Faster
- Ways to Improve Your Home Selling Potential on the Cheap
- Money-Saving Tips for Pet Lovers
- 5 Dangerous Money Pitfalls to Avoid
You can find local garage sale listings (with maps) on Yard Sale Search as well. If you have a bookoo site in your area, that’s a good source as well, since craigslist isn’t everywhere.