How to Shop Garage Sales the Smart Way

Author: Danielle Fleming | | Categories: Design Tips , Estate Sales , Garage Sales , interior designer , KCKS Interior Designer , KCMO Interior Designer

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Due to the shear mass of spring cleaners, May is prime time to snag a unique piece of furniture at a good deal! Although estate and garage sale shopping can be a fun activity, it can also be very overwheleming. So, here are some tips to help you prepare for a successful house-hopping expereince: 

Map It Out

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College presentaitons, business memos, the answer to "where do babies come from" --there are a lot of situations where you have to "just wing it," and you'll still be okay. But, garage sales are not one of them. Without a plan, it's easy to get exhausted before you find even one good item. So, before you strap on the sneakers, be sure to look up which hosues are having sales, and make a sensible route. 

Carry Cash

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The best way to get a seller to lower the price? "I only have a ten with me." Most Garage/estate sellers will not be able to take credit or debit anyway, so carrying cash is definitely a good decision. Another benefit? Carrying only the cash you want to spend prevents you from overspening. 

Decide Which Day to Shop

If you decide to go day one of the garage sale, be prepared to find the best items for the worst price. Sellers tend to start high in the beginning. Of course, you can try your hand at haggling, but with the promise of more sale days, day-one sellers might be a bit stingier. 

Get Business-y

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In the event you find an item you love, but the seller refueses to offer a reasonable price, bring business cards. Hand the seller a business or notecard with your name and number. Let them know that if they can't sell the item at their price, they should give you a call and you'll buy it for your offer. 



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