Going yardsaleing can be a very good way to see your dollar bills stretch. Some people have a yard sale to make money off of their things or even buy things to re-sale at a yard sale. Some people have a yard sale to get rid of what they no longer need or want. That's fine. I, as a buyer, will go to a yard sale to get a good used item for a good price. I try to never take advantage of the seller. I will look at an item and if the price seems more than I am willing to pay or doesn't seem worth the price, I can either ask if the seller will take a lower price or walk away. For example, last week, I went to a yard sale, and there was a lot of good, educational books for younger school age children. The price was $2 for a hardback book, and $1 for a paperback book. I was aware that our private school was looking for just such books. I picked out 25-30 books and asked if the seller would do better on the price. She told me she was a teacher and would be very glad to give them to me for 1/2 price. I bought 30-40 books at a very reasonable price that I could donate to my school library. It was a good feeling. At another yard sale, I saw a child's scooter. It was a little rusty but seemed in OK shape. It did not have a price tag, so I asked. My willing to pay price was $3. The lady told me $10. I did not really need another scooter, plus I can buy a brand new one for around $20. So it was still there beside the tree when I went by on my way home.
Yard sales also are a good place to buy next-to-new clothing for especially babies. You can find light-weight blankets($1 or less), bedding ,coats, etc. I saw a snowsuit for a small baby for $2.50 and a sz. 3-6 mon. coat for $3. Very nice condition. I did buy a cute dress 12-18 mon. for $1.50. It is nice enough to give away as a baby gift or some future grandchild. Why pay $20 or more for something a baby will wear for a short time? The older child can be outfitted usually depending on your style. Jeans sometimes are harder to find in sizes 5 and up. But if you perservere, you can still find them occasionally. Look for the ads that list specif sizes. My baby is 7 years old, so I also try to look for good quality clothes to send to a charity called Christian Aid Ministries. It is very rewarding to take home a bagful for the poor.
I also keep my eyes open for things I cannot necessarily afford. Last week, my friend bought a deepfryer with a basket for $4. I could tell it was hardly used. At the same yard sale, the seller had a silverware (not real silver) 12 pc. place setting set for $4. Still new and shiny looking. At another yard sale, I saw a nice big, 6 qt stainless steel crockpot for $6. Very good prices. I also bought a 10pc, 12" border stone(it was resin) flowerbed edging set for $3. A few weeks ago, I bought drinking glasses for 10 cents a piece. They were not the latest style (Holly Hobby, etc) but they drink the same.
Community yard sales can be a good way to get to alot of yard sales without spending a lot of time driving. But they are not every week. So when I look through the ads, I look for clothes, and specific items I could use. Also it is fun to see what I can find. I have found good bargains at yard sales just by following signs.
So if you have never tried yard saleing, grab a paper and a friend or a daughter and have a enjoyable morning finding bargains!!
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