5 Essential Yard Sale Tips From a Seasoned Shopper of 25 Years

When I turned five, my mother started an antique store, which meant that during many sunny Saturday mornings, you could find me there.
yard sales
While my mom hunted for old treasures to sell again, I scoured for things kids would love, like dolls and playthings. Even though I\’m all grown up now, I still feel a thrill when the weather turns warmer and people begin setting up yard sales outside their homes. Naturally, both my preferences and I have matured over time, so nowadays I look for a wide range of stuff—from home decoration pieces and artwork to clothes and culinary tools.

Throughout the years, I\’ve also been involved in hosting multiple events.
garage sales
, including hosting garage sales to declutter our space and organizing multi-family gatherings in our front yard. Having experienced both sides—as a purchaser and as a vendor—I\’ve learned many valuable lessons about what works and what doesn\’t when going to these sales.

Therefore, regardless of whether you\’re an enthusiastic garage-saler searching for your next big discovery or a weary seller preparing your items, consider these five guidelines for proper yard-sale conduct to ensure everyone maintains their most courteous southern demeanor.

Know Before You Go

Arrive at the Beginning—Not Early

Sales usually specify their opening and closing hours, so tailor your travel plans accordingly. It’s fine to arrive slightly ahead of schedule; however, allow the vendors enough time to prepare themselves. In earlier days, we used to begin setting up just before sunrise to make sure everything was perfect—but sometimes people showed up wielding flashlights even before our setup had started—a real shocker! If you’re selling, include \”no early visitors\” in your listings and kindly request those who arrive too soon to return closer to your announced start time.

Watch Out When Parking

Yes,
yard sales
Can offer an exhilaration, particularly when you approach and notice something appealing prior to stopping. Nonetheless, amidst that excitement, ensure
considerate
Make certain of the spot where you park your vehicle. Ensure that you do not trap other cars in their spaces or obstruct your neighbor’s driveway or mailbox with your full-sized SUV.

If finding parking is difficult, as a seller you might want to put up signs to assist your customers in locating spots effortlessly. Additionally, it’s polite to refrain from walking on private lawns unless the garage sale is being held outdoors specifically in the yard; make sure not to step on the lawns or flowerbeds belonging to both the sellers and nearby neighbors.

Bring Small Bills

Usually, ATMs dispense only $20 notes, making it common for shoppers at local garage sales to carry twenties. However, both purchasers and vendors ought to ensure they have lesser denominations available. Should you come across an item priced at just one dollar, offering a twenty could leave the vendor stranded without adequate change or having neglected to secure smaller bills beforehand. In my experience from attending several such events, situations arise when customers present sellers with a single twenty-dollar bill, rendering transactions impossible due to insufficient lower-denomination currency on either side. Despite possessing some change, using up too much might create difficulties further down the line for those involved.

Negotiate Just Enough

Vendors aim to clear out their stock, while buyers seek valuable deals, making it common to negotiate prices, particularly with higher-priced goods or bulk purchases. Typically, some discussion occurs until both parties agree on a price, ensuring fairness to the seller throughout this process.

Suggesting $10 for something worth $50 could be seen as offensive to many sellers, so start by inquiring about their lowest possible price or whether they would consider negotiation. Should their pricing seem reasonable, I generally avoid requesting discounts; however, when the amount involved is significant, I certainly attempt some bargaining. Additionally, I’ve noticed that vendors tend to become more flexible with their prices towards the end of the day, particularly after considering how to handle merchandise that hasn’t been sold yet.

Show Consideration for Fellow Shoppers

For a Southerner, politeness is paramount, thus engaging in pushiness, shoving, or rudeness when purchasing items goes against their refined lifestyle. Should another person claim an item you wanted first, add it to your garage sale wishlist; this way, you can search for a comparable piece at later sales.

Additionally, get ready to part with an item if it holds greater significance for another shopper. I have relinquished items such as jewelry and a vintage yearbook at sales since they meant more to someone else, and it gave me satisfaction to do so. Practicing this has been rewarding.
proper etiquette
And being generous should always be more important than owning possessions.

More Yard Sale Tips

6 Errors to Sidestep While Hosting a Garage Sale

If you feel like sorting through your belongings and hosting an outdoor sale, consider avoiding these 6 actions during your upcoming garage sale.

4 Items You Should Avoid Purchasing at a Garage Sale

Before you leave, make sure you\’re aware of the types of items that generally aren\’t worth picking up at thrift stores.

8 Southern Extensive Yard Sales to Mark on Your Calendar

Take a look at some of the biggest yard sales across the South, where you can find a diverse array of amazing treasures and plenty of distinctive sellers.

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Southern Living