Tips for Going To Garage Sales

This garage sale season I am going to try to up my game.  

In doing so, I will share the tips I find and my experiences with trying them.  

"I'm gonna pop some tags, 

Only got twenty dollars in my pocket..."

"Thrift Shop" song by MACKLEMORE

The Garage Sale Series - 

Part 1: Tips for Going To Sales

1. Pre-Plan & Start Early - Start the morning by getting in your empty-trunked car with a travel mug of coffee and your pre-plan & survival kit items (pre-planning & survival kit will be another post).  Yes, make your own coffee.  Do not plan to swing through Starbucks. One, you should be hitting sales way before they open. Two, your are wasting valuable time while those hard-core Garage Sale Early Birds are snagging all the good stuff. Three, Starbucks may tip off the sellers that you have money to blow since you just spent $5 on that latte in your hand.
2. "Me" - Sunglasses, Sunblock, very small snack tote, a water bottle and dress down.  Ladies do not roll up in your BMW, dripping with jewelry, sporting D&G sunglasses on your head and think you are going to get a deal on ANYTHING.  Think like you are dressing to participate in a sporing event.    Put your hair up and roll up those sleeves.  Borrow a worn t-shirt from your hubby or teenager if you need to.  Make it V-cut if you think that could help your cause but be advised not very many sellers will be so distracted by your goods that they will give you a sale on theirs.  And for goodness' sake DO NOT WEAR HEELS.  
3. Cash - Cash is King. No one is swiping cards here ladies. I'll address this in the pre-planning post but go to the ATM the day before not that morning.  Again, wasting valuable time and losing deals.  Be sure to keep the cash on you. Don't bring a purse you could lay down and lose or get snatched out of your car.  If you do wish to bring a purse opt for a no-frills style and not your C's (aka Coach). I would suggest putting a $20 in your pocket separate from your "wad".  It doesn't really work when you pull out the bank roll and try to haggle on a price.  No one is believing you only have $20 to offer when you just slung out all that paper. My plan is to keep "the wad" locked in my glove box and just put a $20 in my pocket before getting out.  If I need more I can always go back to the car for it.
4. Budget - Having an overall budget for the day is necessary.  Don't spend to spend. What you don't spend today can go in your budget for your next buying trip.
5. A List - Keep your eye on the prize.  Don't buy just because it is a good deal. Shop with purpose or you will just be signing yourself up for selling these items in your own garage sale later.  Have a wish list of the projects you are looking for pieces to complete, etc.  Also assign a price you would be happy about paying for it.  This will help with Garage Sale Induced ADD and to keep you focused in the madness.  
6. Details - If you are going to have to debate on "if it will work or not" bring the info you'll need to decide such as pictures on your phone, bring a paint color matching card, or a fabric swatch.  If you are going to be looking for clothing or shoes for your family members write down their sizes for top, bottom, and shoe size.  I have seen the pros have tracings of their kid's feet to set the shoe on since they won't be trying them on and shoe sizes vary so much. That's pretty hard core.
7. Survival Kit - I'll address this in my next post.  I need to make myself one.  This will included items like measuring tape, packing materials, plastic bags, etc. Aids to help you decide to buy or walk and tools to get your loot home. 

P.S. A smart phone can be a great place to keep your notes, sizes, etc. I'll do a whole post on how to best utilize your smart phone for garage saling.

If you have other tips for going to garage sales please comment.

Garage Sale Away!

Here's a funny video to get your head in the game!