The second Saturday in August is National Garage Sale Day. This year, August 10th is the official holiday of garage sale “aficionados” across the country. Being one myself, I find this to be a holiday I can really sink my teeth into, as well as my pocketbook. A garage sale is the closest thing there is to being on a treasure hunt. I love to scavenge through other people’s cast-offs. You never know what you’re going to find, which is what makes the hunt so appealing.
Garage sales tend to come in waves in my community; it’s either feast or famine. One week you’re lucky to find 3-4, the next week there may be 12. I try to keep my forays mainly within the city limits because the cost of gasoline is still high. There’s no point trying to save $5 if you waste $10 in gasoline. I can be enticed to bordering towns by neighborhood sales or estate sales, because the potential for finding lots of items is exponentially higher.
Under normal circumstances, most people would not want other people poking through their personal possessions. But once they make the decision to “cut bait” and put their stuff out on the driveway, it’s a whole different kettle of fish. And there’s a huge level of satisfaction for this shopper when I find someone’s sale whose (1) taste mirrors my own, (2) wears the same size, and/or (3) has priced everything reasonably.
There is a skill set to garage saling that will keep you in good stead with sellers (and their neighbors) if you keep in mind the following tips:
1—Be polite. Acknowledge the person(s) holding the sale with a pleasant “hello.” Make small talk about the weather. Or how nicely they organized their belongings. If you see something you want, but don’t want to pay the asking price, ask politely if “they can do better.” Most likely they will lower the price, but if it is still too high, you can always counteroffer. Say thank-you when you leave, even if you didn’t purchase anything.
2—If you see something you like, but are unsure you want to purchase, carry it around until you make up your mind. I’ve picked things up because I was intrigued; then put them down because I was unsure about whether I could use the item. A few minutes later, after I’ve thought of a way to use the item, I go back to get it–only to see someone else has taken it. Grrr! And the only person I can legitimately be mad at is me!
3—Carry small increments of money. Brings lots of tens, fives, and/or ones. Most people’s paychecks are direct deposit, so when they need cash for garage sales, they go to their bank ATM (which gives out $20’s). Just a few people making a $1 or $2 purchase with a $20 bill can wipe a homeowner out of change.
4—Don’t fight over merchandise. My sister and I have similar taste, so many times we end up interested in the same items. Whether this happens with a family member, friend, or total stranger, be generous. Nothing is worth fighting over.
5—Don’t park on people’s lawns (if possible). Be especially courteous of neighbor’s yards and/or driveway entrances.
If you are a garage sale lover like me, you may be interested in reading a book called Garage Sale America. Written by Bruce Littlefield; it is a funny, heart-warming, and informative look at the history and culture of garage sales. He’s really nailed the whole essence of why they’ve become such an integral part of American culture. Happy Garage Sale Day!
Written by:
Donna Green
Extension Educator
Family & Consumer Sciences
Ohio State University Extension
