Part 3 - How to Pick and Junk 101 Ive arrived to my destination! What to expect and where to start? Im trying to keep these posts as brief as possible (I can see you roll your eyes at what I call brief). There is so much to share but I dont want to bore anyone with info they probably already know. Ill carry on as if we have just pulled up to a sale, be it yard/garage, thrift or goodwill, auction, estate sale, auction etc and try to give you as many tips without crossing your eyes with the length. Heading in to estate sales you will find they differ depending on the company conducting the sell. Some only allow a certain number in at a time. Some open the doors and suddenly 300 people are all grabbing the same items, and I do mean grabbing if it is a good sale with great prices. In advance I take a pad of sticky notes and write in marker SOLD on each note. This way if I see a piece I may want that is to heavy or bulky to move I put my sticky note on it to keep other buyers away while I move on. (Yeah, Im hard core) You cant walk around the items or possible amount of people if your arms are full of treasures. This is way you take a empty box, plastic bin or my wagon if room. You put your name on it and tuck it away under a table and start your pile. I always alert someone working the sale that this is my pile and they do try to keep an eye on it for you. A sticky note is also helpful on the bin or box. The first place I go to scout for treasures is the basement, garage, barn or outbuilding. Why? Usually for me these places will have a better change for a Purdy. I love silver, fine furniture but usually nothing rusty or full of patina will be in the better rooms of the home. Depending on what you are interested in head to those areas FIRST. Going into basements or barns is where the flashlight, appropriate clothing comes in. You may not want to go into a dark barn with higher heel, open toed shoes on and shorts. I have been lucky and never came across a varmint (more than spiders) but I want to have as much on me as possible if I do. Snakes are my personal fear but taking a walking stick in and probing areas ahead of time gives any varmint heads up before you stick your hand in something. Be sure to take time to examine all your treasures for any flaws, markings or shape. This isnt the type of sale that you can take them back if you get home and find a problem. All sales are final and you will see this usually printed in and hung up at check out. At estate sales usually the first day there isnt much wiggle room on prices. The following days of a sale they give up to 50 or 75% off. You may want to revisit the sale on their last day to see what is left to buy and score a great deal. Lets say youve got your pile going and want to check out to head to another sale. I add up the prices marked on each item. (In my mind I consider them more of suggestions not prices). When I get the total sum of price (suggestions in my mind) add tax (unless you have a tax certificate with you). I take that total and decide if the items or item is worth the asking price. Only a few times I found something I didnt think I wouldnt find it again at a better price. I have put something back after pondering on the item or price. I pride myself on good deals and try to get the lowest price as possible. Some companies are easier to deal with than others. Some dont give discounts no matter how much you purchase and others do give lots off the more you purchase. Probably many of you bundle I use this tip at all sales I buy at (except auctions) Sellers and buyers both can win with bundling. If I purchase one item not so much can be negotiated. However, if I am buying in bulk the person at check out and I can come to an acceptable compromise on the total. When paying in cash usually it helps in the negotiating. Sometimes there are fees to use a credit card if they allow at all. For this reason you need to read the fine print on sales policy before the sale or when you arrive. Now I use my plastic bin to carry my goodies to my truck. I forgot to mention I put bubble wrap and or paper in my empty bins to wrap up any fragile items. If you purchase large or heavy item be sure you can arrange someone to help you move it. The sales usually dont have helpers for this so factor this into your plans. This is also where moving blankets and ropes or buggies come in handy. Now you are done loading up, get your hand sanitizer out and get the cooties off. Time for a bit of water or snack before heading out to next sale. Next, Ill share tips on other types of picks. If you still want more info. Or have you had enough?
Posted on: Mon, 03 Feb 2014 14:01:53 +0000
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