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So you want to be a professional yardsaler?
6/12/2013
Okay, me neither. But I do love a good yardsale, and I’m guessing the feeling is mutual. Maybe you’re an experienced yardsale fanatic or just some innocent bystander looking for an incredible deal. Either way, here are a few tips for increasing the exponential success of your endeavors relating to sales of the yard (i.e., scoring awesome finds). 

Tip One: Know before you go
    
Before you set out for a day, morning, or hour of yardsaling (or jump on an online site like ours) have an idea what you’re looking for. Are you in the middle of redecorating your office? You may unearth a very unique armchair that works perfectly in your space. Is your lawnmower likely to give out in the next few months? Keeping an eye out ahead of time could save you a lot of money. Is it baby clothes that you’re searching for? You may find that your neighbor across town has some mint condition gap hand-me-downs. Knowing what you’re looking for ahead of time may keep you from digging through every pile, or scouring every listing you see, and could save you a lot of time and money. 

Tip Two: Visit early and often

The best items at a yardsale are likely to go fast, so the earlier you can get there, the better. Of course the flipside to this is that prices typically come down as the day wears on. So, if you don’t care too much about finding a particular item, then late and often might be better advice for you. Oh, and often does not imply visiting the same yardsale over and over again. Get out into your neighborhood regularly to see what’s for sale, or search the online listings frequently to view what’s been added.  You never know when something that you really want will be available (but sometimes for a very brief period of time). 

Tip Three: Keep an open mind

You’ve heard the term, “even a barn looks better painted”. Well, this is especially applicable to many if not most yardsale items. They often just need a good paint job (or wash) to fit your style and suit your needs. So unless you’re completely against employing a little creativity and a varying amount of elbow grease, don’t overlook any item that may be even somewhat in the range of what you’re searching for. It may just need to be looked at in a different light. 

Tip Four: Stay in the money

There’s nothing worse than driving past a yardsale and spotting the patio set of your dreams, only to come up short on cash. Consider keeping a few extra bills in your pockets during yardsale season, or at least on a day when you're planning to head out in search of florescent green signs.  Not only will some quick cash allow you to get the item you want before someone else does, but having it handy (and in a variety of bills, preferably) might also help you score a better bargain!

Tip Five: Have Fun

If yardsaling’s not fun, then you're not doing it right! Really. Heading out to yardsales should be thrilling. Finding cool items for little cash. What’s not to be excited about? Sure, we all get a little tired after a marathon yardsaling day. But aside from that, the prospect of unearthing great deals in the neighborhood should make you, well, at least a little bit giddy.

Got a tip to share? I’d love to hear it!
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