Garage Sailing Tips...Don't Forget the Headlock Maneuver ;-)

It's that time of year...time to put on the comfy sneakers, throw a few bottles of water into the mini-cooler, grab the sun hat and head out garage sailing! In your neck of the woods these events might be called yard sales, estate sales or tag sales. Whatever you call 'em, there are fabulous bargains to be had for the savvy shopper who knows the garage sailing ropes.



Here are 8 tips the pros know...and now you are going to know them, too!

1. Make a Wish List and Decide on a Budget:
Think about what items you are going to be looking for and make a little list. With your wish list in mind, decide how much you want to spend. Try really hard to stick to your budget. Resist the temptation to buy something you don't really need, just because it's a great bargain....that is, unless you know it will sell like hotcakes on eBay!

2. Plan Your Route:
The day before you go garage sailing, sit down and plan out your route. There are great online sites these days that will easily help you locate garage sales within a 2, 5 or 10 mile radius of your zip code/home.



3. Prepare Yourself for a Great Day: Wear clothing appropriate for the weather...layers are always great because you can peel them off as the day warms up. Wear comfy sneakers or sandals and a sun hat with sunscreen for those really hot days. Don't forget a small cooler loaded with bottled water and a light snack. You'll need your energy for all that great bargain hunting!

4. The Early Bird Really Does Get the Worm: If you've scoped out the garage sale advertisements the night before and you saw an item that was exactly what you need, go early and try to be there when the garage doors go up. The really good stuff goes very fast...and often to dealers who snag it for their shop/booth.



5. Sometimes the Tortoise Wins the Race:
If there are items for sale that were on your list, but the price is out of line with your budget, stop by late in the day...on the last day of the sale. Most folks do not want to lug all their things back in and are often willing to make you a good deal.

6. Negotiate for a Better Deal: It never hurts to ask for a better deal on an item. Truth is, most garage sellers expect you to ask for a better price. If you are interested in several items, gather them all up and offer one reduced price...often the answer will be, yes!



7. Ask for What You Need: If you don't see an item you were really hoping to find, mention it to the homeowner/seller. Sometimes the seller just ran out of time and didn't get everything out they had wanted to sell. Or, if it's a neighborhood sale, they may know someone a few houses down with just the item you need.

8. The Thrill of the Chase: Most of all, don't forget to have fun and enjoy the hunt!


(All photos are from, Is Martha Stuart Living?, a very funny "parody" publication published in 1994.)

Would love to hear your garage sailing tips! Please share!