Searching for the jackpot
Every Thursday morning, Jeanie Crittenden follows the signs, searching for treasure.
A self-described garage sale guru, she loves both the process and the prize – and during two decades, there have been plenty of jackpots:
“A signed Eisenberg brooch purchased for a dime and valued at $350.
“A Louis Vuitton handbag for $35.
“A numbered “Star Wars” poster for $5, later sold to a local specialty shop for $150.
“A Jiminy Cricket videotape bought for a dime and sold on eBay for $65.
And there are countless antiques, appliances, toys and designer clothing items bought at a fraction of their full price that fill her home and office.
“It’s kind of an adrenaline rush,” says Crittenden, a marketing assistant for a financial planner. “For me, it’s just a fun and sometimes profitable hobby.”
Spring is prime yard-sale season, and we’ve got lots of helpful advice, whether you’re planning your own sale or shopping other people’s:
Selling tips
“Spring or fall are the best seasons to have a sale, and Thursdays are the best day to start.
“Before your sale, make sure items are clean and priced. Use purple painting tape to mark things you don’t want to damage.
“Good rule of thumb: Mark items about one-fourth of their original price if they are in good condition. If they’re well worn, price them much lower.
“Have plenty of newspaper and grocery bags on hand for bagging customers’ purchases.
“To keep things simple, price items in 25-cent increments. Keep a calculator handy.
“Have a “nickel” box filled with inexpensive toys.
“Advertise. In addition to newspaper ads, make several sturdy, brightly colored signs directing motorists to your sale.
“Presentation is crucial. Crittenden creates ambience with lace tablecloths, twinkling lights and scented candles.
“True garage salers scan the goods from their cars, making a split-second decision whether it is worth stopping,” she said. “So check the view yourself ahead of time to make sure you have dynamite curb appeal.”
“Organize your wares by category – for example, clothing, seasonal decor, crafts, pet items, books, etc.
“Hang clothing.
“Have an extension cord handy for testing electronic appliances.
“Beware of counterfeits. Police suggest comparing a suspicious bill with another bill. Look for features such as watermarks, color-shifting ink and security threads. If you have any doubts about a bill, don’t accept it.
“If you put an item in storage for the next garage sale, price it. It makes getting ready for your next sale that much easier.
Shopping tips
“Citywide and neighborhood yard sales are a great way to hit lots of sales at once.
“Think about your “wish list” and check it against the newspaper’s yard-sale listings. Then chart your route, hitting sales that are most likely to have the things you’re looking for.
“Go early – but try not to be a dreaded “early bird” (someone who rings the doorbell hours before the posted starting time).
“Other readers swear by arriving late. Hitting sales when sellers are packing up can lead to great deals.
“Carry plenty of $1 bills and change.
“Check boxed items. Don’t assume the blender or computer printer inside is the one pictured on the box.
“When buying an electronic item, ask to plug it in. (Sellers should have an extension cord handy.)
“When buying something with batteries, check the battery compartment to make sure it’s not corroded.
“Don’t be afraid to haggle. The worst a seller can say is no.