Isn’t it just fun to get stuff for free or at bargain prices? One man’s trash can truly be another’s treasure.
Nothing compares to finding great deals at local flea markets.
As summer approaches, homeowners decide to tidy up their homes and often sell items they find no need for anymore. If you are looking for great deals on everything from kitchenware to children’s toys, visiting flea markets, or yard sales, can be a very rewarding experience.
The key to being successful in these, however, is to know what to look for and how to negotiate the best prices.
So, if you’re interested, let us get into how you can find the best items in yard sales.
Look online
The first place to look is the web!
Of course, you can drive around your neighborhood or hear word of mouth but chances of finding garage sales near you are greater online. With a good and secure internet connection such as Cox internet, you may even be able to pay online.
Here are some reliable websites you can check out to get the best
1. VarageSale
VarageSale is an online platform that allows users to buy and sell preloved items. The best part of this channel is that they manually approve every member who joins and so this enables them to determine the legitimacy and authenticity of products and people.
Members are also required to sign in via Facebook Connect, which gives the app access to the member’s real name and profile picture. If you are not sure about an offer, you can always ask the seller. Most sellers are happy to answer questions, and both sides save time by understanding exactly what the other side is looking for.
2. OfferUp
OfferUp is based on the same notion as other marketplaces such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace; you post the product, write a description and wait for someone to put in an offer.
You will need good negotiation skills as OfferUp allows you to negotiate prices.
Buyers almost always negotiate a lower price, even if the asking price is reasonable.
Consent is an advantage when inspecting the item, but a disadvantage when you don’t want to inspect the item. You can prevent this by asking for shipping services, but you will have to pay for it. So it’s about finding what you think will work for you.
3. Craigslist
From used furniture to housing to job opportunities, Craigslist has it all!
And the best part is that it will be based in your own community. Craigslist can basically act as a large yard sale that is based on the interactions between buyers and suppliers. There is a lot of bartering on Craigslist to get a better deal on what you want to buy. Most sellers are willing to go back and forth in price negotiations.
It’s best to be aware of sellers who offer multiple items. In such cases, you can find a cheaper deal by purchasing multiple items from the same seller.
4. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a section of a social networking site where you can find used and locally made items. The Facebook Marketplace can be incredibly overwhelming, selling everything from used clothes to art. That is why a search bar will be essential to help you navigate this resale market. And if you know exactly what you’re looking for such as a red velvet chair, just type in that.
5. eBay
eBay is actually a popular place for buying and selling products. Particularly when you buy a brand-new product, the cost savings can be huge. When searching for a product, always look for an item using filter items. Select “Low Price” and make sure shipping costs are included in this estimate. This ensures that you are looking at the cheapest items currently available.
Additionally, if there are any product reviews, check them to make sure they are positive reviews.
How to find the right product
While the websites mentioned above are reliable sources for getting products at bargain prices, you still need to keep a few things in mind when checking out yard sales:
- Inspect thoroughly: Broken items are never profitable, so be sure to inspect them before buying. For example, check fragile items for small chips or cracks and turn on electrical appliances to make sure they work.
- Take your time: If you find a sale that has a lot of good stuff at a reasonable price, explore what they have to offer. Even if there are things on the tables, you may notice something when scanning the whole area.
- Go near closing times: While you may get better items at the start of a sale, you can get a better price at a sale. Because faced with the reality that the item will not sell, the seller may agree to lower the price to match your demand so they do not have to take the things back.
Bottom line
We hope you find our recommendations and tips useful. While physical yard sales are always more fun, buying online is more suitable considering the lack of time we have mostly. However, as with any online purchase, be wary of scammers.