Estate sales can be a bit intimidating. I'm sure that most of you have heard the tales of antique dealers lining up at 6:00 in the morning in order to get first dibs on the goods. There are days when I know I have to be aggressive to compete for the good stuff and hang with the real pros. But personally being an aggressive shopper is completely out of my comfort zone. Over the years as the intimidation factor has faded, a new hobby has grown.
Part of the fun of shopping at thrift stores and estate sales is that you almost always find a diamond in the rough. Using some old fashioned elbow grease, you can turn your 'trash into treasures'. If you’d like to try out this fun and rewarding activity, here are a few do's and don’ts to get you started.
Do look for estate sales ahead of time.
Search on Craigslist, in the newspaper, the community listings and on google. Don’t rely on driving around the neighborhood, as you’ll probably arrive too late in the morning to get the good stuff.
Do get there early, but don’t stress yourself out if you’re not the first in line.
Most estate sales begin at 8:00 or 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and the most seasoned shoppers will be there at least half-an-hour before. Most antique dealers, collectors and the most dedicated shoppers are looking for something specific, so even if you get the second pickings, there will still be many items of interest. If you get there very early, you may have to take a number and wait your turn to go in.
Do bring cash.
This tip goes without saying, but there have been a few times when I’ve arrived at an estate sale only to realize I have just $10 in my pocket. Sometimes, if you see something you really love, the organizers of the estate sale may hold it for you while you go to the ATM, but there’s no guarantee this will be the case.
Do have a few items in mind, but be open to others.
At an estate sale, there is so much to look at that you may feel overwhelmed, and having a few items in mind can help you to focus your search. I usually take a list and measuring tape. However, be open to that perfect item that you may find while browsing.
Do be prepared for sticker shock.
Not everything at an estate sale is a good bargain, and most likely the prices will be higher than at a thrift store or garage sales. Keep in mind that the family or the owner of the items is looking to make some needed cash on the sale. If the sale is run by a company that specializes in organizing estate sales, prices will be higher as they want to make a cut of the money too.
Do consider going on Sunday.
Usually, most of the best stuff is gone by Sunday, so prices are typically marked down by 50%. You’ll have to rummage and dig, but you just might find that perfect, overlooked vintage dress in your size.
Don't buy for the sake of buying.
If you don’t see something you really like, don’t buy anything. There will always be another estate sale.
Don't overlook diamonds in the rough.
Just because it’s covered in a layer of dust doesn’t mean that colorful Pyrex bowl won’t be gorgeous when it’s cleaned up. Learn to look for the beauty underneath the dirt.
Don't buy something with flaws.
If something is broken, chipped, or otherwise flawed, it may not be reparable, or it may not be worth your while to repair it. Of course, there are exceptions, like maybe an awesome Herman Miller lounge chair that just needs a few screws to be as good as new.
Don't be pushy.
It’s always annoying when shoppers in search of a deal are brusque and cutthroat. Be courteous. If someone is looking at something, it’s off-limits until they step away. It becomes especially important to be polite if the estate sale is crowded.
Don't be rude while haggling.
Estate sales are not just the domain of antique collectors and dealers anymore — lots of regular people are finding hidden gems. It’s a great way to give new life to an unwanted item, to reduce the amount of new junk that gets manufactured, and to save yourself a penny or two as well.
Find an estate sale and do a little browsing...
...you'll be glad ya did!
ENJOY!
~THE DOMESTIC CURATOR~
RONDA
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOnline databases are a great place to start your property search because they allow you to query and filter properties from all over the country based on specific qualities. https://www.propertyoso.com/areas/property-for-sale-marbella
ReplyDeleteReally appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us.Great site and a great topic as well i really get amazed to read this. Its really good. https://frclothing.co
ReplyDeletewow, great, I was wondering how to cure acne naturally. and found your site by google, learned a lot, now i’m a bit clear. I’ve bookmark your site and also add rss. keep us updated. bts merchandise
ReplyDeleteA round of applause for your article. Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.referral coupon
ReplyDeleteFertilizante líquido NPK de ácido fúlvico de aminoácidos de extracto de algas orgánicas solubles 100% de alta pureza a precio de fábrica suministro de fábrica de algas marinas y fertilizantes para peces
ReplyDeleteThis information is meaningful and magnificent which you have shared here about the pcb design.mykonos villas for sale
ReplyDeleteEstate sales are not just the domain of antique collectors and dealers anymore — lots of regular people are finding hidden gems. Home Maintenance Inspection
ReplyDeleteOne of those spots in the Secret Shopping Suppliers Affiliation (MSPA).
ReplyDeleteOur sheets
You have done a good job with your knowledge that makes our work easy because you are providing such good information. Keep sharing this kind of knowledge with us. Private Swimming Pools
ReplyDeleteWell, no one can deny the wonderful fact that the mirror reflects the symbol of absolute elegance. If you are planning to place something huge yet impressing then you can blindly trust that, mirror is the ultimate solution. sell my house fast for cash denver
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteSure! Nobody can say no to the amazing truth that a mirror shows complete beauty. If you want to put up something big and impressive, you can totally rely on a mirror for the perfect answer. move select