Real Life w/Roz
  • Home
    • Contact
  • About
  • Grace & Goals
  • 2021 Blog Posts
  • Historical Blog Posts
    • Real Life >
      • day to day life
      • Daily Life >
        • in pictures
    • Real Faith >
      • Faith Life
    • Real Food
    • 28-Day Mind Reset

'Tis the Season - Yard Sale Tips

6/17/2011

1 Comment

 
 "I'm calling to tell you about a huge community yard sale!" My sister said excitedly. I looked down at Trey and thought, 'Uh, yeah, NOT going to happen.' 

 "It's so good, " she went on, "that I'll take Trey for you so you can go."

 And that was how I ended up in the car with my mother in law as we filled the car with bargains.

 After two hours of successful negotiations, I thought - 'Wow, I'm on to something!' 

5 Tips for Successful Yard Sale Negotiation

Picture
.25 cent mugs for the camper
Tip #1  Look Sellers in the eye & Smile

When I enter a yard sale, I find the person in charge (usually a woman) and look her in eye with a cheerful smile and a 'Hello, How are you today?'  This develops rapport and if you can strike up a conversation, even better!

Picture
today's 'take'
Tip #2  Go Upscale, Go Big

Newer developments tend to have nicer quality items, and most people aren't trying to pay their phone bill - they're just trying to get rid of stuff. When you can find an upscale housing development or community yard sale, even better - less driving around for you and more competition keeps prices lower. 

Picture
mixer w/ meat grinder
Tip #3  When Negotiating, Be Direct

Most people don't mind some negotiation. But don't ask them to come up with an alternate price. I successfully negotiated a number of bargains today - and I told them what I wanted to pay. On the flip side, I heard a woman attempt to negotiate by saying, "Would you go lower on that?" without giving a direct offer. The answer to her question was 'no'. Not one of my offers were refused.  

Picture
95% off Wal-Mart's price
Tip #4   Be Willing to Walk Away

Dave Ramsey (Financial Peace University) taught me this concept. Found something you like but the price is too high? Make an offer, leave your information, and then walk away.  Chances are pretty good that if you're patient, you'll either find a similar item for less later on in the season, or the seller will contact you if the item doesn't sell. 

Picture
waited a year to find this juicer!
Tip #5   Make a List 

A list is a beautiful thing - it keeps your brain focused. There were a few things I have been looking for, but unwilling to pay the full price at the department store, I've held off on buying. One item I'd been on the lookout for for almost two years. A few other items I'd really wanted, but they were totally not necessary items and I wasn't going to add them to my budget. Today, I bought all three items: a jerky making kit, a juicer and a stand mixer with meat grinder attachment for less than SEVEN dollars. Cha Ching!



Picture
93% off retail!
Bonus: Say a Prayer! 

That's right. God cares about every aspect of your life. Is there something you need or would like that just isn't in the budget right now? Try asking God to supply it. Be specific. You'd be surprised what He has waiting for you...  

For instance - I needed a pair of sandals for banging around the homestead and farm. I had a conversation with God and asked for top quality (I am prone to orthopedic problems) and cheap. Today I found a pair of sturdy, brand new, Dr. Martin sandals. For less than the tax on a pair if I'd bought them at the department store. Thanks, God!

1 Comment
Elizabeth City adult link
10/24/2012 06:53:11 am

Is there a way to search blogs on Weebly?

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Project Materials:

    Archives

    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011

    Categories

    All
    Amish
    Barbeque
    Beef
    Brussel Sprouts
    Cabbage
    Canning
    Cantaloupe
    Chair
    Chuck Williams
    Cookbooks
    Deals
    Eagle Trading Company
    Farm Life
    Fast Food
    Flowers
    Gardens
    Grocery Shopping
    July
    July Garden
    Negotiating
    Picnic
    Redecorating
    Straw Bale Table
    Tips
    Tractors
    Vegetables
    Vegetable Soup
    Venison
    Vintage
    Yard Sale

    RSS Feed

Search here!
"We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well." 
(1 Corinthians 10:24b MSG)  ​
  • Home
    • Contact
  • About
  • Grace & Goals
  • 2021 Blog Posts
  • Historical Blog Posts
    • Real Life >
      • day to day life
      • Daily Life >
        • in pictures
    • Real Faith >
      • Faith Life
    • Real Food
    • 28-Day Mind Reset