Charlotte
Movers: How to Shop a Yard Sale
It’s yard sale season in Charlotte, NC and there are
bargains to find! At TNT Moving Systems, we often advise our clients to sell
their unwanted stuff at a garage sale before they move. “We always recommend
getting rid of unwanted stuff before you waste time hauling it to your new
house!” said Tom Koepke, co-owner of TNT
Moving Systems. If you want tips on how to have a successful yard sale,
check out our blog here.
But if you want to know how to get a good deal at a yard
sale or estate sale- keep reading!
Find the Right Yard
Sale. The old way of getting the newspaper and driving around town is a little
outdated. We recommend scoping out local yard sales online. Check the Charlotte
Observer online because a lot of local will still advertise their yard sale
there. But also check Garage Sales Tracker, Yard Sale Search, and of course
Craigslist.
If you are looking for something specific- furniture, baby
clothes, etc- these apps and sites can help lead you to the right place.
Get Cash. This
might go without saying, but most yard sales are a cash only industry. Try to
bring small bills. Bring only what you are willing to spend. This will help you
stay on budget.
Learn to Negotiate.
Yard sales are fun because you can haggle! People usually have a yard sale to
get rid of unwanted items. So they are more likely to negotiate on price.
- Show up looking poor- not disheveled or unkempt- but don’t wear your best clothes or shoes.
- Start a collection of items, instead of just buying one thing. You can often get a better deal by buying in bulk. Ask the seller how much for all the items you have.
- Be Willing to Walk. When you negotiate, be reasonable. Don’t offer $5 for something tagged at $50. Offer a reasonable starting point like $30 and go from there. If the seller won’t budge be willing to walk away.
Timing is Important.
The old saying the early bird gets the worm is applicable here. If you have
specific items in mind or want something the seller advertised online, get
there early! Yard sale goers get there early to clean up the nicest stuff.
However, you can often get a great deal at the end of a yard sale. Most yard
sales start to die down between 11am-2pm. Showing up late might mean you can
get the best deals especially on clothes, books, and CDs.
These are the best tips in getting a great deal at a yard
sale this spring. Of course, remember everything you buy, you’ll have to move
eventually. If you ever find yourself in need of movers in Charlotte- give TNT Moving Systems a call 704-523-1455.
