This weekend, there are two very big outgrown sales near my home. These are the type of sales that frugal people like myself wait for all year long. I can get some really nice children’s clothing and toys for less than the cost of new. One thing, though that will be different this year, is that there will be a lot more competition for the bargains.
Usually these type of sales do well, but they still need to advertise to get a good turn out. This year, however, the organizers have been saying that they are worried about the rush of shoppers. They are getting multiple calls a day about the sales, with some people even trying to bribe their way in the doors before the sales officially open.
Perhaps it is the economy, but it seems that there are more people that are not only interested in the sales but are planning to buy as much as possible. “Many people resell kids name brand clothes now, because it is so profitable,” one of the organizers of a recent sale told me.
So, if you are used to leisurely strolling and browsing outgrown sales, you might be in for a bit of a surprise this year. Here are two ways to try to get first pick of the merchandise.
Consign some items or offer to volunteer for the sale. People who are involved in the sale often get a day before the sale officially opens to do their own shopping. I picked up some great bargains one time when I tried my hand at consigning.
Be prepared to go early. You might have to line up an hour (or more) earlier at the door.
Bring your own shopping bag or box. This way you can have an easy way to carry your purchases around and won’t have to make multiple trips to the checkout or ask around for a bag.
Some people just start snatching up everything they can find in a size and then sit down in a corner later to sort through it. I really don’t think this is fair or good stewardship, but I know that it is probably effective. I don’t do this myself. I will, however, take something that I am on the fence about and then make a decision about it before I reach the checkout, but this usually amounts to only one or two items.
What are some of your strategies?
Click here for more articles by Mary Ann Romans.
3 Ways to Save Money at a Garage Sale
The Recession and Garage Sales
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