Tundra
January 12th, 2010, 12:09 PM
How To Get The Most From Estate Sales and Thrift Shops
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I'm an estate-sale fanatic – not only to find retro goodies for my Etsy shop, but also because I'm fascinated by the stories behind the goods and the homes they're held in. So, how can you maximize the time you spend going from sale to sale?
Plan ahead
Because I’m in the U.S., I start by looking at estatesales.net, a nationwide network of estate sales. It's the motherlode of listings, all arranged by date. Each listing has a map link and photos, so you can judge if it's worth the trip. I also check Craigslist, refining the garage-sale search with the word "estate" to narrow it down. Then I map out the route of all the sales I want to hit, so I don't waste gas.
Cash
Bring it! Some professional sellers take credit cards if you spend over a certain amount, but they may charge you for using a card. I always give myself a budget and go home when the cash runs out… that helps me be more discriminating about what I buy.
Clothes
You're shopping for clothes, trinkets, objets – so you need both hands free. If you’re looking at clothes, remember there's nowhere to change. so wear something you can easily slip a dress over, like a tank top and leggings. Now on the other hand, I like to have pockets available. Which brings us to tip number four…
Travel light
Some sellers don't allow bags or purses into a sale. Besides, you need both hands free to examine and grab the goods! Keep cash and keys on you and lock the rest in your car.
Know how to negotiate
At some sales, everything is discounted on the last day, or during the last few hours of the last day. On the other hand, the biggest assortment is on the first day of the sale. You might get a discount if you buy several things. Smile and be polite when you ask. Approach whoever looks to be in charge and quietly ask if they can lower the price on your items; they don’t necessarily want everyone in the house knowing that they're giving you a deal.
Remember, what you're seeing at a thrift shop or sale is probably one of a kind, so if you like it, grab it – or someone else will!
…
Sunny is an obsessive estate-sale shopper and lover of all things vintage. Her favorites are mid-century desk accessories, kitchenalia, old stationary and anything aqua. Find her at Sunny Day Vintage (http://www.etsy.com/shop/SunnyDayVintage).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/Livinginthepast/NiH/get_convo_imagephp.jpg
I'm an estate-sale fanatic – not only to find retro goodies for my Etsy shop, but also because I'm fascinated by the stories behind the goods and the homes they're held in. So, how can you maximize the time you spend going from sale to sale?
Plan ahead
Because I’m in the U.S., I start by looking at estatesales.net, a nationwide network of estate sales. It's the motherlode of listings, all arranged by date. Each listing has a map link and photos, so you can judge if it's worth the trip. I also check Craigslist, refining the garage-sale search with the word "estate" to narrow it down. Then I map out the route of all the sales I want to hit, so I don't waste gas.
Cash
Bring it! Some professional sellers take credit cards if you spend over a certain amount, but they may charge you for using a card. I always give myself a budget and go home when the cash runs out… that helps me be more discriminating about what I buy.
Clothes
You're shopping for clothes, trinkets, objets – so you need both hands free. If you’re looking at clothes, remember there's nowhere to change. so wear something you can easily slip a dress over, like a tank top and leggings. Now on the other hand, I like to have pockets available. Which brings us to tip number four…
Travel light
Some sellers don't allow bags or purses into a sale. Besides, you need both hands free to examine and grab the goods! Keep cash and keys on you and lock the rest in your car.
Know how to negotiate
At some sales, everything is discounted on the last day, or during the last few hours of the last day. On the other hand, the biggest assortment is on the first day of the sale. You might get a discount if you buy several things. Smile and be polite when you ask. Approach whoever looks to be in charge and quietly ask if they can lower the price on your items; they don’t necessarily want everyone in the house knowing that they're giving you a deal.
Remember, what you're seeing at a thrift shop or sale is probably one of a kind, so if you like it, grab it – or someone else will!
…
Sunny is an obsessive estate-sale shopper and lover of all things vintage. Her favorites are mid-century desk accessories, kitchenalia, old stationary and anything aqua. Find her at Sunny Day Vintage (http://www.etsy.com/shop/SunnyDayVintage).