You might want to hold your horses if you’re considering starting garage sales this weekend. Among those old records and strange lampshades, a few cons could cost you dearly. But don’t worry, because we have a list of 18 for you and how to avoid them. You’ll never again be taken for a fool at a garage sale.
Misleading Conditions
Sometimes, “slightly used” is a bit of a lie, especially at garage sales. Sellers aren’t always trying to pull a fast one, though, since they might not even know that the item doesn’t work as well as they thought. Whenever you see something you like, give it the once-over two or three times because it’s better to spot any flaws before you go home.
Overpriced Antiques
Some sellers think their grandma’s old vase must be worth a fortune because it’s old. But that’s not always true, and only a true antique seller will know if something is truly “antique” or “rare.” If you don’t know anyone who can go with you to a garage sale, then take out your phone and do a quick price check online for any vintage items you see.
Unknown History
Similarly, do a quick Google search first when buying something electrical or mechanical from a garage sale. For example, the product may have been recalled, or there might be some major safety issues. Plus, older items might no longer meet safety standards, so you might want to ask the seller about the item before buying.
Limited Buyer Protection
There are no returns desks at a garage sale, meaning that if anything breaks as soon as you take it home, you’re pretty much out of luck. Your best bet is to try before you buy by asking the seller to plug in that toaster or crank up that old radio. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and this way, you won’t make any unnecessary purchases.
Lost Time and Effort
It’s never fun spending an entire Saturday morning at a garage sale only to come home with a sunburn. To avoid this disappointment, do your homework the night before. Check out some local listings and map out the places you really want to visit, then go there first. Don’t forget to bring a friend because it’s more fun, and you can get to know each other more easily.
Hidden Costs
You might think you’ve got a deal with that $5 chair, but soon enough, you’ll realize it needs around $50 worth of repairs. Before you buy, think about the cost of fixing them up, whether that’s by giving it a new coat of paint or some serious paint. Ensure you won’t be spending plenty of money on something that’s not worth it.
Safety Issues
Bargain hunting can lead you into parts of town that you’re unfamiliar with, which can be a major safety risk. You should always go with a friend and stick to well-traveled areas to avoid unsavory characters. Keep your with you, and remember that if a deal seems sketchy, you should trust your gut and walk away.
Weather Warning
Nothing dampens a good garage sale like a bit of rain, which can ruin both the mood and the goods. Check the weather before you head out, and perhaps the sales on days when the weather doesn’t look so good. The chances are that it’ll be canceled, anyway, and you can save yourself a wasted trip.
Haggling Pressure
It’s okay if you’re not a born haggler; remember, it’s part of the garage sales game. Most sellers expect it, so offering a lower price is okay if you see something you like. The worst that could happen is that they’ll say no. Ensure you’re polite about it, and feel free to walk away if the price doesn’t feel right.
Emotional Purchases
The worst thing you can do when buying things is to let your emotions tell you what to do. Keep a cool head and list what you need before you go. If you stick to your list, you’ll stay focused and avoid that feeling of buyer’s remorse later. There’s no point buying something just because it’s cheap.
Limited Selection
If you’re looking for something specific, a garage sale might not be the best place to find it, as the selection is usually hit or miss. You should look online or in the stores when looking for something like curtains in a particular size or color. At the same time, going without expectations can help you enjoy the hunt even more.
Risk of Fraud
Beware of those deals that seem too good to be true, as you never know what happened to them before they arrived. If something feels off, listen to that feeling. Stick to the less popular things as they’re less likely to be stolen. Always ask the seller how they came to own the item and use their best judgment based on their answers.
Sale Hours
Most garage sales start early in the morning; unless you’re a morning person, this is a bit of a bummer. To get the best deals, go either as the sellers set up or when they’re just about to close. They’ll have plenty of stock at the start of the day, and at the end, many of them just want to get rid of what they have left, so they’ll sell them for dirt cheap.
Problem With Parking
It’s pretty difficult to find a parking spot close to a garage sale, especially when it’s happening in a smaller neighborhood. Any places nearby might have parking rates that are not worth it, so you should try parking further away. Enjoy the walkover because it’s less stressful, and you might even spot something.
No Information
Sometimes, you might buy something that looks perfect at the sale, but then you get home and realize you have no idea how to use it. It happens. Sellers usually don’t have the manuals or all the details, so you might want to search it on the internet first. When in doubt, look at the item for instructions or missing parts.
Cash Only
Most garage sales don’t take cards; you must carry cash. But don’t be tempted to get huge wads of cash because small bills can make transactions smoother, and you’ll also avoid any issues with making changes. You can also plan your budget ahead so you’re not overspending on anything.
Impersonal Selling
You can’t rely on seller reviews or ratings at a garage sale like you do online and trust the seller at face value. Although most people are honest, you should always approach deals with a little skepticism and a ton of friendliness. Getting to know the seller a bit can also give you a better idea about things.
Hidden Bargains
It’s easy to get so focused on one particular thing that you miss out on the other great deals. Keep your eyes peeled, and don’t be scared to dig through any boxes or tables because you never know what great deals you might find hidden underneath. A garage sale is where curiosity really pays off.
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