The Stir Crazy Dad-Bargaining at Yard Sales

Well, it certainly appears that the garage sale peak has been reached for this year.  There are, however, still some great sales which means some great deals to be had.  You just may have to look a little harder for them and you may encounter increased competition. 

 

I would like to touch on bargaining this week.  This is what I really LOVE about yard sales.  I am addicted to the art of bargaining.  The golden rule for bargaining is that if you don't ask, you won't get.  What is the worst thing that could happen if you ask someone if they would take a dollar for their lot of clothes?  They may give you a dirty look and feel offended?  You never know when you make crazy offers what will be accepted.  Remember, oftentimes people are trying to lighten their load and get rid of junk.  If YOU don't take it, it may go in the trash or donated to the guy that posts on Craigslist that he will pick up all yardsale leftovers.   If you see something you like, grab it, carry it with you and think about just how much you want that item.   NEVER pay full price without first making an offer.  Think about how much you are willing to offer for it.   Is it early in the yard sale?  Is it a high traffic sale?  How likely is someone going to come behind you and be willing to pay full price?  All of these go into your initial offer.  Always start low.  A dollar is always a great place to start for some things, even for $10 items!  Trust me, some people accept that.  Wait for their response and if they don't accept they will typically make a counter offer.  It can go on and on until a price is agreed on.  A couple of more hints:  don't be so excited about a particular item.  Don't be scared to make offers.  It is half of the fun!  Good luck! 

 

Here are my picks for this week:

 

1) The Community of Chapel Ridge will be holding its first community-wide yard sale on Saturday and Sunday, October 23 & 24, from 9:00 to 3:00. We anticipate that a large percentage of our 140 families will participate in the event. Items for sale include tools, electronics, computer equipment, housewares, electric bikes, baby accessories and so much more.

Chapel ridge is located in Pittsboro and has two entrances:

The front entrance is on Old Graham Road in the 5300 block just north of the New Salem Church. From US 15/501, turn onto Russell Chapel Church Road (look for the Lynn Morrow Pottery sign on the
corner) and follow it until it dead ends on Old Graham Road. Turn right onto Old Graham Road and continue on for about 2.5 miles.

The rear entrance is in the 5400 block of NC Highway 87 and is about 3 miles north of US 64. There are signs directing you to development.

 

COMMENTS:  I am not familiar with this community but it looks promising.  The only downside is that it is a bit of a drive from Durham.

Participating families will have balloons on their mailboxes and there will be signs placed throughout the community to help you find the participants. We ask that you not arrive before the 9:00 start time to give everyone a chance to set up their sale items. Food and beverages are available at the Chapel Ridge Golf Course Restaurant.

 

2) Multifamily Garage Sale, Saturday October 23, 7a.m.-12p.m.
8005 Somerdale Drive, Durham 27713
Antiques (oak table with drawer, tables, oak desk swivel chair, small child’s wicker chair, 1940’s birdseye Maple table with six chairs
Maternity clothing
Women and men’s clothing, women’s shoes,
Children’s furniture
Nursery bedding and furniture
Children’s clothing (2T-5), toys, etc
Assorted Kitchen items
Bicycle
Lots, lots, more