The 5 Best Reseller Yard Sale Tips

If you are anything like us, you CANNOT wait for this warm weather and Yard Sale Adventures! Yard sales (or Tag Sales/Garage Sales) are THE BEST place to scoop up items for resale. People are motivated to clean and declutter their homes, and you can often get some great deals. We’ve compiled our 5 Best Tips to have a great yard sale trip!

1. Be Prepared

It’s best to start with a clean car, you’ll never know how much space you’ll need. We also like to keep a tote bag or plastic tote in the trunk to store all the little goodies. You’ll want to have a tote or bag so you don’t have to set things down while shopping (especially neighborhood sales or bigger yard sales). If you like something, pick it up while you think about it. You’ll protect it from being nabbed by someone else, and let the owner know that you are interested. Usually, they’ll let you know price or that they may be open to offers if you seem interested in something.

2. Plan Ahead

We like to scope out our local Facebook groups or Craigslist page to know where the tag sales are going to be. Planning your outfit and getting up early to feel ready to go are also good tips! Get THERE at the beginning of the sale for first pick, serious yard salers know to go early. If you go at the end of a yard sale vs at the beginning, the pricing may be different.

3. Bring Supplies

Simple tools like your phone for checking prices or items, post it notes, pen, measuring tape, magnet, magnifying glass and light are all helpful to have handy. Carry a small amount of cash on you and have some back up cash stashed in your car. I also like to wear layers for comfort (which isn’t the same as bringing supplies, but early mornings in New England can be chilly, and the warm weather sneaks up on you)! You don’t want to be uncomfortably hot while scoring deals at yard sales.

4. Don’t Be Afraid To Haggle

You want to bargain but be respectful. If you’re too aggressive in negotiating your deals, you may put the seller off completely (I have seen this happen at an Estate sale or 2) and they won’t negotiate at all. Surprising things can be more valuable than you’d think, so keep an idea of items you’re looking for in the back of your mind.

5. Save Your Receipts

Remember those post-it notes? Great to write down the cost of goods and track your mileage for your accountant. Tracking your expenses as you create them really makes your paperwork a TON easier.