It’s that time of year again.  Whether it’s in the yard or the garage or the driveway or on the front porch, these sales are popping up all over town.  After all, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure!  And who doesn’t like a treasure hunt?  This is a great opportunity to find some real bargains.

Get the Most Out of Second-Hand Sales

• Shop sales in upscale neighborhoods for items that you could otherwise not afford.

• As with any shopping excursion, make a plan.  If you are looking for furniture, make a list of room measurements since you’ll need to make a decision on the spot and returns are not an option.

• If the item you are interested in requires power, ask to plug it in to know if it works.

• Carry cash.  Understandably, most sellers are not comfortable taking checks from strangers.

• If you don’t like the price, make an offer.  If you are purchasing multiple items, offer a bundle price that gets you a discount.

• Beware of shiny objects!  They are everywhere.  Unlike impulse buys in a retail store, you won’t be able to return these items once buyer’s remorse sets in.

Looking for another incentive to get up early on a Saturday morning?  Buying someone else’s stuff is environmentally friendly.  Everything you buy stays out of a landfill.