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You can find virtually everything you need or want at yard sales
for a fraction of the cost. . . . if you're willing to wait and keep looking! Go early for the best selection. Go late for the best prices. (Sometimes you
can get stuff for FREE so that they don't have to pack it up or take it to the Goodwill.) Let your kids ask "How much". People can't resist a cute face
and it increases their confidence in dealing with adults. Have your kids spend their own money. Kids will learn to only buy what they
really want. They will learn the value of money and of each coin. Sometimes kids get
better prices when the seller knows its their own money. Ask your friends what they're looking for and shop for each other (I need a 2
lb bread machine). Always look for new items as gifts. It's never too early to Christmas shop-great
stocking stuffers too. Keep a gift box under the bed. You'll be ready for any party. It
saves shopping time and of course you'll save money. Write down needed sizes and measurements. Carry a tape measure. Write down the
kid's shoe sizes you already have so you don't buy duplicates. Look for quality brand kid's and women's clothes in great condition to take to
the consignment store for a profit. Check clothes over carefully for stains, holes, broken zippers, etc. If you can
mend it, point it out and ask for a lower price. Look for clothes with good buttons to remove for other clothes missing buttons
or for sewing new clothing. A card of buttons cost more than 25 cents at the store. Buy your children larger clothing several seasons and years ahead. You'll be
well stocked when they need it. You can be more picky and select nicer things since they
will wear it later and they aren't desperate now. Toys and clothes can become free when you buy them really cheap (clothes average
25-50 cents), use them for awhile, and resell at your own yard sale. You may even make a
profit if you bought them for a great deal. If you break or stain something it's not a big
deal since it only cost you about a quarter anyway! Only go looking for yard sales if the sign has a date on it. Otherwise you'll
get lost looking for last week's sale. Look in the newspaper or Penny Saver for school, church or big organization sales.
It's not worth your gas to run all around town for small sales. Drive around your
neighborhood looking for signs. Don't be too eager-if they know you want it, they'll ask a higher price. Don't be afraid to ask if they'll take less (name your price). . . all they can
do is say NO! Ask for a discount price when you buy several items. If there are several sellers at the same sale, listen to see who gives the best
deals to others and go to him to pay. Men generally charge less. Bring small bills and change. You don't want to give a $20 bill for a 50 cent
item. Small bills are better negotiating tools too. Tips for negotiating big items: 1. Establish a relationship. 2. Discuss the item in a neutral way. Too positive = too eager. Too negative = seller dislikes you. 3. First to name a price loses. Ask the seller "How much?" first. 4. Once you hear the proposal, never counter it immediately. (It shows respect that you really heard him.) 5. When you do respond, give you reasons first and then make your counteroffer. (Seller is forced to hear your reasons first and it makes your counter offer more reasonable.) 6. Consider trading a service (such as baby-sitting, car repair, construction) as part
or all of the deal. |