For many of us there is nothing quite like the thrill of getting a good bargain. Whether it’s waiting in line for those once a year Black Friday deals or the rewarding tradition of combining coupons to save at the grocery store there are plenty of ways to shop smart. To many shopping is the modern day equivalent of hunting and gathering, and this is especially true when it comes to finding rare treasures or collectibles that you can’t get anywhere else. With the advent of online auction sites and antique malls it is easy to forget the thrill of the hunt that occurs when you physically have to go somewhere. Here you will rediscover this passion with a few tips on how to find the best deals and items at local estate sales.
The first thing you will want to do is plan your course. You may be able to stumble upon an estate sale every year or so, but you can actively look for newly listed estate sales online through services or Internet classifieds sites. From here you can generate a list of sales near you and decide which ones you should visit first depending on what types of items you are looking for. Additionally, try and determine how much cash you will need to take with you as not all estate sales will utilize card readers.
Next you need to prepare for sale itself. Do not pack things like boxes or bags because in general those are not allowed inside most estate sale locations. Things you should bring however include measuring tape for larger items, room measurements for your own home if applicable, and a flashlight for darker areas like basements or attics where more items may be on display.
As with most things in life, it is best to arrive early to get the best selection. Even if you are among the first inside the sale try not to get stuck in one area too long. If possible do a quick walk through to get a layout of where certain things are and then return to make your purchases. If you are unsure if an item is for sale or not, it never hurts to ask.
The most important thing to remember when visiting any estate sale is to show respect to the property, other shoppers, and the items inside. For more information or to get help with your own estate sale visit us at HeritageEstateSale.com.