When you saw the title, did it make you think of Christmas?
Did you think I was a little crazy wanting to talk about Christmas when it is 234 days away? But then when you get my age the time flies and it will be here before you know it.
But it is the season for garage sales.
You know the saying, someone else’s junk is another person’s treasure, and there are a lot of treasures out there to be found on garage sales.
Our family enjoys going to a garage sale, not just for the treasures we find, but it is a fantastic way to recycle and refurbish items. Sometimes all they need is a fresh coat of paint for the items to look new again.
There are so many bargains to be found, which is the fun part, but it needs to be a bargain.
If an item is labelled new, and you price it new, I may as well buy it at the store and get the warranty with it; in case it does not work, I can return the item.
Garage sales need to have garage-sale pricing. Once the so-called new item is out on the table, it is now secondhand and with no warranty, unless you would like to warranty the piece.
Same with clothing. Just because they are silver jeans does not mean they should have a $50 price tag. I for one will not buy them, unless you have a fitting room to try them on. Then maybe I would.
Things are so expensive today that no one can afford to throw away money on things that do not work or fit, but then it is a garage sale, and you take that chance.
Garage sales are not just about the sale for us, it is a huge social. We often park the truck, especially if it is a town-wide sale and we walk the street. Well, my husband thinks if we walk, I will not buy as much because I cannot carry it all.
So often we run into people we have not seen in a while, and one would be surprised who goes out to garage sales. It is also a terrific way to get to know your neighbours, and people in the neighbourhood.
It is always fun to try and bundle items. Some people will not budge on their price, as others are more than willing to get rid of stuff and make bundle deals, because if the stuff does not sell, it has to be packed up and who wants to do that? It is the best.
New or expecting parents can find great deals on these sales, as can couples getting married, after all babies outgrow things quickly and wedding items are usually used only once.
Garage sales are not for everyone, but why not?
With nice weather finally on its way, or at least we hope so, town-wide sales will be beginning soon. This is when I make sure there is lots of room in my truck.
Also, if you advertise your sale to start at 9 a.m., do not start selling at 8:30 a.m. or sell the item you have listed the night before. That is not fair to the people that wait, as it may have been the only piece they drove to your town to buy.
If you say the item works, please make sure it does. We all work hard for our money.
It is so much fun when we get back to the truck to see who got the best deal, or who found the greatest treasure.
So, the next time you are out and about, stop at a garage sale, you just never know what you may find, and who you will meet.
Auction sales are another fun event for us, but that is another piece, because after all this is just my opinion.
