Strategies for Shopping Estate Sales
We all want to do the best we can with our time and money. It doesn’t matter what size your budget is or how busy your schedule may be. It doesn’t matter what season of life you may be in- we all want to do the best we can with our resources. By shopping estate sales- you can maximize your time AND your dollars. Where else can you spend an hour (or more) and be entertained, educated, and save money all at the same time? It doesn’t matter if you have never been to an estate sale or if you are a seasoned veteran. I guarantee you will learn something new by reading this list of 10 strategies. Let’s get into it!
Stay Current with Social Media.
Make time to check the company’s social media pages/stories right before the sale. Sometimes things are added at the last minute. Sometimes a flash/pop up extra discount may take place.
2. Your uniform matters.
Dress in layers. If it’s winter and you have to wait outside – it can be pretty cold. Once you hit the inside – especially with all the people – you will heat up quickly. Can you tie your jacket around your waist? Stick your hat in your pocket? The last thing you want to do is carry around a heavy coat AND keep your hands available for shopping.
3. Plastic grocery bags are your secret weapon.
They can be used as totes, wrapping paper, or plastic gloves. You can wad up a bunch of them, stick them in your purse or even your pocket and they will be ready at the perfect time to be pressed into service.
4. Learn Brands
Spend some time researching brands so that when you come across them you will be educated on quality and price. This will make you a better shopper and will allow you to get the goods that others may be sleeping on.
5. Don’t Be on the Fence
Buyer’s Remorse is stronger than Buyer’s Regret. Once you start shopping estate sales – you will learn – you snooze, you lose. Don’t be a loser. You can always re sell or donate the item down the road if it doesn’t work out the way you envisioned. It’s always the ones that got away that will haunt you.
6. Cherry Pick the best stuff.
A lot of houses have similar items. What is always available at every house? Here are some examples: Towels, sheets, personal care items, cleaning products, hand tools. Look at those categories and buy the best from them.
7. Shop Out of Season
Buy garden items in the winter. The prices may not be any lower, but the competition will be less because people aren’t shopping for out of season items. Ditto the clothing, the seasonal decorations, the outdoor furniture.
8. Go Back on Day 2.
Once the first layer of good stuff goes, the second layer rises to the top and you will be surprised at the items that were overlooked on day 1. The prices will be cheaper too.
9. Engage the Staff
Ask them questions. Here are some examples:
What do YOU think are some good buys? What do people overlook that you think is undervalued? Are they any things you wouldn’t buy? Make sure you ask at an appropriate time. If the staff is busy and they are helping other customers– this is not the time to ask questions.
10. Offer Positive Feedback
Here are some examples: Your sales are so organized. I like the way you price the books. Your prices are reasonable. Why is XYZ so expensive? Do it casually and positively.