5 Myths of Garage Sales (And How They are Keeping You from Finding Garage Sale Gold)

(LOS ANGELES) Long before folks began flocking to eBay, garage saling was the bargain hunter's tool of choice. If you have not gotten into the garage sale swing yet, perhaps you are falling for one of the myths about garage sales.

“If you've ever purchased a used car, garage saling is no different,” says Anita Chagaris, author of “Garage Sale Gourmet: Streetwise Shopping for Fun, Profit, and Home Improvement” (Fighting Words Press, $14.95, www.GarageSaleGourmet.com). “You get a great value on items you've always wanted. And you get much more for your money than you do when buying new.”

But many people lose out on these bargains because they fall for the common myths about garage sales. Chagaris, together with her brother and co-author Randy Lyman, reports the Five Myths of Garage Sales (And How They are Keeping You from Finding Garage Sale Gold):
Myth #1: "Stuff at garage sales has all been used."
Used items like porcelain, glass, silverware and clothing can simply be washed or dry cleaned. Many items found at garage sales still have the tags on them.
Myth #2: "Stuff is dirty."
Since people tend to pay more for nicer looking items, most sellers clean up their merchandise. If you can't stand the dirt, bring rubber gloves, then wash your finds when you get home.
Myth #3: "I can get what I want online."
Online purchases often require extended waits, extra charges for tax and shipping, and even higher prices if you get caught in bidding wars.
Myth #4: "It's too time consuming."
Garage saling should be fun, not a chore. The time you spend depends on how badly you want to save money while redecorating your home.
Myth #5: "I'm no good at negotiating."
Most sellers are as scared of negotiating as you are. Remember that one reason people hold garage sales is to rid their homes of unwanted stuff. At the end of the weekend, many sellers give away any unpurchased items. They can either accept your offer or risk getting nothing.
Get a free 21-Point Checklist of Supplies to bring on your next garage sale excursion at www.GarageSaleGourmet.com.