Garage Sales 101 : Tips and Real-Life Finds
If you're looking to make some extra cash or just score great deals, garage sales are gold mines waiting to be explored. Today, I’m revealing my tips on what to look for and how to maximize your finds at the next garage sale you visit. Whether you're hunting for a personal bargain or flipping items for profit, these insights will help you make the most of your garage sale adventures.
Planning and Preparation
I always start my day with a clear plan. Recently, I was able to hit many sales at once, in a local neighbourhood event where multiple homes were hosting garage sales simultaneously. This setup is perfect for maximizing your time and opportunities.
Map out sales in advance and prioritize the ones with items you're most interested in. You can check Facebook Marketplace for garage sales in the area!
Items to Look For
Certain items are almost guaranteed to bring in good returns. Keep an eye out for:
Instruments
Sporting Equipment
Electronics
Collectible Items
Antiques
Books
Decor Pieces
Kitchen Items
For example, at one sale, I found light switches for just a dollar each. With a quick reverse image google search, I quickly found out these typically retail for about $40! An easy flip!
Where To re-Sell
It's essential to know where to sell your finds. For instance, furniture pieces are best sold on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where local buyers can pick them up. On the other hand, smaller, high-demand items like the light switches I found are ideal for eBay, where they can reach a broader audience looking for specific deals.
Collectibles and Unique Finds
Collectibles such as coin collections, stamps, comic books, and action figures can be hidden gems at garage sales. These items can hold significant value, often unknown to the sellers.
For instance, I came across a cocktail kit with original tags for only $10. After a quick reverse image search on Google, I discovered the same kit retail for around $500 online. Despite some damage, it was an easy decision to invest in it, knowing it could still fetch a good price with minor repairs.
Negotiating
Never be afraid to negotiate. Sellers are often willing to lower their prices, especially towards the end of the day. I managed to buy a set of four school chairs for just $5, down from the original asking price of $10. This set alone could potentially sell for over $500 once refurbished.
Tip: Always negotiate respectfully and know when to walk away if the price isn’t right.
DIY Repairs and Upcycling
Don’t shy away from items that need a little TLC. With some creativity and effort, you can transform seemingly worthless items into valuable treasures.
Although the vintage school chairs I found needed some love and they showed some wear, I knew they had a lot of potential. By refurbishing them with a fresh coat of candy apple red paint and some elbow grease, I turned them into trendy pieces ready for resale.
While on the note of DIYing, keep an eye out for solid wood furniture with quality craftsmanship details like dovetail joints or hand-carved accents. These are often worth the effort to refurbish. For example, I found this solid wood side table for $5! With a lot of sanding and a paint wash technique, it completely modernized its look!
Tip: Always inspect items for structural integrity and potential repairs.
By following these tips and strategies, you can turn garage sale finds into profitable ventures, just like I did. Happy hunting, and may your garage sale adventures be as successful as mine!
Watch how I upcycled the items I got on my garage sale endeavours in the video below!
