Garage Sale Etiquette
By Cheryl Gochnauer
Since I adopted a stay-at-home mom's tight budget five years ago, I've turned into a garage sale addict. At first, I hesitated at the thought of purchasing other people's cast-offs. Then I started finding $30 jeans for 50 cents a pair, and I became a believer.
Wal-Mart looks expensive as I splash through piles of second-hand goodies. Sometimes, I can barely see over the stack of nearly-new clothes as I head for my hostess's card table. "Four dollars," she tallies as I smile.
I love it. Of course, as a wise woman once said, you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince. That's especially true in garage-saling, as you sift through dirt to find diamonds. But then, you'll discover a gem.
I have noticed, however, that -- just like everywhere else -- there are those who try to take all the fun out of this romp through neighbors' treasures. These boors need to read a few chapters on Garage Sale Etiquette.
For instance, when the sign says the sale starts at 8:00 a.m., that isn't code for "unless you pound on my door at 6:00 a.m." But there always seem to be garage sale guerrillas roaming the streets. Armed with maps, money and classified ads, they attack at dawn. Engines idling, these guys camp outside unsuspecting homes, ready to charge as soon as they detect any sign of life. Meanwhile inside, a sleepy hostess reaches for a cup of coffee. Up until 2:00 a.m. marking merchandise, she's just recovering from yesterday's skirmishes with her kids, who suddenly bonded with stuff they haven't looked at in years. Yawning, she opens the blinds -- then snaps them shut. Ding, dong. If she's smart, she'll make them wait until she's had her breakfast. And read the paper. And watched a little bit of TV.
Once the door goes up, people bolt from their cars like horses at the racetrack. Everyone but the most serious-minded folks understand negotiating at garage sales is half the fun. If you're in this to make money, it kills the spirit . PLEASE -- no $10 toddler dresses! Customers are looking for diamonds in the dirt, not rubies in the showcase. Consider a consignment store to hawk the expensive stuff. Or, make a visitor's day by pricing things so low, they'll be hugging you at the card table.
In case you're debating, yes, it is dishonest to put a tag over that hole in a shirt. Just mark it "AS IS". That way, you don't have to feel guilty or worry about an angry confrontation later. Also, advertise truthfully. Don't say it's a "huge sale" if it isn't.
Now, about buyers checking out the merchandise. Number One, it should not be done from the street, hanging out the driver's side window, taking inventory while rolling by. Running over a pedestrian definitely adds to the price tag.
Standing on tip-toe, peeking in garage windows the day before the sale is also prohibited.
Comments should be kept to a minimum. Like Mom said, "If you can't say something nice...". "What a bunch of junk!" is always inappropriate (even if it's true).
If you discover it's not a bunch of junk and you land in the midst of Garage Sale Heaven, refrain from trashing the tables and hogging everything. "Don't touch that...it's mine!" is not proper conversation between civilized shoppers.
If you need glasses, wear them. Holding up clearly tagged items and yelling, "How much is this?" irritates your hostess. Items marked "SOLD" are sold. And no, you can't go behind that curtain.
Leave the $50 bills at home. And unless you're a relative -- sometimes, because you're a relative -- your hostess shouldn't accept a check.
Other rules to remember:
This is a garage sale, not a daycare. Keep kids under control and off toys you are not planning to buy.
Don't park on the grass or in the neighbor's driveway.
Don't bring your dog.
Thank your hostess, even if you don't buy anything.
The most important rule of garage sale etiquette? No, you can't use their bathroom.
Now that we know the rules, go for it! Happy prospecting as you dig for those diamonds.
Comments? E-mail Cheryl at
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, or write her at PO Box 6883, Lee's Summit, MO 64064-6883. Visit her website at www.homebodies.org.
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