8 Ways to Get Great Stuff at Estate Sales
"I'm intrigued by estate sales but don't really know what to expect. Any pointers on how to get good deals?" --iVillager daisyhc
Question:Estate sales are a "buyer beware" situation. Here are eight tips on making the most of them:
1. Go early.
2. Have a goal in mind and search for one main thing. You may buy others, but if you need a chair or some dishes look for those first, then go back over the goods.
3. Check condition carefully. If necessary take a flashlight. Test all electrical equipment, radios, toys, clocks. Be sure they work. Understand that repairs, if possible, are expensive. You might want to take batteries if you plan to buy toys.
4. If you are not an expert, buy only for use value. Don't try to get a bargain to resell later.
5. Buy it when you see it, or pick it up and take it to the seller to negotiate price. If it is a big piece of furniture in an upstairs room, sometimes you can take the price tag to the seller to be sure no one else buys it while you are negotiating.
6. Look in and under things. We once bought the bench the cashier was sitting on.
7. Always negotiate. If you buy a group of items you should be able to get a better price. If you want a big item like a dinning room set, leave a bid and you might get a bargain at the end of the sale.
8. Remember there are no returns. You must know how you plan to use your purchase.
Good luck and have fun!
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