Posted on Sun, Apr. 27, 2008
Deals by the yard
Clutter helps bargain hunters clean up
By Kelly Marshall Fuller - kfuller@thesunnews.com
Kathy Goodwin and Ann Kaminskas were wandering among an assortment of paperback books, wicker furniture and a few concrete chickens looking for a bargain.
It was only 9 a.m. on a breezy Saturday, but the longtime friends already had been to eight yard sales, many that had beckoned them with fluttering flags and orange signs.
It's a weekend scene repeated throughout the Carolinas, as treasure hunters scavenge for the best buys.
Economic researchers say there could be a reason people are rushing to yard sales and secondhand stores: To get ahead of the possible financial crunch caused by the slumping economy.
Goodwin and Kaminskas, who have been chasing deals together for 10 years, said they should stop because they have accumulated so much stuff, but still have several upcoming sales in Rice Fields and Pawleys Island they plan to attend.
"We're yard sale buddies," Kaminskas said. "We'll probably go on another 10 years. It's a sickness, but it's a good sickness."
In a recent survey done by Big Research, a consumer data firm, more than 60 percent of the shoppers - who were mostly women - said yard sales and garage sales were "hot."
It was the first time Big Research had asked the question about yard sales, said Pam Goodfellow, senior analyst for Big Research. Respondents also indicated that secondhand shopping was going full blast.
"The data was interesting, considering the times that we're in," she said. "It's an option for consumers who are spending a lot more on gas. People have less disposable income for clothing."
Arnold Hite, economist at Charleston Southern University, has found the need for secondhand goods goes up when the economy goes down.
Veteran shopper Goodwin said money saved by going to yard sales can be used on essential items, such as food and gasoline.
Many yard sale shoppers prowled multifamily sales last weekend in several subdivisions off Glenns Bay Road near Surfside Beach.
Gene Gainey and daughter Betty Dietz checked out toys, collectibles and household items spread on tables and the ground.
The day had been fruitful.
"This is for myself," Gainey said, holding up a college-themed T-shirt. "We go every week. You get so much more at yard sales."
"I bought a stove, two chairs and exercise equipment," Dietz said. "The stove was only $50, and it's like new."
Betty Williams, who cruised through multiple yard sales in Georgetown, said she doesn't drive very far to reach yard sales and is selective about what she buys.
"This is fun, and you would be surprised at how much money you save."
She said she enjoys the camaraderie, as well as bargain hunting, and often exchanges stories with friends who are also "sailing" about what they've found at other sales.
Williams passed up a video tape featuring Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, cowboy boots and a wide-screen television. But a set of bookshelves and other items caught her eye.
"You can't buy the first thing you see," she said. "It's just like going to the store."
Economist Hite said visiting yard sales can be inexpensive entertainment as well, especially if the trips are planned efficiently and people don't used up a lot of gas driving around.
Some yard sale shoppers also turn their items into cash on eBay, he said.
"If the economy continues to get worse, I do see that this trend will continue," Hite said. "People are nervous. People are trying to find ways to save money, and this is a way to do it."
Contact KELLY MARSHALL FULLER at 357-9187.
Veteran yard sale shopper Betty Williams of Georgetown says get up early, don't buy the first thing you see and stick to your neighborhood. What tips do you have for getting the best buys? What is your favorite yard sale find? Share your thoughts on this story at MyrtleBeach Online.com
Tips on preparing to attend yard sales
How to have a successful sale of your own
Page 5A# HTMLInfoBox~~Writer's recent haul
The Sun News reporter Kelly Marshall Fuller is a veteran yard sale shopper. This is a list of her purchases during a recent Saturday:
Huffy beach cruiser bicycle. One bad tire | $5 (Repair to bike, $3.50)
Clive Cussler hardback book | 25 cents
Yoga instruction tape and mat | $5
Flower vase | 25 cents
Three fishing lures for deep sea fishing | $1
Wind chimes | 25 cents
Electric frying pan | $1
Binoculars | 25 cents
Beer mug | 25 cents
Paperback book, "The Everyday Guide to Prayer" | 25 cents
Paperback book, "Making Kind Choices" | 25 cents
Wear comfortable shoes | You will be on your feet all day, including time spent on grass and dirt.
Map your route | This will ensure you make the best use of your time. Stopping at sites with multiple vendors gives you more shopping time and requires less driving time.
Wear sunscreen and a hat | Protect yourself from the sun. Always seek shade.
Pack hand sanitizer | If you are shopping at a large venue, restrooms might be portable ones, which do not always include sinks for proper hand washing. If you visit lots of sales, this can keep down germs.
Keep up your energy | Bring water and snacks.
Bring a tape measure | This will help make sure large purchases such as furniture will fit inside your house.
Bring cash | Hit the ATM for cash before you head out. Most vendors don't take credit cards.
Take a rolling tote | This minimizes the amount of weight you have to carry and keeps your hands free for shopping.
Source: HGTV.com# HTMLInfoBox~~How to have a sale
Weeks before the sale, scour closets and cupboards, bookcases and basement for yard sale finds.
Do your homework. Read the yard sale ads. Visit neighborhood sales and note price ranges on clothing, kitchenware and books. There's no sense labeling two boxes of kitchen utensils at 50 cents if a quarter is the going rate.
Consider teaming up with a neighbor. A two-family yard sale may get twice the traffic.
Know the rules. Check with your municipality and homeowners association. Some jurisdictions require a permit, or limit the number and timing of yard sales.
Choose your day, and plan a one-day sale, maximum. In yard sales, as in life, there is a point of diminishing returns.
Sell yourself. Take out a newspaper or online ad. Watch your wording. Mention furniture, baby items, garden tools or other desirable items you have to offer, but don't waste ad dollars on "miscellaneous." Include the phrase "No earlybirds!" in your ad. "Earlybirds pay double!" will discourage all but the most fanatic yard sale hunters from showing up at 5 a.m.
Be seen. Whether you use your yard, garage or driveway, make sure your site can be seen from the road, and plan to haul a few big items out front, for good measure.
Pay attention to packaging. Plastic food storage bags group children's game pieces, display jewelry, and hold hardware bits and pieces.
The bigger the item, the bigger the price tag should be.
Consider bundling. Got five small bookcases to sell? Price them at $10 each, but offer the whole lot for $40 and watch them get swooped up.
Be able to make change. Be prepared with at least $20 in small bills and coins.
Have some paper or plastic carrier bags available for shoppers.
Have an exit strategy. Many charities will pick up all unsold items.
Sources: organizedhome.com, yardsalequeen.com
