How to Bargain at a Yard Sale

Yard sales are a great way to find hidden treasures and practical items at a fraction of their original price. Some frugal shoppers make yard sales a regular part of their weekly schedule, and the most experienced shoppers get the best deals by knowing how to bargain. Often, the shopper is more experienced than the sellers, who are often only holding the sale to clear unwanted items from their houses and garages. Here are some tactics to help you bargain at a yard sale for the best deal.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Try holding out a dollar bill along with the item(s) you want when asking the seller the price. This creates a psychological association between the item and your offering. It's surprising how often the seller's price matches the amount you are holding.
2. Let the seller suggest a price on more valuable items. Once a price is named, tell the seller you've left your purse or wallet in the car. Because there are far more lookers than buyers at yard sales, the seller will often think, once you walk away, that you won't come back because the price doesn't suit you. This often prompts the seller to lower the price on the spot to save the sale.
3. Initiate the bargaining process yourself. Take the item you want to the seller and suggest a price you're willing to pay. If the seller names a significantly higher price, put the item down before continuing to bargain. This gives the impression that you are less interested in the item and will usually help you get a lower price.
4. Collect all the items you want and carry them to the seller. Offer a single price for the lot. If the seller's goal is to get rid of all the items in the sale (and it usually is), this is an effective way to buy multiple items at a good price.
5. Be patient. Sometimes all it takes to get a seller to lower the price of an item you want is to wait her out. After she gives you a price on an item, try simply saying nothing. The silence is often enough to get the seller to break and say something like, "Well, I guess I could let it go for ..." and suggest a lower price without you saying a word.
6. Look for large items like furniture and appliances late in the day. These often go last because people won't want to haul large items around while they hit other yard sales for bargains. Prices often drop dramatically toward the end of a sale when the owner starts thinking about having to gather up all that's left and put them away, especially if items are bulky and heavy.