Estate sale shopping is more than something on your to do list. Its an event! An experience! Okay, that may be a little over the top, but for those of us who love shopping at estate sales are nodding our heads in the affirmative. Here are a few helpful hints to make your shopping experience even more enjoyable.
1. If you're in search of a specific item you saw on the internet- arrive at least an hour early.
2. Its okay to call ahead and ask us what part of the home the item is located in. However, do not ask about the price -- we frown upon that :-)
3. Bring along a shopping partner and tag team. Especially if you're coming for specific items.
4. Bring your highest level of patience. Trust me, those of us in the industry are still trying to resolve the problem of the long lines-- without breaking the bank by hiring several checkout workers.
5.If you choose to wait on an item until discount day, grab a business card and call ahead to make sure the item is still there before wasting time and gas.
6. If an item is marked "as is". Inspect it carefully before paying or ask an associate what's wrong with the item.
7. If you want to negotiate for a lower price, consider your approach. For example, which of the following do you think will be received better? "Would you be willing to take $2 instead of $3 for this item?" or "I'll give you $2 but its not worth $3. I'm not paying that much for it."
8. Its okay to pull the price tag off large items while you continue to shop--if you have a sincere intent to purchase it. It indicates to us that the item is already taken and we won't sale it to someone else right away.
9. Feel free to ask the staff anything. We may say yes. We may say no. Some estate sales may be more rigid than others but ask anyway. I had a disabled person to rush to his home down the street because he didn't think we would allow him to use the restroom. It never hurts to ask.
10. Bring your spirit of kindness and honesty. It will be bestowed back upon you tenfold.
