To Haggle or not to Haggle… The Untold World of the Garage Sale

Treasure finding can be slow and tedious but entirely pleasurable when you find a great piece. Garage sales have emerged in history as a collectors’ dream and an inexpensive way to pick up unique pieces.

So how do you learn the ABC’s of garage sale-ing? The first thing to note is not to be discouraged if a particular sale doesn’t produce the mother- load. The art of collecting successful pieces is not ‘‘quantity but quality’’, Paddington Antique Centre’s owner Suzy Baines says. Sometimes it may take a number of sales to produce just one piece worth the petrol.

So how to get the best price at garage sales? Some salers have specific price tags or want you to make an offer. This can work in your favour, or not, because everyone’s perception of value is different particularly when someone is selling a personal piece. The key is to be strong but also sensitive to the realization that they may be selling things for financial gain due to hard times or it may be a deceased estate.

Romaine says when going to garage sales you need to learn the art of the haggle. “It’s a bit of a talent, and given a bit of practice, anyone can get the best deal regardless of the advertised price if they learn to haggle effectively.” This doesn’t mean getting to the point of rude though; just remember these things may hold sentimental value to the seller.

Note: If you are looking for particular pieces to add to your specific collection just keep in mind that collectors may have been knocking on the door at the early hours of the morning. Garage sale holder Colleen Mullins-Sifread says “We had collectors searching for old washing machines and old books on home-decorating amongst other things. If someone is able to find something, we’re just glad if they can use it.”

Happy sale-ing!

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TIPS AND TRICKS TO G SALE-ING

Be up and ready to roar at about 6.30am. Just enough time to walk down to the coffee shop, grab a paper and plan your morning. Just don’t forget the Navman!

Remember to hit the ATM before embarking. There’s no eftpos at these things!

Keep an open mind. Sometimes pieces need to be fixed up before you can truly appreciate them.

Be polite and respectful to the holders, you may get a better price!

Bring a towel to lie in the boot to ensure you don’t scratch your car when putting must-have pieces in your car.

Check out egaragesales.com.au first to see what’s going on in your neighbourhood, you can even get email alerts.