Auctions

There are two kinds of auctions. The first is the absolute auction. With an absolute auction, there's no minimum amount that an item has to sell for. The other kind of auction has a reserve. That means there is a minimum amount that each item sells for.

If you see an ad for an auction and you don't see the word "absolute," it's probably an auction with reserves.

At auctions, items are sold "as is." There are no refunds or returns. So if you buy it, it's yours.

But most auctions offer a preview period where you can look over the merchandise ahead of time. Make sure you do that. Also make sure that you understand all terms and conditions of sale and the methods of payment that will be accepted. At a preview, have a tape measure, magnifying glass, and any other tools that will help you decide which items you want to bid for.

Decide ahead of time how much you want to spend. Set a budget. Then, during the auction, once the bidding starts, be cool. Don't allow yourself to get too excited, run up your own bid and spend more than you planned. That's not good!

It's also wise to keep a price guide with you to refer to during the auction. Knowing what items are really worth will help you during the bidding.

If you win a bid, congratulations. Now, you have to get your prize home. And yes, that is your responsibility. For large items, you should already have your transportation and labor pre-arranged. There will not be anyone on hand at the auction to do this for you. 

Estate Sales

Estate Sales are a great place to shop. Your can find anything from furniture, housewares, and clothing to jewelry and even automobiles. You never know what you'll find, so it's worth it to check them out.

You can find estate tag sales online at places like www.EstateSales.net. But you should still local newpapers for ads and watch for mailers and flyers advertising upcoming estate sales.

Most ads will have the address and date of the event, the terms and conditions and photos of some of the items for sale.

Some of these companies will have a sign up sheet on the door and will pass out numbers for entrance into the sale.  People have been known to camp out several hours before the sale to gain first entrance into the sale. Once in the sale if there is something you see you want to buy, you better grab it, because someone probably is lurking over your shoulders waiting for you

To put it down. Some will permit you to have your own shopping bags. With large items make arrangement for pickup and delivery. 

The prices are pretty etched in stone the first day however, feel free to leave a bid for the second day of sale.

On the second day most things will be reduced. The amount varies with the company itself.

Check out the condition good before buying. There are usually no returns or exchanges.   

Dress comfortably. Leave no stone unturned.  

Flea Markets

Are held virtually in every region of the country.  You can search online by city or state to find one you maybe interested in. They may also be listed in the yellow pages.

They usually start early in the morning and  close in the evening. The times open vary with each flea market as some are open only a particular weekend of the month. Check local times and listings. Almost any merchandise both new and used can be found there. Booths are rented to a variety of individuals who sale all types of merchandise. It is best to have a combination of cash and maybe credit cards, in case some of the merchants do not except checks. Look at as many of the booths as possible before making a decision to buy to compare prices. However, if there is a great and rare find you are afraid to miss go ahead and get it. 

Thrift Stores

There are many good reasons to shop thrifty. The most glaring being the most obvious, to save money. In some cases you can save up to 90% off of retail prices. Not only is there used merchandise, but often. Brand new merchandise finds it home here. You never know what you are going to find. A great source of the merchandise comes from individuals, but some of it comes from big box retailers and manufacturers. On occasion if you are savvy you can find incredible treasures worth hundreds even thousands of dollars. For example a JFK painting which was bought at a thrift store for $3.88 and later to be worth thousands of dollars. And the story goes on about many great finds such as these. Do you know anyone who would like to find one?

The negative stigma of these stores is a thing of the past. People are choosing to shop this way because it makes sense. The stores sell anything you can imagine you need, from furniture, clothing, books, appliances, records, general household items toys and magazines.

When shopping it is good to check the quality and condition of the item. Most stores offer a two return policy on clothing, shoes and electronics. But the tag must be attached and the original receipt must be present. Check the store’s return policy before buying. Merchandise is usually put out daily. Talk to store owners about when peak times are for new merchandise. Most take credit cards, checks with ID. Many have a discount system and will discount merchandise according to the length of time it has been in the store. There is usually a color coded system. Check store for details.

Beware no merchandise is sold without a price tag on it and cashiers are not generally allowed to price. It must go back to production and sorting. Become an educated shopper get out there and find those Treasures. Remember to make thrifting a part of your travel destinations when vacationing.

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