I do not claim to be a yard sale expert, but I do have lots of experience!  If you enjoy going to yard sales or even make a living from it I think you may benefit from my guide.  If I leave anything important out please contact me, I need to know all the tricks of the trade!

Yard Sales offer furniture, clothing, electronics, sports equipment, home deocr, bedding, antiques, collectibles and so much more.  Just about anything you can imagine could be waiting for you!

Most important rule:  GO EARLY!!  Even if the newspaper ad states the sale starts at 7:00 am, other shoppers will be there as soon as the resident opens their front door.  I have even arrived at a sale at 5:00 am and there were already people there looking with flashlights.  That's determination.  Also note that on any other day 8:30 am is "early" while on yard sale Saturday 8:30 is LATE, and more likely too late!

Take a friend and split up.  Sometimes a sale is so crowded, people all around you are picking up things you haven't even lain your eyes on yet.  It can be frustrating.  Having someone there who knows what you are looking for helps a lot.  They can snatch things up and hold them until you can see it and make a decision. 

Try very, very hard not to pay what they are asking.  Now, if something you must have is under a couple of bucks go ahead and shell it out.  But if it is more than you expected to pay or more than you are willing to pay just ask them to come down.  I have very rarely been refused.  Most people already have great prices at yard sales but sometimes people have an inflated idea of what their used items are worth. 

On that note, I usually go to the "rich" neighborhoods first.  Sometimes this backfires but I guess its as good a game plan as any. 

Dig deep.  If you don't look closely or long enough you will probably miss something.  I usually can tell right away if a yard sale is a "dud" but I'd be remiss not to look thoroughly.  There could always be a diamond in the rough. 

Dig in.  Don't be shy!  If you are afraid of other people and try to stay out of their way, you will not only get run over, you will leave empty handed.  If someone beats you to the punch, and you see them leaving with something you could "just die for" it may not be too late.  Don't be afraid to ask if they are willing to take a few more bucks for what they just paid.  It's possible they'll give it up, but not if you don't ask.

Have plenty of cash.  Nothing is worse while out "junking" than finding something unbelievable and being short five bucks.  You can ask the seller to hold them item, though, while you run to the ATM.  Try to avoid this, however, because you are burning daylight!

Eat breakfast first.  It's not as fun when you are ill and starving.

If you are prowling the sales as a professional reseller, keep your eyes peeled for items with the tags still on them!  These would be the most desirable as they are brand new!  Also look for name brand items, remember dig in.  Don't pay more for an item than you would expect to make in return (of course) estimate a comfortable profit then make an offer.

NECCASITIES:

A MAP!!

Newspaper classifieds or look at the online edition, click on classifieds, garage sales then print.

Cold hard cash as they don't take checks!

A buddy.

Sunglasses and sunblock, even a big hat.  (A must for me as I have Lupus).

Snacks and water

Cell phone if you have one

If you are serious you need a truck or SUV!!!

I have had so much fun going to yard sales over the years.  Some people are under the misguided impression that you can only find junk at yard sales.  (I do refer to my finds as "junk" but in a loving manner:)  I have decorated most of my home with yard sale and antique mall finds.  I use magazine layouts and hit the road to find similar items for a FRACTION of their cost.  I have bought new items and old items.  Items I treasure and some I sold again at my own yard sale.  Mostly I buy things to resale with GREAT SUCCESS.  If you have never been shopping at yard sales, get up early and try it out.  You may just get hooked!