Get a local newspaper or mag that lists local secondhand stores, outlet malls, antique malls, garage/moving/estate sales, thrift shops, and the best of these- flea markets.

Plan your day. If four are on one side of town, plan to do those at once instead of zig zagging back and forth.

Make sure you empty out your car or have a proper-sized vehicle for the item you are trying to purchase. Nothing is worse than finding that perfect item, and the price is right-- Then you can't fit it in your car.

Head to the back of the store. This is where the sale and/or clearance items are typically held.

Stores want to hide them as much as possible.

Know what you are looking for and don't buy just to buy. You can get really good deals at these sorts of stores, but there is a lot of junk you have to go through to get the great deals.

If you like brand name products, call to the major stores and ask if they are going to be having any closings, or overstock sales. Overstock is a great way to get cheap items. They don't have the room to store them, so let them go cheaply.

Now that you know where and how to find the item, let's talk pricing. Always offer half. A $100 item, say how about this for $40 or $50. Gives you room to negotiate the price. Most of these places have no set price, so have fun getting the price down.

Ask local vendors at the flea market and such if they know when the best times/days/places would be for the specific items you are looking for. (Tuesday might be furniture day, while Thursday might be glass wares).

Barter. Negotiate for items by offering things you have to trade.

Check out online overstock and sales. Some of the best deals are online- although watch out for shipping. A item that is a 30% savings isn't worth it if you are paying full price in the end with shipping and handling charges.

Visit outlet stores. They will have name brand items at discount prices.

Clip coupons. Your mother had the right idea!

Shop around. Never buy something that you aren't sure you couldn't get for a better price someplace else.