Tips for Successful Garage Sailing for Profit & Re-sale : eBay Guides

March is here and with it comes thoughts of treasure hunting. Ah! remember those fresh Saturdays mornings, fresh dew on the grass and the anticipation of the hunt and oh! we can't forget ....those treasures to be found. And the feeling"it's all ahead of me" and "hmm! I wonder what awaits me today."

• BE THERE FIRST .... most sales start between 7-8am. Try to be there at the start, if you happen to be there a little early most sellers won't mind.  However, if an objection arises be respectful and move on - you can always come back later on.

• PLOT YOUR MAP.....the night before cut out your newspaper clipping, highlight all the sales you are interested in and start numbering the sales with the most promising one first.  Order sales in a logical route, for example #2 and #3 are on the same street #4 is just around the corner - get the picture.
• BROWSE FIRST.... take a walk around 2-3 times before you purchase, often times you miss at item you may be interested in the first time around, BUT the exception to the rule is if you spy a treasure grab it right off, it probably won't be there later.
• SMALL CHANGE.... bring small bills and change, this makes paying a breeze and saves you valuable time.  No waiting around for the buyer scrambling to change a $20. for a $2. item.
• GO ON A HUNCH....not sure about an item but instinct tells you to buy- go with it.  Reminds me of a small creamer I found for $2.00 and re-sold for $125, turned out to be a Shawnee Pig Creamer.  On the other hand if an item gives you "I'm not sure - wishy washy , maybe feeling". - leave it, chances are it''s a poor choice.
• NEGOTIATE....Don't be shy, go and and offer a little less - the buyer will most likely accept but please be reasonable and respectful. Hey, bargaining is half the fun and other half is bragging to your family and friends just what you paid for that fur muff.
• BE PREPARED....Keep a container filled with necessary items, they really are priceless when you need them, things like newspaper, cardboard, plastic bags, a measuring tape, a magnifying glass, umbrella or raincoat. There's nothing worse than that pretty cup and saucer rattling on the back seat or those old wood framed windows banging against one another.  It's distracting and not the safest either.
• FACILITIES ... need I say more
• DRESS CODE ....dress in layers, so when it heats up you can peel off
• SNACKS....bring water and snacks - hopping from one yard sale to the next takes serious energy
• HAVE FUN ....above all have Fun.  There's nothing like the thrill of the hunt. 

So here's to Garage Sailing 2006, hope you find that priceless treasure I know I will.