The Plight of the Pickers

Are you a Picker? It’s not really the latest thing, but it does seem to be one of the hottest things going. Picking is basically the old art of antiquing brought to the forefront by television shows like American Pickers and Antiques Roadshow. Do you frequent garage sales? Chances are you’re a Picker!

Some people drive by a yard sale and think, “Junk.” Others slow down and think, “Treasure hunt!” On more than one occasion a smart shopper with a keen eye has turned a $5 figurine purchase into a $500 sale to a collector. There are treasures to be found out there in the yards and garages of America, but what’s the best plan of attack to maximize your chances of success? Here are a few hints:

• Check the newspaper listings for garage/yard sales. Map out your locations ahead of time to be more efficient. Don’t confine yourself to certain areas of town, treasures are to be found in all corners. Wealthier neighborhoods may have higher quality items, but you’ll likely find higher price tags as well. If you’ve ever seen the TV show American Pickers, you know those guys wind up in some pretty out-of-the-way, weed-covered back lots.
   
• Wear comfortable clothing. You don’t want to be hurrying through a gold mine because your feet ache or your pants are binding. Also, take some snacks and drinks for the comfort of your inner self.
   
• Carry plenty of change and small bills to make the haggling easier. Leave the bulky purse at home and carry your stuff in a small change purse or simply in your pockets.
   
• Think big. You never know what you’ll find at these sales. A sparkling pendant will fit in your glove compartment, but what about a dresser for the kids’ room? Be sure you have enough vehicle to carry whatever you might find.
   
• Courtesy call. Greet the seller with a smile and a hearty “good morning!” Making a good impression increases your chances of striking a good deal later.
   
• So many people have smart phones these days, so be smart and check the value of something you have your eye on. You can go to eBay and check what comparable items have fetched on the open market.
   
• Timing is everything. For the best selection, arrive 30 minutes before the curtain goes up. If the seller is still preparing, ask if you can help out in exchange for some pre-sale spying. But don’t be pushy. If the sign says “No Early Birds,” steer clear until opening time. For the best deals, show up an hour before the sale is scheduled to end. Sellers are more desperate to get rid of items then. But remember, things will also be more picked over near the end.
   
• If you’re thinking of purchasing an item such as a lamp, be sure it works; plug it in. You’d hate to get it home and find out you’ve wasted you money. It’s a good idea to look any item over closely for any possible defects (cracks, missing pieces, stains).
   
• These sales are all about haggling. The sellers want to get rid of stuff, but not give it away. Make a respectful counteroffer to the listed price and work to the middle.
   
• If you just can’t agree on a price for a larger item you’d really like, leave your name and phone number so the seller can call you if he/she changes her mind after the sale.

You don’t have to always be on the hunt to make a profit. There’s nothing wrong with finding things to actually use around your home. Just enjoy the experience of getting a good deal on something useful. Head out with friends and make it a social experience…unless you’re really serious about searching for some bargains.

While most yard/garage sales have a more low-budget theme, there may just be times when opportunity knocks. Say you’re at a sale and see a vehicle covered on the side yard. It’s not for sale, but when you find out it’s a classic muscle car in rather poor shape, you offer $1,000 figuring another few thousand in parts and labor could earn you a nifty profit. Or have you parking at the local classic car shows. Now you need $1,000 quickly (plus additional funding for the restoration). Where are you going to get it? Think a loan from Vantage! Click here for more information on numerous loan types. You could even win a $500 Visa gift card!