I haven’t had much time lately to post.  Abbey was in the hospital a few days.  She is better now.  But, I’m still recovering from my overloaded desk at work.  I don’t think I have ever seen such a mess.  Invoices and bill were stacked to the ceiling.  I love my job.  Did y’all read that with plenty of sarcasm?

On to better things……

Y’all know I’m a huge fan of yard sales.  I am bad.  In fact if there was a support group, I would be the president.  My kids are just as bad.  Last year while camping at Virginia Beach we walked around a curve and there was a campsite covered with everything you could think of.  Abbey Beth yelled YARD SALE!  My poor mama covered Abbey’s mouth and walked a little faster.  It wasn’t until our last day that we realized those people were French.  Thank goodness!  Then last Saturday I bought Zack some Osh Kosh B’ Gosh shoes for FIFTY CENTS!  Mama asked him if I got them at Wal-Mart.  He answered with, “No, yard sale.”  Gotta love that even my little man knows the best bargains come from yard sales!

I know y’all know how to yard sale, but do you know the great tips?  You guessed it, I am sharing my knowledge today.  You have to know how to find and have the best ones!

Finding the best:

1. Get up with the chickens!  The good stuff is only there for a short time.
2. Take plenty of small bills and quarters.  Change is often scarce.
3. Read the classifieds to see what area has the most yard sales.
4. Watch for signs.  Signs that are big and neat usually have the best stuff.
5. Don’t be afraid to dig to the bottom of a stack. 
6. It’s OK to make an offer if you want all of a certain thing.  (i.e. box of books, bag of clothes, etc.)

Having the best:

1. Make your signs big, bright, and neat.
2. Get started early.  People will come before the sun comes up!
3. Have plenty of change.  Quarters and ones go fast.
4. Keep your stuff tidy.  People won’t stop if things are thrown everywhere.
5. Have some bags on hand in case people buy a lot.
6. Put like items together.  Kitchen items on one table, clothes on another, etc.
7. Price bigger items a little higher than you really want.  People will ask for lower prices.
8. Have a “freebie box”.  Include mismatched lids to bowls, plastic cups, bags of small toys, etc.
9. Greet people when they come up.  People tend to buy more if you aren’t rude early in the morning.
10. When items aren’t selling, mark them down.  Especially if it’s late in the day.

There are tons more things to remember when it comes to yard sales.  These are just a few of the ones I tend to look for and do.  Any other great tips?