Looking for a solid-wood dresser, a beach read, or a baby’s first playsuit? I know just the place… at a local yard sale or flea market you can score second hand goods for a fraction of department-store prices! In fact, Americans love buying used almost as much as we love buying new 
In fact, the United States is home to the world’s longest yard sale. For a few days every August, 675 miles of road from Michigan to Alabama transform into one big treasure hunt! Shoppers new to yard sales and flea markets should be warned however—shopping used is different than shopping new. Don’t expect air conditioning or return policies! Here are tips on how to shop for second hand goods, and how to start a yard sale of your own!
BENEFITS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: Buying used is inherently green. New products gobble up natural resources during manufacturing and distribution. Moreover, when you buy used, you’ll snatch up treasures that might otherwise be destined for the landfill.
Time and effort: Medium.
Cost: Low
Tips for Second Hand Shopping at Yard Sales & Flea Markets:
- You don’t have to head all the way out to Michigan or Alabama to find good deals. Locate a flea market or yard sale in your area. Check out your local Craigslist or search on one of the many sites that catalog markets and sales, such as keysfleamarket.com and yardsalesearch.com. Typically, flea markets are bigger than yard sales and tend to sell pricier items, like antiques and even retail goods.
- If you’re staying local, take the car only when you’re on the market for big items (dressers, tables, refrigerators). Otherwise, outfit your bicycle with racks, bags, and baskets and start pedaling. Bring extra bungee cords to tie down your goods. If you happen to have a bike trailer, you can even haul most appliances and furniture items all without using fossil fuels—OK, maybe not the refrigerator!
- Bring lots of cash and coins. Pack scrap paper, a pencil, a tape measure, snacks, and a water bottle.
- Wear comfortable clothes and a hat. Lather on the zinc or titanium-oxide (non-chemical based) sunscreen.
- Before you go, make a list of what you need. If you find something that you love that’s not on your list, ask yourself, “Do I really need this? Might someone else get more use out of this?”
- For the best selection, come early. For the best prices, come late.
- Buying clothing or shoes? Know everyone in your family’s sizes. On the market for furniture? Write down your room measurements. Consider bringing paint samples and photos of your rooms. Since most yard sales and flea markets don’t accept returns, make sure to buy exactly what you need.
- Test electronics before you buy them.
- Don’t be afraid to haggle politely. Ask sellers if they could lower the price by 25% or instead you could say, “What’s your best price?”
- Be creative. Are you looking for the perfect planter? That lidless teapot or old rain gutter will do. Want a book shelf? Build the base out of cheap, hard-covered books.
Inspired to clean house? Here are Tips for Starting Your Own Yard Sale:
- Ask friends and neighbors to join. Your customers will appreciate the bigger selection.
- Plan your yard sale for a weekend that’s not a holiday.
- Don’t underestimate the importance of advertising. Post your yard sale on Craigslist and in your local paper. Make signs out of used cardboard and place them at busy intersections around your home. If you don’t have cardboard, ask your supermarket for some old boxes.
- Price your items at about 15% of their original cost. Make simple price tags out of scrap paper.
- Clean your merchandise with vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. Skip the harsh soaps. Wash clothing in cold water.
- Selling electronics? Give your customers the confidence to buy by enabling them to test the products. Have batteries and a powerstrip on hand.
- At the end of the day, give away all leftovers for free. Donate clothes and books to a local thrift store, and recycle your recyclables.
- Consider using your profits to invest in eco-friendly home improvements. Purchase storm windows, insulation, energy-efficient lightbulbs, or other green necessities.
- If you aren’t interested in dealing with pricing and selling, a swap meet might be the right choice for you! Put up flyers around your block and spread the details by word of mouth. Perhaps find a sponsor or a local organization or business to host it. You can always hold a swap meet from your garage if necessary.
- Have fun!!!
