Thursday, June 18, 2009

The art of the sale...

Okay, so I confess, I seem to have a knack for the whole yardsale thing. I've always been able to stretch a dollar and take huge satisfaction in doing so. But I thought I would also share a major aspect of why and how I find such great deals and an abundance of vintage finds- I live in a rural area. Very rural.

So, think about heading out into the country on a Saturday morning and pay special attention to church sales, those seem to be the best. I think it is wonderfully relaxing to be out on the back roads early in the morning when most folks aren't even up yet, not to mention the thrill of the hunt.

Of course I have to share a few recent finds with you. I found this amazing old frame and floral print for .75. The frame alone is a steal but I love the pretty picture too.


I adore old metal trays. I love to hang them on my walls. This one was .50 and it's huge.


And you all know that I just love the old USA pottery. The blue beauty was also .50. Right now it is on my kitchen sink holding my dish and hand soap.


Here's another little tidbit that I will share with you- offer your price first. I find that a lot of sales these days go without any pricing. I will often pick something up and quickly ask- Will you take .25 for this- or .50 or .75? I am always willing to pay a little more but you'd be amazed how often the sellers quickly say sure. It works much better than just asking for the price. Try it.

And don't be afraid if you get a late start on the day. I stopped by a local flea market last Saturday around 11:45am when folks were packing up. They don't want to take it home with them- you can really haggle.

Happy shopping dear friends!

17 comments:

Tiffany said...

I agree with every tip you wrote. The lamp I got last week didn't have a price so I just offered $5 (after I saw the $99 price tag on the bottom!) and got a prompt "sure!" in return. I handed over the dough and took that baby straight to my car. Church sales are the best!

Unknown said...

I love the blue pottery. It is so cute.

you always find the best stuff...I guess I have just been looking in all the wrong places. (Must do road trip out to the country!!!)

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

I Love your finds...and I love the story about your home!!! It would be awesome to get the old store up and running as an antique store!
It's great that you are living your dream!!
Deb :)

Anonymous said...

*tiptoes into Bella's house after midnite and borrows old frame and picture* But Officer.... I was just borrowing it!!

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Brenda Pruitt said...

This is all so pretty, Kim. You have an eye for a deal! This could have gone on Vintage Thingie Thursday today, sweets!
Brenda

Feedsack Fantasy said...

What a coup! They are all exquisite. Blue sure is back ful force again. TTFN ~Marydon

Kim's Treasures said...

Thank you for sharing your secrets! I should drive a little further north tomorrow morning and see what happens!

Love your finds!!!

Hugs!
Kim

Diane Mars said...

That sure is true for me I love getting out early before anyone else is up and about.So nice to show up at a Sale and be one of the first to arrive you sure get your pick of the goods. Great finds, you will have to snap some pictures of your back road sales.
Hugs, Diane

Bea said...

That picture would look fabulous in my house! Lucky duck!

(Sometimes!) Serendipitous Girl said...

Oooh! I need to try that! SSG loves herself a bargain!

Small House said...

We don't have a lot of church sales around here darn it!! But I do like the haggle idea. I don't do that very much. I'm going to give it a try this weekend and see where I get with it.

LOVE EVERYTHING...as usual.
Sandra

traci said...

you do have the knack girl. love the little dish for by your sink. i am not good at haggling with people. i need to work on that, but we just don't have good sales like you do either.

LisaJanelle said...

I want the rooster metal tray!!! :)...Lovely finds :)

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I ask..they say and I counter...it usually works. If it is late...whole different thing..I offer...they nearly always accept...if not..I usually move on. However I usually leave with the item if I really want it.
Great advice..and I am off to the hunt in the morning...fun!!
Hugs,
Mona

Farmchick said...

Great finds---love your tray...it would go great in my kitchen! ;) Have a sweet weekend.

Shannon said...

Wow! You got some steals! Love everything.

Lallee said...

I live in a terrible area for garage sales so I usually just stick to the thrift stores. I love USA pottery too. I won 3 little pots on eBay in pretty pastels. The seller wrapped them horribly, so one was broken and one badly chipped. I could just cry! Fortunately I paid insurance so I can at least get my money back. So sad that these vintage pieces were damaged. I love your blue piece. I use mine for all sorts of different things too.