10 Consignment, Flea Market, And Neighborhood Yard Sale Shopping Hacks

10 Consignment, Flea Market, And Neighborhood Yard Sale Shopping Hacks

I can’t speak for other parts of the country but, here in Texas, we have neighborhood yard sales, garage sales, and consignment sales, as well as your local flea market, of course.

They’re like a thrift store, but there not long-term markets. This means they are not open year round and only up for a certain amount of consecutive days.

These huge sales offer some great finds and awesome prices, but, can be completely confusing and time consuming if you don’t have a plan.

Consignment stores or an outdoor market like a yard sale is a great way and one of my favorite affordable ways never to pay full price. I strongly suggest going to one of these sales before you go to any retail stores.

There might not be signs for consignment sales like garage sale signs, yard sale signs, or street signs on utility poles. But there are plenty of websites to check through.

>Let’s take a look at 10 shopping tips that will help you get the most out of these types of sales the next time you attend.

In Dallas/Fort Worth, we have a huge annual local consignment sale for children’s clothing, books, and toys. It happens in great time for back to school clothing finds, tons of baby items, maternity items, baby gear, personal items, and even Halloween costumes!

You can find a list of consignment sales for your location on local websites for all different kinds of hot ticket items and great bargains such as baby equipment, Christmas decorations, home decor, sports equipment, maternity clothes, vintage toys, household items, pet supplies, kitchen stuff, and child items.

Facebook pages are also a great place where you can find great deals without looking for a garage sale notice and such sales like these. Plus, you can find the best ones for you based on your current location.

These tips will also work for estate sales and individual yard sale shopping, too.

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Let’s take a look at the Shopping Tips:

1. Make sure you check when the sale dates for the consignment shops are or when the upcoming event is. You definitely don’t want to get there at the end of the sale or end of the day.
   
   But, it’s also a good idea to go back since the unwanted items and unsold items such as unwanted household items will be marked down. This also goes for any neighborhood sale or garage sale dates.
   
2. Hire a sitter!  You’ll want plenty of time to peruse without potty breaks and melt downs.  Well, you might need a potty break or two and hopefully you won’t have any melt downs 🙂
   
3. Take a wagon or some sort of small cart that maneuvers easily on the sales floor but can hold all your great finds and good stuff, especially your small items! This also works if you take the yard sale route.

4.  Be prepared to take your time. You might end up being there longer than a little bit, like maybe the whole day. These special events and sales are huge and take up much ground.

You want to be able to check out all of the things you’re after on every sale rack and get the best deal for you! There might also be a few similar items to sort through check the price tag on those similar items they maybe different.

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5.  The best way to get the best deal at any outdoor or indoor market is to have a plan. If it’s your first time, talk to someone like a family member who has been before and ask for their advice.  

Know what you’re looking for and how much you want to spend on each purchase.  Then work your plan, don’t get sidetracked. Also, make sure that you double check the price tags, so that you can stay on budget.

6.  Know the clothing and shoe sizes of the family members you’re purchasing for before you go.  Plan to purchase your new items or the sale items that will last, so be prepared to look for the next size up.

7.  Make sure to inspect everything closely.  Search for tears, or snags, stains or loose seams. And make the wise decision not to purchase the item. This also goes for an indoor flea market as well.

8.  Know ahead of time what payment forms will be accepted.  You don’t want to be searching for an ATM if they don’t take a credit card.

9.  Bring snacks like fresh fruits or fresh produce and water to stay hydrated (Be sure food and drinks are allowed).  The lines will be long, and you don’t want to have to search for fountains or pay for drinks while you’re busy deal hunting! This will guarantee you to have the best time.

10.  Have fun, enjoy how much time you have, and know that you’re saving your family money while providing what they need, too!

Consignment sales and Flea Markets are also the best places to pick up gently used Halloween costumes!

Have more tips?  Please share them in the comments, we’d love to hear them!