Garage Season!

I don't know about you, with the coming of April not only does that mean Easter, but it means that garage sale season has officially started. I LOVE bargains. Since becoming a mom 12yrs ago, I have learned the value of these sales. I used to HATE them growing up, spending a whole day looking for bargains and etc. I love them now.

Today, the kids and I went to a few, not as many as I would have liked but circumstances being what they are, we were able to go to a few. It's amazing to see the difference in Dawn this year as we kick the season off. She's really starting to grow into a nice young lady this school year. Last year, just like her brothers, asking at every garage sale if they could have a toy. This year, she walked around with me, helping to find bargains. It was a great teaching opportunity for me to pass on the "tricks of the trade" to her.

The ones we went to this morning, to be honest I was very disappointed in them, but really not very surprised. You always get at least of few of these types of garage sales in during the season. The person(s) hosting the garage sale are out for 1 thing, and 1 thing only. To make a profit, not to get rid of their stuff. We saw lots of clothing for the kids, but people were asking for prices way to high, in my opinion. For example, Dawn found the cutest layette w/hat for the baby. They wanted $2.50 for it. Which normally I may or may not have bought it for that price, but it has to be in great condition. This layette had stains, visible stains on the front. So I explained to Dawn, why we wouldn't purchase that outfit. We found a package of 4 onesies, the place was asking $4.00 for them. I wouldn't even look at it, because of that price. But since Dawn found it, it was a teachable moment as to why not. All 4 were stained, AND I can buy brand new 3 pack of Gerber onesies for $2.99...where is the value? I told Dawn that we do not buy onesies for more then 25-50 cents a piece, considering how inexpensive we can purchase brand new. I don't have a problem spending 2-5.00 on a complete outfit. But it has to be in good condition, no stains, no worn spots before I will consider buying it. Especially when I can go to the Target clearance sections and get equally good deals for items that are brand new, no stains, and most certainly not worn. Why would I pay more at a garage sale? I have been known to pay 5-8.00 for an outfit, but that's because the tags are still on, you can tell it's not been worn, and it's a name brand outfit like Gap, Old Navy, etc. NOT Target/Walmart brands, I will not purchase for those higher prices, because I can get them new on sale sometimes for those prices.

There was a baby swing that we looked at. It was in pristine condition, looked barely used. They wanted 25.00 for it. Did we buy it? Nope. For 5-10.00 more I can buy it brand new. The toys at this one place, equipment and etc. were very high. The kids especially Dawn were disappointed that we came away with so little, but like I told them. We are looking for bargains, and deals...if I can purchase something for a few dollars more brand new...it's not a deal. We set a budget when we garage sale...I want my money to go as far as I can get it. And like I told them, it's just the start of the garage sale season, we'll find great bargains...just have to be patient, know what we are looking for, what those items are normally worth brand new, and be willing to ask if they will take lower. (That will be hard for Dawn, since she doesn't like talking to strangers.)

Can't wait to see what bargains we find this summer. :D

God Bless & Happy Garage Sale season.
Carlena