Philadelphia / South Jersey

A Step-By-Step Guide to Shopping at Garage Sales, Tag Sales, and Flea Markets

From John Fischer, former About.com Guide

Here are our tips for proper garage sale etiquette and shopping tips.

Most folks list a starting time for their sale. Usually, they'll have things set up a half hour or so before the listed start time and won't mind if you arrive early. If, however, the seller has listed their sale with the comment, "no early birds," you're better off not wasting your time arriving early.
Leave the dog at home. I know I hate maneuvering around some potentially nasty animal. Likewise, leave small children at home. Do you really want that Elvis plate that your 3-year-old just broke?
Park as close to the sale as possible - but not in or in front of anyone's driveway. Beware of fire hydrants and "no parking" signs. I've seen plenty of folks ticketed at tag sales. They're cash bonanzas for police departments.
When you arrive at each sale, greet the seller with a pleasant good morning. Be polite and friendly. If you're rude you won't get any special deals from that seller.
At each sale, briefly scan the items for sale. If the seller has something you're looking for, you can buy it right away.
If you see an item that you want and it's listed for $1 or less, don't haggle over the price. How would you like to have an item marked for 50 cents and have someone offer you a quarter? It's just rude.
Examine all items that you may buy carefully. Look for cracks, missing pieces, stains on clothing. If it's an electrical item, ask to plug it in and make sure it works.

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