The Return of Tag Sale Season, A Buyers and Sellers Guide

I've noticed lately while flipping through a handful of popular cable channels, an increasing number of shows dedicated to pawn shops, junk picking and even tag  sales.  

Why all the sudden interest?  Has our recession fueled times sparked our need for being thrifty?  Are we all looking to find the next big treasure?  Whatever the incentive, the outcome is a greener society.  I for one like it all, and why not?  Tag sales are perfect for keeping your closets clutter-free and  earning a few extra dollars, it's good for all of us when we reuse, re-purpose and recycle...and if you've ever seen an episode of Antiques Roadshow, you'll agree, there is treasure to be found!

If you're looking to stop at the next roadside display you see or are thinking of hosting your own tag sale, I've come up with a helpful list every tag saler should know... 

Buyer's Do's

• Go early for the best stuff. 
• Ignore the dust and dirt, beauty is more than surface deep. 
• Think about re-purposing old items.
• Realize that fancier neighborhoods have fancier stuff.
• Park appropriately. 

Buyer's Don'ts

• Don't buy things because they're cheap.
• Don't buy things that need to be fixed unless you're really going to fix them.
• Don't low-ball.  
• Don't wear expensive shoes.  Sellers often judge how much you'll pay by the clothes you're wearing.  The finer the stitch, the higher the price.
• Don't ask to use the bathroom.

Sellers's Do's

• Have a sense of humor.
• Inform buyers if you know something dosen't work.
• Realize you're getting rid of things you don't want and price accordingly.
• Set up your items like a store.
• Give your leftovers to charity.

Seller's Don'ts 

• Don't act as if you're operating a museum.  
• Don't be greedy.  
• Don't be grouchy.  
• Don't sell broken things.  
• Don't hang over buyers. 

Well there you have it!  I hope these useful tips will help your next tag sale experience be a worth while one.  If you have any tips you'd like to share or any stories about your treasures found, I'd love to hear from you.  Here's to finding your pot of gold...happy tag saling!

Brought to you by  Jennifer Napolitano of  JNdesign decorating-staging-redesign www.jndesign.info