Estate Sale Shopping: Bargain Hunter Tips & Tricks
Who doesn’t love a good deal? From scouring the clearance ranks at your favorite department store and using coupons to pay for groceries to snagging a table at your local restaurant for happy hour prices, you can’t deny that nearly everyone loves a bargain. At Blue Moon, we’re big advocates for good prices, and when you visit one of our estate sales, that’s exactly what you’re going to find.
But bargain hunting can be a challenge unless you’re well prepared. Rather than going at it alone, we’ve compiled a list of shopping tips for you to try out the next time you attend one of our estate sales. Let’s take a look at how you can not only save money but add unique and vintage items to your home or business.
Set a Budget Before Shopping
We’ve all been there far too often. You head out to the shops with some friends, and before you know it, they’re talking you into spending your whole life savings on a pair of shoes you just “have to have.” We understand the urge to shop until you drop, especially at an estate sale where there are unique treasures around every corner. But, in order to bargain hunt effectively, it’s crucial that you set a budget before you even leave the house. Whether it’s a $50 limit or $500, limiting the amount of money you spend will help you stay on track with the rest of your expenses.
Familiarize Yourself With Retail Prices
If you want to be able to find bargains, you should be able to recognize a good deal. To take budgeting a step further, you can do some in-depth research on the current retail market. Estate sales are full of trinkets, clothes, furniture, and other items that are available in local retail and department stores. Recognizing a great find on an item in a category you’ve been searching for will allow you to know just how much of a deal you’re getting.
For example, if you’re looking for a new dining room table, browse furniture store websites for tables with the same size and style you’re looking for. Take a look at the price points and keep those in mind as you shop a Blue Moon Estate Sale. You can always find items for fair market value at our sales, thanks to our professional pricing.
Make a List
You make one for the grocery store, and when you have a million things to accomplish in a day, so why not make a list for shopping at a Blue Moon Estate Sale? This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to manage your budget and still purchase the things you need. It’s way too easy to get distracted by a gorgeous piece of wall art, some vintage furniture, or a collection of first-edition books and completely forget why you are attending an estate sale in the first place.
When creating your list, be sure to include the items you absolutely need—salt and pepper shakers, end tables, coffee mugs, and more. At the bottom of this list, you can write down items you plan to purchase in the future, and if you find them while shopping, you can consult your budget to determine if they’re worth buying or waiting for.
Don’t Rush Your Decisions
Give yourself an hour or two to explore a Blue Moon Estate Sale and find some unique treasures. If you don’t give yourself enough time to shop, you may start to feel stressed and otherwise pressured. This can quickly lead to a bad mood, which can taint the entire shopping experience. At Blue Moon Estate Sales, we want you to enjoy every moment, starting when you walk through the door. Take your time to search and find exactly what you are looking for. Then, give yourself time to think about your purchase.
Pay With Cash
When you go to the grocery store, out to dinner, or to the mall, you likely pay with a credit card. While there’s nothing wrong with using a credit or debit card to pay for your items, you can easily lose track of just how much money you’ve spent. According to NerdWallet, people spend substantially more money when they make purchases on a credit card.
If you’re trying to stay on budget and bargain shop at an estate sale, we recommend bringing cash with you rather than a credit card. People are known to spend less when paying with cash because it’s a tangible piece of paper with value attached to it. When you spend it, you can physically see that you have less in your wallet, triggering a sense to stop shopping.
While we would love for you to purchase every item that makes you smile, we understand just how important sticking to a budget is. For this reason, at a Blue Moon sale, we accept all major credit cards and cash payments.
Join Our Rewards Program
The sooner you join our loyalty program, the more you'll earn toward future finds. You can earn one point for every dollar you spend. Or you can earn points by sharing the love online and referring us to your friends. You’ll even receive 25 points when you sign up and 500 points on your birthday. Earn while you shop to save money on your next purchase!
Discover the Endless Deals at a Blue Moon Estate Sale
At Blue Moon Estate Sales, we’re dedicated to providing our clients and estate sale attendees with a friendly and fun shopping experience. Whether you’re an avid bargain hunter or want to start managing your money tighter, exploring our nationally recognized estate sales could help you save. We can’t guarantee you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for on the first go-around, but that just means more opportunities to explore and find the perfect piece for your space. What are you waiting for? Grab your list and your cash, and come visit a Blue Moon Estate Sale today!
Start Saving With Blue Moon Estate Sales
At Blue Moon Estate Sales, our pledge to you is simple: we promise to provide the most honest and professional estate liquidation service in the country, complete with clear systems, guidelines, and true transparency. From hosting a Blue Moon Estate Sale to attending one, our expert team is here to help you make money, save money, and everything in between. Find an estate sale in your area today and bargain hunt like the best of them!