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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2006-08-02, Page 20• 20 Exeter Times -Advocate Wednesday, August 2, 2006 Great deals are found at local garage sales By Kate Stewart SPECIAL FROM THE ST. MARYS JOURNAL ARGUS ST. MARYS — Most peo- ple look forward to sleep- ing in and relaxing on Saturdays, but a select few are up at the crack of dawn in pursuit of the perfect treasure. 'Garage- salers' are resourceful, frugal bargain seekers. They get the best deals, and the best stuff, and do it all before noon. Last weekend, like many Saturdays, several St. Marys and area residents hauled their old junk out of the basement and garage, while many more scoured the streets in search of treasure. Both Kintore and Granton held community- wide sales, and various residents held their own sales. To get the best deals, most garage-salers sug- gest going as early as pos- sible although, you don't want to be an `early bird'. An early bird is someone who shows up before the sale is set to start in order to get the best deals. While 10-15 minutes early is usually accept- able, one garage-saler mentioned that she "leave[s] the house at 6:30 a.m." Nor is it completely fruit- less to show up late, as those arriving at the end of the sale may even get better deals. If you're serious about fmding something in par- ticular, it may be worth your while to plan your day ahead of time. Check your local news- paper for advertisements, and even check out church bulletins or com- munity newsletters. A really efficient garage- saler will get a map and plan their route. Some of the best deals can be found at communi- ty or group sales, because you may find competitive pricing, you don't have to waste time travelling, and oftentimes profits go to a charity. Ralph Scheurmann, of St. Marys says that he fmds that "the best sales are off the beaten path; out the way." So keep an eye out for those random yard sales you may come across. As with any kind of shopping, there will be deals as well as duds. Although you may not snag that new tuxedo you've been looking for, you might be able to get some good deals on used clothing. In addition to washing all clothes as soon as you get home, also make sure to check for stains, holes, or loose threads before heading to the checkout table. Also keep in mind that numbers on the tags may not be representative to your size; multiple wash- ings may have shrunk an old pair of jeans, and an old dress marked 12, would be closer to an 8 by today's standards. Toys can often be found gently used, but beware of an older toy, as the safety requirements in children's toys have been raised sig- nificantly over the years. Also, check the box and the toy thoroughly before giving it to a child. You never know what could be in there, from dead mice to rusty nails. For the most part, how- ever, toys and nick-nacks are generally a good deal, as many children grow too old for their toys before they wear them out. With a yard sale, most items are sold "as is," so be sure and check to see if it works. There's nothing worse than getting home and fmding your 'new' record player doesn't play or is missing a piece. Some people carry batteries with them to test their potential purchases. Here are some tips from local junk hunters about what they take with them: • lots of small bills and change • a tape measure • a tote bag • a bottle of water • a good friend • an imagination • extra boxes in your car • comfortable shoes Certain items are always a great deal at yard sales. Books are probably the best, providing they are in decent condition and with- out mold. The classics are always classic, and you may be able to find a cheap bar- gain for a good summer read. Another good buy is wooden furniture. Often quite expensive when new, but gently used and well -made pieces will last a long time, and they are excellent for students or young families. Good pieces go fast, though, so if you're look- ing for something, get there early. In Granton, by 11 a.m., most of the good furniture was long gone, although one house was boasting everything for half-price. Music is always worth digging through. Whether it's records or CD's that you desire, there are usu- ally some old or unwanted albums lying around. Just make sure to check to see that what's on the cover is the what's inside. One Kintore sale was selling an entire box of LP's for $2, as long as you took the whole box. For young people just starting out, a yard sale is a great place to get all those little odds and ends that make a house a home. You can find some great deals on curtains, vases, picture frames, and glass- ware. One garage-saler told me that she was able to furnish her "first apart- ment almost entirely from garage sales." If you're looking at any- thing ceramic or glass, it's a good idea to run your fmger around the rim to check for chips or cracks. Scheurmann, who is usually looking for old pocket watches, which he collects, says the best thing he "ever got at a yard sale was an old shot- gun for $25." Although most things are fairly safe, if not use- ful, there are a few things you should avoid buying at a yard sale at all costs. You need to be very careful about buying old appliances, as the voltages and safety standards might have changed. Usually things like lamps and t.v.s are okay, but avoid buying old microwaves or hairdryers, especially those made before 1990. One sale was selling a microwave that might have classified as an antique. This rule also applies to many baby -related items. Old car -seats and strollers may seem like a good deal, but may have non- visible wear and tear. This goes for old cribs as well, where the slats may not be the regulation width apart. Also, be wary of baby toys that may have had a very personal relationship with a child's mouth. Unless you're buying for a pet, it would be advisable to avoid these. It seems like common sense, but avoid any per- sonal hygiene products. This includes travel or hotel lotions and sham- poos, make-up samples, and even nail polish. Even if they appear brand new, any of these products have a shelf life, and could be past their prime. Hosting a yard sale Hosting a yard sale requires a lot of hard work and planning, but can be an excellent way to get rid of your unwanted stuff. Don't expect to come away from your yard sale a significantly richer, cleaner person. You may have less junk in your basement, and a few extra dollars in your pocket, but garage sales are not for making a lot of money. If you have one or two large or expensive pieces, it may be more worth- while to put an ad in the paper. If you have a lot of stuff, host the sale, and donate the rest. Many people on Saturday made it a rule that "once it's in the yard sale, it doesn't come back in the house." This means loading up the truck (or car) and tak- ing a trip to the Salvation Ralph Scheurmann browses a table at a Granton area yard sale June 24.The warm weather made the day perfect for shopping, while great deals were found. (photo/submitted) Army's Thrift Shop or Pass It On at the end of the day. With a yard sale, adver- tising is everything. If nobody knows you're hav- ing a sale, then nobody will come to your sale. Along with advertising in the local paper, you might want to consider a few signs around town about a week ahead of time. Grocery stores, church bulletins and community newsletters are a good place to start. On the day of, or the night before, post signs around your neighbourhood directing people to your house. It's important to make sure that they are clear and visible from the road. If you can read it quickly while driving by, it'll do the job. On the morning of, make sure you have lots of plas- tic bags, newspaper (for wrapping breakables), a calculator, and a tape measure. It's important that you have a lot of change and small bills; you may even want to go to the bank ahead of time. Also, before your cus- tomers start arriving, make sure any items that are not for sale are safely put away, including lawn mowers, garden orna- ments and even patio fur- niture. As long as you are putting things away, lock up any dogs ahead of time. Even the friendliest of pups can get confused by all the confusion and new people, and it's not worth risking a bite. Ideally, start packing away boxes for a yard sale months in advance, but obviously that's not always possible, so, the sooner the better. Put clear, visible price tags on everything. Not only does this give buyers a sense of how much you want to start negotiating at, but it saves endless customers approaching you just to ask "how much is this?" Granton Bible Vacation School full of meaning By Muriel Lewis GRANTON CORRESPONDENT GRANTON - The Granton -Wesley United Church congregations met at the park pavilion on Sun., July 30 for a breakfast. The service fol- lowed at 10 a.m., led by Bob Heywood of Exeter who led the singing and gave the message in song and word, self -accompanied on the accordion. Congratulations to Leon and Shirley Paul who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house on Sunday afternoon at the Kirkton-Woodham Community Centre. Regular services commence at the St. Paul's Anglican Church in Kirkton next Sun., Aug. 6, at 9:15 a.m. At the Granton -Wesley United Church on Sunday, July 23, Rev. Kathy Wreford of Lucan United Church led the worship service. The lesson was from Luke 4 and the message was entitled "Honour Shame." Rain Skinner lit the Christ candle. BibleVacation School The Bible Vacation School was held at Granton -Wesley United Church last week from July 17 to 21, each morning from nine to noon. The theme was Indiana John (John Herbert) and His Quest for God's Ten Commandments. Day one was in the Mayan jungle, where the children learned there is only one God. Day 2 was in the Medieval castle where God deserves to be worshiped. In the ancient laboratory they learned to honour their father and mother and to understand that this is important. Day 4 they journeyed to Hawks Village where they learned that God wants them to treat others with kindness. The last day they were at the Hawaiian volcano where they learned God wants them to be happy with what He has given them. Cindy Bilyea led the music, choosing new songs with meaning and actions. Penne McRobert led the sports and Doreen McRobert instructed the crafts. The story time was led by Terry Herbert. Cathie Westman, Cheryl Wright, Isabel Mardlin and Carley Westman were in charge of snack time. Youth leaders were Erika Garrett, Ethan Garrett, Amanda Jefferies, Amie McRobert, David Gatt, Kevin Bilyea and Elizabeth Herbert. Pastor Paul took time from his holidays to meet with the kids. Twenty children attended and fun was had by all. The Bryan family reunion and picnic was held at the Granton park on Sun., July 23. �LCOME1 AGON SINCE 1930 Are you new to the Exeter and surrounding communities? IF YOU ARE: • Moving • Marrying • 'I -laving a Baby • Retiring • Starting a Business PLEASE CALL For your in-home visit, free gifts and information FAYE 228-7053 1-877-675-8452 www.welcomewagon.ca