Adventures in Rummage and Resale: Mythbusters Edition!

There are a lot of myths surrounding rummage sales—are any of them true? I may not be able to apply scientific methodology like on the “Mythbusters” TV show, but I can address a few myths based on my own years of experience.

Myth #1: You have to get to rummage sales early to get the good stuff.

 False. Unless you’re looking for a specific item, being the first one there isn’t necessarily an advantage. Certain things listed in the ad might go fast, like particular collectibles, large appliances, or furniture. But most sales have plenty of good stuff to last through two or more days. Sometimes not everything is even unpacked for sale until after the sale is underway, or more items are added on the second day. You can often negotiate for better prices later in the day or on the second day of a sale.

Myth #2: Stuff at rummage sales is just junk that nobody wants.

False. At the rate kids outgrow clothing, much of what you’ll find may have been new within the year. Likewise, teens and adults may quickly discard clothes that they consider out of style. You’ll also find a surprising amount of brand-name clothing and other items that are new, still with the tags. Toys, small appliances, and lamps are usually in working condition. Sure, now and then you’ll come across a sale where some items should have gone straight to the trash, but for the most part, rummage merchandise is gently used or almost new.  And the old stuff is often considered either antiques or retro chic!

Myth #3: If there’s something you need, you can just go get one some Saturday morning at a rummage sale.

False. Rummage shopping isn’t like going to the store with a list. Looking for baby stroller with specific features? Do you need a refrigerator that will fit in a small space? Seeking boys’ jeans in a size 14 husky? While you can probably find those items at a rummage sale, it will take some time and effort. You’ll need to scan the ads, looking for those that may list your item. When you find that sale or sales, you may want to get there within the first hour or two. You might have to go to several sales, over multiple days in order to find a specific item, or clothing in a particular size, and in your desired price range. It’s not always easy, and not always successful right away.

Myth #4: Having a rummage sale is an easy way to make a lot of money.

False again! Since the economic downturn in 2008, I’ve seen dozens of articles and news stories that suggest having a rummage sale as an easy way to make a dent in your debts or fund something extravagant. Just last week I read an online story about a man who claimed to have made over $1 million buying and selling at rummage sales.  I would caution that these sorts of stories are the exceptions, not the rule. It’s not as easy as just putting a few items out on your driveway on a Saturday morning and pocketing a thousand dollars by noon. A successful sale requires planning; preparation; a good location; appropriately priced, desirable merchandise; customers; and good weather—and even all that is still no guarantee!

I just had a sale last weekend with my Girl Scout troop. We did well, but not as well as last year. And we worked our tails off for most of the week, getting ready, then having the sale. An average family with a good assortment of items to sell will probably be able to make a couple hundred dollars with a rummage sale—which is certainly nice, but it’s not the easy money that is sometimes portrayed.

Looks like all these myths were false! Were there any I missed? Let me know in the comments.

Recent finds:  I hit a few sales on the last day of school. Ironic that one of the things I found was a virtually unused Columbia lunchbox for $2. My son likes this style and his current one was pretty beat up after two years of use. So we threw it out when he came home from school that day and now there’s one less thing I have to buy for September. Love it! I also hit another rummage sale with a huge hodgepodge of kids’ clothing—all in large plastic bins on the ground.  It was hot, high noon, and my back ached after methodically plowing through all the bins. But you could fill a bag with clothing for $3. My hard-earned bargain bag netted a pair of shorts and three pairs of jeans for my son; a pair of capris and two tops for my daughter.  Finally, here’s further confirmation that I must be the world’s most sentimental mom. Last year I was delighted when I found a brand-new version of the baby blanket that was my son’s love object that he slept with for years. Amazingly, a couple of weekends ago I found a brand-new version of the Lamb Chop stuffed toy that was my daughter’s constant comfort and sleeping companion. The old and new, side by side provide a stark illustration of the power of years of love and hugs. I’ve tucked both the new blanket and new Lamb Chop into the cedar chest, perhaps for grandchildren someday, and as evidence that you can truly find just about anything at a rummage sale!

Next time I’ll be addressing how reality TV has affected rummaging. Tune in next week!