Yard sale the right way

Are you a "yard saler??" Do you know what to look for when shopping through others' unwanted items? Remember, this is something that someone else didn't want--and there may be a logical reason why it's in the yard sale. Here are some tips and tricks so that you're not left with a piece of junk that's "non-returnable!!"

Baby clothes-
Look for stains around the neck of the outfit--this is a common location of stains that can become
deal breakers
Check to see if all zippers, snaps, buttons, etc are working and still attached properly--- check in
the bottom area of a onesie to make sure that snaps haven't been ripped off
Examine garment for any holes, rips, stains, etc.
Examine garment to make sure its been washed properly---has it become short and wide? Have
the colors bled? Is it an item that will become difficult for you to wash?

Furniture, Wall Hangings, Etc-
Check that all hardware is included and working properly--hinges, handles, pegs, posts, shelves,
and so on. If it's a picture frame or wall decor, is the glass in good condition? Do the pegs that
hold the glass in place work properly and are they all there?
Examine the wood (or material) to make sure its in good condition--is the wood painted? split?
bowed? swollen? can it be easily stripped and stained if you are planning to change the color?
Is the material/cloth ripped? Torn? Stretched? Stained? Smell bad? Covered in animal hair?
Speckled with cigarette burn marks? --- Check under cushions and pillows because you may
be surprised what's hiding. Maybe a grape soda stain?

Adult clothes-
Check to see if all zippers, snaps, buttons, etc are working and still attached properly.
Examine garment for any holes, rips, stains, etc.
Examine garment to make sure its been washed properly---has it become short and wide? Have
the colors bled? Is it an item that will become difficult for you to wash? Is it dry clean only?
Hand wash?
Hold the article of clothing up to-- Are the sleeves a good length? Does the garment hit you
where you want it to or is it too short/too long/too wide? Does the neck of the shirt suit you?
Is it a material/fit that's going to hug your body in all the wrong places? Have the bottoms of
the pants been cut to fit the previous owner? Do the cuffs of the sleeves, hem of the pants or
neck of the shirt have an area that won't lay straight or that will need ironing for each wear?

Shoes, Purses, Accessories-
Do the shoes have straps that will be uncomfortable? Is the heel on the shoe secured well or does
it appear it might break soon? Are the soles of the shoes worn out and slick?
Check the purse for rips, stains, busted pockets, sturdy straps, etc.
Do the clasps/closures function properly?

When shopping, just remember that you're looking through items that someone else didn't want and there may be a reason why. Try to find that reason!