Just call me
the Miss Manners of garage sales. Contrary to popular belief, I believe
that a yard sale is not an anything-goes, no-etiquette-needed
free-for-all. As in any social situation, there are certain things you
do or don't do in order to be polite.
Being avid yard sale shoppers, my
husband, Michael and I often run across examples of bad manners, both by
shoppers and by sellers. Here are a few faux pas we've seen that could
easily be avoided by the simple practice of good yard sale etiquette.
Buyers' Blunders
Being an "Early Bird" - If
the paper says the sale starts at 7am, don't show up at 5:30am or don't
drive by the night before in hopes beating the other shoppers to the
bargains. Yard sale shoppers who do this give the rest of us shoppers a
bad name.
Not Respecting the Seller's Property -
Walking unnecessarily through the yard, reeking havoc on the seller's
merchandise displays, and blocking neighbors' driveways are definitely
no-no's.
Carrying Only Large Bills - Producing
a $20 bill for a 25¢ purchase is extremely inconsiderate. Save small
bills and change throughout the week for your Saturday yard sale trip.
Loud or Obnoxious Behavior - Just
because the seller is up early for the yard sale doesn't mean his
neighbors are. Driving a noisy vehicle or speaking and laughing loudly
will not endear you to the seller. Aggressive haggling or obnoxious
negotiating tactics aren't welcome, either.
Not Respecting Other Buyers If you
want to buy a large item or more items than you can carry, ask the
proprietor to mark the item or start a "pile" for you in an
out-of-the-way place. It is rude to claim an item as "yours"
if you haven't made any effort to let the proprietor or other shoppers
know you intend to purchase it.
