Garage sale listings are up 80% on Craigslist over the past year, according to
The Chicago Tribune. It's no secret that people need to raise cash however they can. But there's real opportunity at both ends of this deal. Sellers can unload whatever is cluttering their homes at a profit. And buyers get to steal a deal on furniture, accessories, sporting goods, gently used exercise equipment and more.
Clark once picked up a pair of nearly new ski boots for $6!
There are some warnings you should know about before undertaking a garage sale. For buyers, there's always the concern about purchasing recalled items, especially if you're buying for children under the age of 3.
For sellers, you need to know that people will try to shoplift. Beware of people working in pairs, where one person talks to you as a distraction while the other steals. You need to have multiple sets of eyeballs on your merchandise!
Finally, know that serious buyers will show up hours before the start time to steal your best deals.
