The man who used to live in the house lived to the ripe old age of 90 and had plenty of time to pursue his favorite hobby--finding bargains at thrift stores. Therefore there were plenty of clothes and dishes and tools. Not out for sale, but he also had books signed by Einstein. That made for an eclectic accumulation of things to say the least.
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| Ward is starting to redo this table we purchased. |
I concentrated on kitchen things for Wally because he thought he already had what he needed--some plates, bowls, and a pot. I added a few more things like measuring cups, cooking spoons, and a cookie sheet. He wandered around and found things that he thought the other members of the family might be interested in. Ward was a little overwhelmed with the whole thing but was happy when he found a table with just tools. Theo was the one who was focused. He carefully considered most things he saw.
The bargaining styles of the family were just as different as their shopping styles. Wally did no bargaining because he did no shopping. I generally paid what was marked on the items, but tried to group items and get a discount on the whole lot. Ward paid whatever was marked on the item and hesitated about buying things that weren't marked. And Theo was there to get a fair price--for everyone. For example, when he asked the elderly woman running the sale how much the clock on the mantel was, she suggested $5. He said he would feel better if he paid her $10, so he did. And so it went. I wasn't sure if I were proud of him for doing what he thought was right or thought I needed to give a lesson in second hand sales.
All in all, we were happy with our purchases. Wally got a few more things for his kitchen and Theo got a clock and some tools. Ward and I got among other things a side table, measuring cup, and a box of new drawer slides. Now it's time to fix up, redo, and put away our new treasures.
What's your bargaining style at second hand sales?
He had books signed by Einstein? For real? At second hand sales where I live in England, I tend to barter a little. If something is priced at £10, I might offer £8. If I think something is really worth the price, I'll definitely pay the asking price. I like Theo's style of pricing though - fair! I'd love to do that if I thought an item was worth more than it was priced at. Sadly, I don't come across many of those these days!
ReplyDeleteIt turns out that I was a little mixed up on my facts. It turns out that the man had a letter correspondence with Einstein. They worked together at one point. Also, he had several first edition book series that several museums would like to have. All of that along with old dishes and Tupperware.
DeleteI have never been to an actual estate sale, but when buying second hand I rarely try to bargain on price. It just isn't worth the time to haggle and around here it seems that most people have a monetary attachment to the items they are selling. They want what they want.
ReplyDeleteThis estate sale was a little different in that there was not an official person or company paid to run it. The man left everything to his small church and a couple of members were there running it like a garage sale.
DeleteI've never been to an estate sale either, but it sounds like fun. I buy mostly from thrift shops, and don't really haggle on prices, but I do tend to haggle and price-match when buying something new.
ReplyDeleteWe don't haggle much around here when it is new. We pay what the store asks although some of them will price match if you bring in an ad from another store.
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