Spend then save or save then spend?

Update (16th March 2009): Reading Mr BR’s post today about the proceedings of the Legislative Council, I was reminded of this post which stands relevant especially in these uncertain times…

Today’s post was inspired by the Chartered Financial Consultant‘s article on whether to spend first then save or vice versa. One of the ways we can reduce our spending is by not necessarily buying new stuff all the time. Garage and yard sales, thrift shops and classified ads are good places to look for bargains.

View each location as a treasure hunt — you never know what you might find. Some things are of value, others are not. Prices are usually quite low. It is helpful if you are familiar with the brands of the merchandise and the quality that each represents. Since the merchandise is used and sold “as-is,” it is important to be able to judge condition and project the remaining useful life.

Generally, prices asked through classified ads tend to be a little higher than at garage and yard sales. However, a careful shopper can find a lot of value for the money spent at any of these locations by observing a few precautions.

• Realize that you may have to visit several garage sales before you find items that will fit your needs or be of use to you. There is no assurance that you will locate what you are looking for or the kinds of merchandise you will find. Keep in mind the time you must spend and your travel expenses. Garage sale shopping requires time and patience.
• Before going shopping, set a maximum that you can afford or are willing to pay. Stick to it when shopping. Make offers on things that you are interested in buying. Your offer may just be accepted.
• Shop early for best selections. However, observe the hours listed for the sale. Don’t go to a garage sale early in the morning before the people are out of bed. Toward the end of the sale, sellers are more likely to lower their prices.
• Carry cash. Often people holding garage sales are hesitant about taking a check from a stranger. (You would be too!). Also, when it comes to bargaining, a ten dollar bill in hand is a real temptation to a seller asking $15.00 for an item. Cash-in-hand is a bargaining tool.
• Bargain on prices. The seller wants to dispose of the items as quickly as possible. Often he/she will reduce prices if asked, and especially if you are purchasing more than one item.
• Carefully inspect the merchandise before buying. Remember all items are sold “as is.” Why are they being sold? Are the items defective or of questionable quality? Is the family moving? Or have interests and needs changed?
• Buy only items that you need and are looking for. Avoid “orphan bargains,” items that are greatly reduced in price but for which you have no special need. Buying something just because it is a “bargain” can be costly, even at greatly reduced prices.
• Shop carefully. Avoid impulse buying.

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