Rummage Wisconsin.com Blog

All we can say is, WOW!

2011-12-05T19:44:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone,

This might seem a little off-topic, but
we feel the need to share our thoughts
with you on this…

Our friend Mike (who advertises in our
TWN E-Connect Newsletter) has shared
some pretty hard-core financial information with us recently that’s had us thinking a lot
about the future…

We think about our parents and whether
or not they’re going to be able to retire...
We think about our children’s future…
And we think about our current financial
security and investments...

Let’s be honest… There’s a lot to be
concerned about today, whether it’s
the record debt level, inflation, the
crazy stuff happening in Europe, or
the housing market to name just a few…

But what Mike helped us realize is
that times of economic chaos like these,
are also the best time in the world to
accumulate incredible wealth, and
actually even get very rich - IF - you
know how.

In fact, more millionaires were created
during the Great Depression up until
that point in history.

Well we’ve made the decision to turn
these times into opportunity with Mike’s
help, and we’d like to give you the same
opportunity…

This month he held a private “Year-In-Review” for their investment strategies and they filmed the entire event.

This week he’s decided to post the
footage from that event online for free,
and it’s an absolute MUST WATCH.
He told us that it’s going to be released
in three parts, and Part I just went live today…

What’s it about?
Basically… How he’s managed to
predict the financial future, (and make
a small fortune in the process).
If you want to know what’s going to
happen to the economy in 2012,
here’s your answer…

You can watch all three videos along
with us this week by using this link to
go to his site…

Watch this real quick

Wishing you the best,
TWN Staff
P.S. We’d have to say our favorite part
about his strategies is that you don’t
need to be a trader, and you don’t
need to be rolling in money. All you
need is the desire to learn how the
rich are getting richer these days,
so you can too…
Use this link to watch Part I and
you’ll see what we're talking about…

Watch this real quick

Play background music at your sale

2011-11-21T09:44:00.001-06:00

Play background music at your sale.

We find it a little uncomfortable to visit a garage sale (or to host one) when there’s complete silence in the yard or driveway. But don’t play offensive music either — play something appropriate for your audience.

Music is a powerful tool that can relax the buyers and put them in a buying state-of-mind.

View more helpful articles and tips:
Rummage Wisconsin Articles and Tips Index

Learn From Other Sales

2011-11-21T09:33:00.001-06:00

Are you planning on having a rummage sale? If so, a good tip is to check out other rummage sales and see what you like or don't like about them.

Pay attention to how items are displayed, organized, priced, and cleaned. Also notice the signs that either grabbed your attention or directed you to the sale.

Finally, ask the sellers if they have any good tips to share with you.

View more helpful articles and tips:
Rummage Wisconsin Articles and Tips Index

Cracking open the black-box investing strategies of the rich, and it's time that we all shared in the fun!

2011-06-03T09:34:00.001-05:00

THIS IS NO JOKE...
What's going to happen in the economy during the next 6 to 36 months that will bankrupt 95% of the population, and how you can protect your wealth... (FACT: This has already happened in 30 different countries during the last 100 years, and TWICE in the US!) Learn how you can get VERY rich during times of economic turmoil, even if you don't have a lot of money to invest...

Click here for the most important step you will take in your financial life.

How to Make More Money Selling at a Craft Fair Booth | eHow.com

2010-10-15T12:27:00.000-05:00

How to Make More Money Selling at a Craft Fair Booth | eHow.com

How to Attend An Annual City Wide Garage Sale | eHow.com

2010-07-23T13:45:00.000-05:00

How to Attend An Annual City Wide Garage Sale | eHow.com

Ann Castle's Online Auction Tips: A Garage Sale Survival Kit

2010-06-26T10:03:00.001-05:00

Going to garage sales is great fun, quite profitable and can save a bundle of money on both spendy and everyday items. There are a few items you should have with you when you venture forth on Saturday to inspect the treasures set our for your review:

A small, sturdy crate. The plastic kind that kids keep toys in is perfect. There are also versions that collapse. But I use mine to hold my tools of the trade.

An old blanket. This is to protect any nice furniture pieces or extra large finds from damage.

A small stash of bubble wrap, some tissue paper (don't use newspaper, as it often leaves marks on china, fabric and wood) and a plastic bag of old plastic clothing covers from the dry cleaning. These are excellent for protecting delicate items.

A magnifying glass. There are some nice ones that are plastic and are about the size of a postcard. You can usually get a good look at a hallmark, scratch, or other detail with a small one. If you are looking for jewelry, then pack a jeweler's loupe. These are also very useful for reading the small print on maps.

And speaking of maps...be sure you have a good one for your entire area and that it has a detailed index of streets and roads. The best ones are in book form, usually spiral, and you can photocopy the most-used pages for easy reference.

A tape measure. This way you can check the size of furniture, measure off fabric, etc.

A magnet. This will help you to detect the kinds of metal in items that appear to be brass, copper, silver, etc. If the magnet sticks (be sure to try both ends or sides) it is not the real deal. A small one the size of a quarter is all that is necessary.

A small flashlight. The ones with a small light that are used in theaters is fine and will let you check for marks, flaws and look in concealed spots.

A pocket knife. This is for cutting, scraping and testing...be sure you ask the owner before you do it, or better yet, have them use the knife. A lot of rust, patina or dirt can disguise a treasure. And it is generally handy for cutting up fruit and opening packages for lunch on the run.

A small pad of paper and pen. This is for addresses, phone numbers and names if you have to return or want to come back to make a deal later, etc.

Calling cards that have your name and phone number and whatever other information you want to disclose. You can get 250 of them free at VistaPrint.com, and they are very handy.

A large piece of plastic. These are available at the dime store and are usually 9 X 12 and fit into a regular size envelope. Your can protect stuff from rain as it is being transported.

A length of rope and some bungee cords to keep items in place for transport.

Personal information: Swatches of your colors for decorating and wearing. Sizes for you and everyone you buy for. Measurements for areas for rugs, furniture, window treatments, beds, etc. Trace off the soles of everybody's shoes so you can size them at sales.

Several sturdy canvas bags for books and other finds.

A large bottle of plain water. Garage Saling is thirsty work!

I keep all of the small stuff in a small zippered bag and the rest in the crate. You'll be glad of your Garage Sale Survival Kit. It can save you time and money.

About the author:

Ann Castle has been a manager and logistics expert for companies large and small and has a successful eBay business. She enjoys helping everyone achieve their goals and her greatest desire is to live in a world where everybody wins.

How to Get the Most Out of Rummage Sale Shopping

2010-04-16T11:02:00.002-05:00

Rummage sale shopping isn't for everyone. Some people cringe at buying other people's junk. Others find it much easier to simply go to the mall or their local specialty store to get what they need. Still others think that there's a stigma attached to visiting rummage sales.

As someone who absolutely loves rummage sale shopping, I'm not too concerned with what other people think. I'd rather buy five books for a dollar at a sale than one for twenty dollars at a bookstore. If I can find clothes for a quarter a piece, I have no problem expanding my wardrobe with something someone else wore at one time (as long as it's in good shape). I know firsthand how much easier furnishing a home can be when you scour a rummage sale than when you browse the showroom floor.

Not only can you save a lot of money by shopping at rummage sales, you can have a lot of fun doing it as well. If you're dead set against the idea of making someone else's trash your treasure, read no further. This article isn't for you. If the thought of treasures to be had for practically pennies interests you in the slightest, read on.

If you're a seasoned rummage shopper, you're probably already familiar with these tips. For those not so well read in the art, there are several ways to get the most out of your experience. With summer just around the corner, endless sales are sure to be on the way. This season, try these tips for getting the most out of rummage sale shopping.

To see the tips...click here!

BEST BUYS OF SPRING (March, April, May) - Kiplinger

2010-02-21T09:12:00.005-06:00

BEST BUYS OF SPRING (March, April, May) - Kiplinger

BEST BUYS OF SPRING (March, April, May)

Bargains are blooming this time of year. Here are seven purchases to make in March, April and May.

MARCH: Coats and outerwear
At the end of winter, retailers clear out their cold-weather clothing to make room for T-shirts, shorts and swimwear. That makes March an ideal time to plan ahead and stock up on bargain coats, hats and gloves for next winter.

MARCH: Flood insurance
It's not any cheaper to buy flood insurance at this time of year, but this is as good a time as any to do so before the spring thaw puts your home to the test. Create a flood-risk profile at FloodSmart.gov to see if you could benefit from flood insurance.

MARCH: Frozen food
It's national frozen-food month, and sales and coupons abound. If you have a freezer, stock up. You can store some foods as long as one year. (Use this storage guide from the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service when deciding what to stock up on.)

APRIL: Used cars
Looking for a used car? This is the best month to shop. Every year, car dealers stock up to kick off the spring selling season. Buyers have a full selection of inventory to choose from and plenty of willing negotiators to land the best deal. We'll show you some Great Deals on Used Cars.

APRIL/MAY: Kitchenware and utensils
Kitchen items make a great gift for new grads and newlyweds, so sales are often plentiful this season.

MAY: Mattresses
As retailers make room for new models, mattress shoppers will find a lot of wiggle room on price, says Luke Knowles, founder of FreeShipping.org. Look for discounts of up to 50%, as well as promotions for free delivery or free disposal of your old mattress.

ALL SPRING LONG: Vacations
Besides the week of spring break, you can usually grab a stellar deal on travel throughout the spring shoulder season -- until Memorial Day weekend, when summer pricing goes into effect. Plus, you'll get pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

BEST BUYS OF WINTER (January, February)

2010-01-04T13:06:00.000-06:00

Story from Kiplingers.com

Yes, deals abound on Black Friday, but you can save money on plenty of things all winter long -- particularly electronics. Here are ten things whose prices thaw despite the cold this season.

DECEMBER/JANUARY: Weddings
From dresses to reception halls, you'll save a bundle with a winter wedding, according to Denise and Alan Fields, authors of Bridal Bargains. It's the industry's slow season, so don't be afraid to haggle your way to even lower prices -- you might find people are willing to deal.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY: TVs
New TV models arrive in the spring, making January and February prime time to save a few hundred dollars on the outgoing model year, according toConsumer Reports. (It's worth watching for Black Friday deals and holiday sales in December, too.)

JANUARY: Linens
It may be cold outside, but you can make the indoors warm and comfy -- and save money in the process -- by shopping department stores' "white sales" in January. It's not uncommon to find discounts of 10% to 60% on sheets, blankets, towels and more (and not just in white).

JANUARY: Gift wrap
With prices marked down as much as 75%, post-holiday sales make a great time to stock up on gift wrap, ribbon and tags. Look for neutral patterns that you can use year-round to make the most of this deal.

JANUARY: Carpet and floor coverings
Few people buy carpet in January, so that's the time to snag a discount as dealers try to drum up business, says Alan Fletcher, author of The Complete Carpet Buying Guide. Make your purchase by February 15th, though. As people start receiving their tax refunds, business -- and prices -- pick up again.

JANUARY: Furniture
New furniture hits showrooms in February, according to the American Home Furnishing Alliance. That means you can save 10% to 50% in January as retailers make room for the new inventory. (See summer for another good time to buy.)

JANUARY/FEBRUARY: Digital cameras
With the Consumer Electronics Show and Photo Marketing Association convention at this time of year, new camera models start arriving at retailers. That means deep discounts on last year's perfectly good merchandise.

ALL WINTER LONG: Real estate
Most people don't shop for houses in the winter. But lower demand equals lower prices. You'd usually sacrifice selection by house-hunting in winter, but with the current lagging market -- and large number of foreclosures - bargain hunters should have plenty to choose from.

Competition brings deals to online shopping websites

2010-01-04T13:03:00.000-06:00

The Wall Street Journal lists the Big Three online merchandising sites as Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and Ebay.com. In their testing, they found the best overall shopping experience was to be had on Amazon. Ebay came in second, featuring cheaper prices overall. Walmart lagged behind, with a far inferior user experience.

How to Save Money Shopping Online in 5 Minutes!

2009-12-19T08:44:00.002-06:00

By Robert Pagliarini

Tis the season to negotiate. Your other 8 hours are precious, but if you can save 15% on a big purchase and it only takes five minutes, it’s a great use of your time. If you shop online, here’s how you can save 5%-25% off your purchases by negotiating (and you won’t feel like a schmuck arguing with a vendor at a flea market).

The next time you are shopping online, load up your cart, but before you click “buy,” look for a “chat” or “live help” button. Click it and watch the magic begin. It will open a chat session with a customer service rep. Type that you have a full shopping cart but you are comparison shopping. You’d like to purchase the goods from their company but you want a 15% discount.

Most of the time they’ll initially say they don’t have the authority, but don’t take no for an answer. Ask them to check in with their manager or you will abandon your shopping cart and click over to their competitor.

This won’t work all of the time, but it will often enough to save you some money. Don’t forget, you are an online consumer. You have ALL of the power. It takes milliseconds to jump to their competitor’s homepage.

In other cultures, negotiating is not only expected but is a social custom. To not negotiate is rude. So do yourself and your wallet a favor and spend a few minutes negotiating a big discount on your next online order.

You can read my recent chat session below where I saved a quick 15%:

****************************************************

Thank you for choosing [COMPANY]. A representative will be with you shortly.

You are now chatting with Christie.

Christie: Hello! How can I help you with your order today?

You: I do a lot of business with the company. i’d really like a discount on my order. can you help me?

Christie: I don’t have discounts to give out.

Christie: We are offering 15% off on Thanksgiving day items. Are you ordering one of those?

You: no

Christie: I’ll be right with you.

Christie: I’m sorry for the delay. I’ll be right with you.

Christie: Thank you for waiting. I’ll be with you in just a moment.

You: if you can do 15% off i’ll proceed. otherwise i’ll order through [COMPETITOR]:

Christie: I’ll be right with you.

Christie: I’m sorry for the delay. I’ll be right with you.

Christie: Thank you for waiting. I’ll be with you in just a moment.

Christie: I’ll be right with you.

Christie: If you go ahead and place your order then give me the order #. I will issue the 15% off.

You: ok

Christie: Did you complete your order?

You: working on it

Christie: Ok.

You: [ORDER NUMBER]

You: do you need anything else?

Christie: Ok I have issued the 15% off. Your new total is [$XXX]

You: thank you again

Christie: Is there anything else I can help you with?

You: goodbye

How do you get rid of your unwanted items?

2009-10-31T09:26:00.004-05:00

This month's poll asks the question: Do you sell or donate your unwanted items?

We want to know what you do with your unwanted items and why?

Please share your answer by clicking the comments link below. (NOTE: Feel free to use the Name and URL option . . . you don't need to enter an URL. You can just type in your name and leave the URL field blank.) Thanks for sharing and enjoy!

Do You Know Your Community's Yard Sale Sign Restrictions?

2009-07-25T10:44:00.005-05:00

One of the best ways to advertise your yard sale (besides using Rummage Wisconsin.com) is to place yard sale signs around your neighborhood. We all do it, and it works! However, do you know your community's yard sale sign restrictions? Does your Homeowners Association have a policy for posting signs?

Most people assume they can stick a yard sign on a corner or telephone phone pole, but some communities don't allow those actions, and some communities actually require permit to post signs.

We decided to look up a few Wisconsin communities' yard sign restrictions and were surprised by what we saw. For example, Cedarburg does allow yard signs, but has specific requirements about where you can post them. According to the town of Cedarburg's web site:

"Yard sale signs are allowed provided that no person shall attach posters, notices or advertisements to utility poles, meter posts, or trees in or along any street right-of-way within the Town and that no person shall put up any notice upon property of another person without having first obtained the consent of the owner of such property. The maximum time limit for all yard sale or estate sale signs is three consecutive days and nine cumulative days in a one-year period. Such signs may not exceed 10 square feet in area."

The city of Kenosha does not require a permit for yard signs, but they do have similar restrictions as Cedarburg.

In Prairie du Sac, the city only allows you to put up signs on private property (neighbor's yard etc.) According to one of our site users, Amber Hulett, "if you put the sign on anything publicly owned, they drive by and take your sign without ever telling you."

So, check with your community and/or homeowner association's sign-posting requirements before you stick that sign in the ground or on a pole. And don't forget to pick them up when your sale ends!

Now we want to hear from you. If you know what your community restrictions are for posting yard sale signs, please share by clicking the comments link below. (NOTE: Feel free to use the Name and URL option . . . you don't need to enter an URL. You can just type in your name and leave the URL field blank.) Thanks for sharing and enjoy!

Funny Rummage Sale Stories

2009-06-05T08:35:00.003-05:00

Do you have a funny Rummage Sale story? If so, we want to hear from you. We'll accept all kinds of stories (just make sure they are tasteful folks!).

Here's an example:
I attended a Rummage Sale not too long ago. As I walked up the driveway that lead to the sale, I noticed an older gentleman sitting on a lawn chair in the garage. As I moved closer to him, he stood up to greet me. To my surprise, he was wearing his boxer shorts with a white tang top, and black socks and sandals. OK...here is were it get very humorous, the gentleman's boxer shorts had yellow rubber duckies on them. What a sight, and what a "quack". ;)

Eventually he went back into the house as his wife came back out to the garage to take over the post. I laughed as his wife just silently shook her head at him as to say to him, you are embarrassing.

Now we want to hear from you, what funny Rummage Sale stories can you share? Simply click the comments link below. (NOTE: Feel free to use the Name and URL option . . . you don't need to enter an URL. You can just type in your name and leave the URL field blank.) Thanks for sharing and enjoy!

Do You Ask for a Rummage Sale Item Discount?

2009-05-15T15:22:00.007-05:00

We all go to Rummage Sales to find discounted items for sale. Most of the time the seller has discounted the price (many times dramatically) from its original store price tag. Knowing that, do you ask for a discount when rummaging? If so, do you have any bargaining tips to share?

Let us know by clicking the comments link below. (NOTE: Feel free to use the Name and URL option . . . you don't need to enter an URL.)

Also, learn more by reading Susan Goldberg, Garage Sale Expert
"Never be afraid to ask for a discount" article . . .

What Is Your Favorite WI Sale Event?

2009-04-27T09:08:00.003-05:00

At Rummage Wisconsin.com, we, of course, love all the sale events listed on our site. But we do feature some of the more popular sales on our site home page. These featured events include all types of sales - Rummage, Craft, Antique, Flea Markets, Farmers Markets, and Bake Sales to name a few.

Now we want to hear from you, our site users. What are your favorite Wisconsin sale events?

Share your favorite sale events with the Wisconsin online audience. It's simple, you don't need to sign up, all you have to do is click the comment link below this article and type in your favorite sale event.

Thanks for your comments!

2009-04-20T18:13:00.001-05:00

Hey there! Rummage Wisconsin.com is using Twitter.

Twitter is a free service that lets you keep in touch with people (or Us) through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?

Why? Because even basic sale events and site updates are meaningful to you and your friends —especially when they’re timely.

Join today to start receiving Rummage Wisconsin.com's updates Tweets (updates).

How To Improve Rummage Sale - Sales

2009-04-03T13:30:00.005-05:00

Tips to Improve Sales

Greet people who come to your garage sale and engage them in conversation.
Encourage shoppers to return during a two day sale. Post signs to say that new items will be added daily or that prices will be reduced on the second day.
Have a silent auction on expensive items. Ask customers to submit bids along with their name and phone numbers. Put in a reserve bid, if you wish.
Be organized with your sale items! If everything is jumbled together, many people won't bother to look for bargains. Tables can be made from sawhorses and lumber. A few hooks and some string will let you hang clothing and looks much nicer.
Put some of the larger items out near the street, to catch the eyes of those who are driving by. You will be surprised at how many people will stop to look, even though they are not interested in the dining room furniture.
Have a garden? Consider selling flowers and produce from your garden...you'd be suprise on how well these items sell!

Have a tip to share, click the comments link below this post. See more tips at Rummage Wisconsin.com

Save Time Getting Ready for Rummage Sales

2009-03-30T14:05:00.004-05:00

Rather than marking separate prices on each of your rummage sale items, use the Color Coding Price System.

Get round, removable, multi-colored stickers. Designate a different price for each sticker--everything with a red sticker costs 50 cents, green costs one dollar, yellow costs 3 dollars and blue costs 5 dollars.

Then, simply place one of these round colored stickers on each of your small ticket rummage sale items. Of course, you'll have to individually price your more expensive items.

Finally, hang a large sign that shows the colors and the prices that go with each. It will be a lot easier on you, and rummage seekers will be able to see what your items cost at a glance.

Read our Garage Sale Pricing Guide

Having Fun With Rummage Sales

2009-03-27T14:00:00.008-05:00

Attending Rummage Sales can sometimes be a drag for some family members. You know, the kids get bored or the hubby just sits in the car and listens to the game. Well, one of our TWN E-Newsletter subscribers, Jodi Schneeweis (from Hubertus, WI), shares with us how she and her family and friends have fun with Rummage Sales...

This past summer the neighbors and I came up with a little bit of rummage-sale fun! It is a bit of a scavenger hunt with the most clever find-a winner! With the help of your site (RummageWI.com), we hunted the local sales for cookie cutters that would suit dog treats or cat treats in such shapes as mailpersons, fire hydrants, newspapers, fish, mice-you name it; the more original, the better. Then we taught our children and grandchildren how to make dog and cat treats from scratch (pardon the pun!). Click to view recipes

The neighbors brought along their decorated pet food bowls for our furry four-legged friend's treats. While we baked the treats the kids watched movies such as Disney's AirBud, 101 Dalmatians, and The Cat in the Hat we had purchased at the sales. An air-pop popcorn popper supplied the snacks while a vintage Kool Aid pitcher and glasses served the beverages. We crowed over our fantastic "finds" including air-bake cookie sheets, spatulas, and pet supplies. It was a great time for those of us on a budget! We plan on doing this again next rummage season. The pets loved the treats we made which are much healthier than store-bought treats; especially in light of last year's import dilemmas with melamine! We now knew that those pricy-trendy biscuits could also be replaced at more reasonable prices. I used the same methods over the holidays to give small pet gifts using snowmen cookie cutters. We would like to thank you for the sale listings that made our party possible!

If you would like to share your Rummage Sale fun (selling or buying), please share it with us. (Thanks to Jodi for sharing her great idea and story.)