I'm really kind of a dork when it comes to Garage Sales. I have absolutely nothing against Garage Sales or Garage Sale shopping, I'm just terrible at it. I always feel so awkward. I can just feel the owner's eyes following me as I rummage through their stuff. Awkward, right? And in all honesty I'm not a very good rummager. I feel like in about 30 seconds I'll know if I should hit the road or not. However I then feel obligated to look around for at least a few minutes and perhaps feign interest in an item or two so as not to appear too hoity toity--like their stuff isn't good enough for me and I can't be bothered to fork out even a quarter for some of their junk. No, no. I wouldn't want to appear like that.
I also don't like having to drive all over to do my shopping. Drive, park, check for 30 seconds,--I'm sorry, make that a few minutes bare minimum--, head back to the car, get in, drive around until you find the next one, and repeat the process. Are we having any fun yet? That's why I try to take more of a drive-by approach. Unfortunately, this really only works if you're looking for something that's, well, big.
The other issue I have is that unless I'm know what I'm looking for, I'm just wandering around aimlessly. Then I'll find something that I never knew I needed and buy it. Their junk becomes mine and I'm wondering how much I'm actually saving by buying things I don't actually need. Know what I mean?
I have friends that find such treasures at such steals. I'm always so envious. I think they're good rummagers. Maybe that's the bottom line. I lack patience pure and simple. Then throw in the Awkwardness Factor and it's just too much. I know, I have issues, right?
Saturday, June 8, 2013
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3 comments:
haha...I totally feel the same way about feeling obligated to look around someone's stuff even after that time I know I don't want anything to do with their stuff...
Ugh I hate garage sales too. I haven't been to one my entire adult life. I also hate thrift store shopping and even cringe when I have to go to Marshall's for the same reason. All that sifting and sorting through things. Bleh.
I hear you!! The rummaging, I don't mind all that much (I like "rummaging" at Ross and, to an extent, Goodwill). But the Awkwardness Factor -- YES. I have been known to buy stuff at garage sales I didn't really want just because I stopped and therefore I really ought to buy something, right? I realized it's easier to just not stop at all. (Also: I never carry cash anymore.)
We get some pretty good deals via craigslist, though. My secret is that Nathan does it all for me. ;-)
P.S. Yes, please come over sometime and visit me and the baby! My schedule is really pretty open (I clear it completely for the first two months!). Any day after, say, 10:30 would be great.
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