Bargain Finder Sources
Out and About

Opportunities for a bargain are plentiful for the bargain finder who is out and about. Knowing where they are will help you to take advantage of them.

You may run across these bargain sources by chance on your way to the post office or the grocery store. You may even come across them on your way to another bargain source. Or you may be seeking them out on purpose.

Most of these can be found by online searches, advertisements in the classified ads of local newspapers, fliers on bulletin boards, roadside signs, and/or personal observation. At any rate, you will find a variety of bargains by using the following bargain sources.

Types of Sources

An independent used car dealer will usually have less expensive automobiles than the new automobile dealer. Beware of the greedy dealer who is so overpriced that even after hours of negotiating it's still not a fair price let alone a bargain. A greedy dealer and a bargain finder do not mix.

Be a prepared bargain hunter. Research the vehicle you are looking for so you know what it is worth. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly for defects and mechanical problems.

Estate Sales - This seller may be settling the estate of a deceased person or they may be moving. Either way they are selling everything, sometimes even the house.

The degree of the bargain will depend on how motivated the seller is. Don't be afraid to make a lower offer. A bargain finder never is.

The items for sale may include clothing, appliances, electronics, automobiles, furniture, housewares, yard and garden equipment, antiques, collections, and anything else a person might own.

Farmers Markets - Usually an open air market where friendly vendors sell fresh produce at bargain prices. It makes you wonder why you ever shop at supermarkets. After all, a bargain finder has to eat.

Flea Markets - For the bargain finder this is a fabulous hunting ground. These markets may be held indoors, outdoors, or both. You will find new items as well as used items. There are vendors of every type selling items of every sort.

Anything from antiques, produce, tools, clothing, plants, animals, musical instruments, lawn mowers, collectibles, movies, glassware, and candy, to a giant, stuffed Mickey Mouse can usually be found.

Get there early if you can. Some markets start at 6 AM and are done by early afternoon. At the larger, established markets it can take all day to see everything. Bring cash and keep it in a safe place. Most vendors do not accept checks or credit cards.

Items are most often bargain priced and by talking to the vendor you can usually get a super bargain. Every vendor is different and has a story to tell to anyone willing to listen. This is one of my favorite bargain sources. For more information on flea markets, click here.

Garage Sales - Bargains of all shapes and sizes abound at garage sales. If someone owns it, it's for sale at a garage sale somewhere just waiting for a bargain finder.

Most times you can get a very good deal and most sellers will even accept a little less. Every now and then you will come across a seller who believes that their items are made of gold but that's life. Just move on to the next sale.

Neighborhoods will sometimes get together and have a block sale. Communities may even organize a city-wide sale. That can make a busy day for the bargain finder.

If you happen to see an item you want in the yard of a garage sale, get it right away. Don't wait to stop on your way back from the post office. The item will most likely be gone by then.

Some people scan the ads and plan out a sale day while others are more spontaneous. A friend of mine, who will remain nameless for my own safety, finds garage sales by observation.

It can make for one wild ride with U-turns in the middle of an intersection, sudden head-bouncing-off-the-dashboard stops, and backing up for an entire block only to park half way in the street.

Leaving the car door open she races on foot towards the sale knocking over anything and anyone that gets in her way from garage sale signs to little old ladies and little old dogs. She's not a greedy person, it's just that she gets a little excited about this particular bargain source.

For more information on garage sales click here.

Junk Yards - Car parts, truck parts, motorcycle parts, snowmobile parts, bicycles, trailer frames, steel of various sizes and shapes, old heat radiators, railings, fence, and lots of other things people throw away can be found here. Using this bargain source saves you money and reduces waste.

Moving Sale - This seller is moving and does not want to take everything with them. Bargains will vary depending on what they're selling and how bad they want to sell it. A nice opportunity for the bargain finder.

Roadside Bargains - This may be an item that is advertised elsewhere and you just happen to see it. Or it may be that seeing it is the only way you will know it is for sale.

The item could be a car, truck, boat, snowmobile, motorcycle, tiller, mower, trailer, or furniture. Don't forget the fresh produce stand and the old man selling honey. Mmmmmmmmm. Honey. Some of my best bargain finds have been on the roadside.

Sometimes the items are free. You've seen the signs. Free rabbits. Free puppies. Free cats. Free wood. You've seen the items. Couches, chairs, washers, dryers, stoves, and refrigerators with "free" signs on them. It could be a very good bargain or it could be junk looking for a "free" ride.

Rummage Sales - These sales are usually run by an organization as a fund raising event. Used items are donated and then set up for sale to the general public. The items range from childrens clothing, housewares, glassware, and collectibles to tools, lawnmowers, and even cheap used cars.

Salvage Yards - If you need a part for your car or truck use this bargain source and save money. How about a battery for 1/4 to 1/2 the price of a new one? Most of the better yards even sell them with a one year warranty. Why pay retail when you can get tires for 1/4 to 1/2 the price of new ones?

You can get body parts, engines, transmissions, seats, radios, and glass, all at bargain hunter prices. Some yards are "pull it yourself" saving you even more money if you are so inclined.

There are also salvage yards that specialize in motorcycles, ATV's, and/or snowmobiles. Beware of the greedy yards. Compare prices.

Swap Meets - You can find swap meets for cars, boats, guns, guitars, motorcycles, and snowmobiles to name a few. Many times you will find items beyond what the meet is about.

Most vendors are friendly people who love to talk about the subject, their items, and bargains. If you're looking for a specific item, a swap meet of that type is an excellent bargain source.

Word of Mouth - Don't overlook this wonderful bargain source. I have found some very good deals this way. Keep your ears open. People often talk about things they, or someone they know, are trying to get rid of.

The other way to use word of mouth is to let people you know what it is you are looking to buy. I've even found some excellent bargains just by striking up a conversation with people I didn't even know.

Yard Sale - This is a garage sale that has overflowed out of the garage and into the yard. You may find new and used household items, baby clothes, childrens clothing, books, games, glassware, and much more. Most are bargain priced.

Looking for a vacation, adventure, or travel along with your bargain hunting? Dubbed the "worlds longest yard sale" this sale is held in August of each year along US Highway 127.

It lasts 4 days and runs 654 miles through 5 states from Gadsden, Alabama to West Unity, Ohio. With thousands of vendors the bargain finder is sure to find a bargain.

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