Letters to the Editor
Editor:
Every few years, spring cleaning in our house typically results in the need to have a garage sale. I’m certain most of the readers have either hosted their own garage sale, stopped at a few, or at least drove by slowly enough to possibly spot the must have treasure or bargain.
Garage sales also provide a great opportunity to meet a wide range of people.
This past weekend was no different, other than it was our first sale at our new old house. Living on a farm, we were finally able to have our own barn sale. We had no less than 600-700 people over the course of two days. It’s amazing what a few well-placed signs and key words in the classifieds can do to boost interest at a sale.
Not all aspects of garage sales are great.We were fortunate to avoid any early birds, who may even be bold enough to knock on a dark house hours before the sale starts.
On Friday, we jokingly asked each other, “I wonder if anyone stole anything” and “Who would steal from a garage sale?”
On Saturday, in the midst of helping an older gentleman load heavier items, we found out the answers to those questions, as somebody felt compelled to negotiate their own $0.00 price for a generator worth $400 ($700 new). We never saw it walk away. They obviously pride themselves in seizing the right opportunity, so I presume. Rather than developing job skills, working hard, or advancing their limited education, they have sharpened their five-finger discount shopping skills. I do hope they have a friend or family member who can help them read the caution label on the side of the super quiet blue generator, where it cautions “Do not use indoors.”
Back to the positive — and the good people. As the realization and frustration of the theft subsided, a very patient and nice woman sat waiting to pay me 10 cents for a tiny stuffed animal for what I presumed was her grandchild.
So, that was very nice and in great contrast to the loser who didn’t even leave a dime for the generator. At least I would have considered the offer. After all, what’s a garage sale without bargaining on the price?
Kurt Jennings
Salem
Every few years, spring cleaning in our house typically results in the need to have a garage sale. I’m certain most of the readers have either hosted their own garage sale, stopped at a few, or at least drove by slowly enough to possibly spot the must have treasure or bargain.
Garage sales also provide a great opportunity to meet a wide range of people.
This past weekend was no different, other than it was our first sale at our new old house. Living on a farm, we were finally able to have our own barn sale. We had no less than 600-700 people over the course of two days. It’s amazing what a few well-placed signs and key words in the classifieds can do to boost interest at a sale.
Not all aspects of garage sales are great.We were fortunate to avoid any early birds, who may even be bold enough to knock on a dark house hours before the sale starts.
On Friday, we jokingly asked each other, “I wonder if anyone stole anything” and “Who would steal from a garage sale?”
On Saturday, in the midst of helping an older gentleman load heavier items, we found out the answers to those questions, as somebody felt compelled to negotiate their own $0.00 price for a generator worth $400 ($700 new). We never saw it walk away. They obviously pride themselves in seizing the right opportunity, so I presume. Rather than developing job skills, working hard, or advancing their limited education, they have sharpened their five-finger discount shopping skills. I do hope they have a friend or family member who can help them read the caution label on the side of the super quiet blue generator, where it cautions “Do not use indoors.”
Back to the positive — and the good people. As the realization and frustration of the theft subsided, a very patient and nice woman sat waiting to pay me 10 cents for a tiny stuffed animal for what I presumed was her grandchild.
So, that was very nice and in great contrast to the loser who didn’t even leave a dime for the generator. At least I would have considered the offer. After all, what’s a garage sale without bargaining on the price?
Kurt Jennings
Salem