ETIQUETTE: A reader found this list of yard sale etiquette and passed it along.
“It was probably devised from a list of experienced annoyances,” the reader writes.
Here’s a few things to keep in mind this summer as you visit garage sales:
• Until an item is purchased, it’s someone else’s property — be respectful of it.
• Handle everything with care. As the saying goes — you break it, you bought it.
• If an item has a marked price, that is the for-sale price. Offering a lower price may be insulting (judgment call)
• Have small denomination money. Taking $100/$50, even $20 bills isn’t practical. No checks, either.
• Everything is cash & carry. Don’t ask, “Do you have a bag/box?” “Can you carry this to my car?” It’s a yard sale, not a delivery service.
• If you need to come back to pick-up something, be prompt. One doesn’t want to wait “hours” for someone’s return.
• If there is some “free” stuff offered, it might be free, but a nominal offer shows respect.
• Respect people’s property. Don’t smoke or leave cigarette butts/litter on another’s property.
• Don’t ask to use someone’s bathroom, phone or a drink of water. It’s not a rest stop.
• Unfortunately, there are shoplifters at yard sales. For sellers, be alert.
By the way, the list’s letterhead was for the Star Garage Company, a Pontiac dealer that had been in Bradford, phone number 3121. Anyone remember the place?
In Bradford, the community-wide garage sale is set for 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 26. We heard vendor maps would be available for sale on Saturday for a dollar.
If you’re itching to start do a little shopping on Saturday, the Bradford Ecumenical Home will host its “Junk In My Trunk” sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the front parking lot.
