Now here it is from the other side of the cash register.

Garage sales are also a great source for costumes and props if you're putting on a play. And, some people like to buy items they can clean, fix up and give to charity or nursing homes, such as walkers, wheelchairs, canes and basic furniture.

12 TIPS FOR SHOPPERS   

The day before...

1) Load up on dollar bills and change. People running yard sales do not accept credit cards or checks, but they do love cash. And, take your ATM card. If you find a great treasure that costs more than the cash in your pocket, you'll have a solution.

2) Set a dollar limit. Decide how much you want to spend in advance. Going with an open-ended budget is courting disaster --  you'll wind up buying items simply because they're cheap.

Or, if you need to buy something specific, such furniture for your new baby's room, a winter coat, an office desk or set of dishes, make that your goal.

$Tip: Budget for at least one frivolous or whimsical purchase. Your outing should be fun as well as practical.

3) Pack your car or van. Put several large cardboard boxes in the back.  (They prevent small purchases from rolling around and when you get back home, unloading will be much easier.)  And take a number of heavy-duty shopping bags. Yard sale givers often run out. Not a bad idea to pack bubble wrap as well, especially if you plan to buy china, pottery and other breakable items.

4) Dress down.  Don't come in your Armani suit and Gucci loafers, sporting a Rolex. Dickering and negotiating are key and you don't want to look like you can buy everything in site, including the house and garage.

Wear comfortable shoes. If you dislike having wet feet, don't wear sandals or flip flops -- the lawn is likely to be damp in the morning. In addition to your cell phone, take along a sun hat or cap, bottled water, healthy snacks, sun block,  insect repellent, handiwipes and an umbrella.

5) Go it alone or with the right person.  Or to put it another way, don't come with friends who inevitably spend more money than you.

At the sale...

6) Arrive very early. "Professional pickers" are often lined up an hour or so before an important sale opens. (Pickers purchase items for resale in their own shops or those of their clients.) These eagle eyed pros always spot the best items. You want to pour over the merchandise right along side them, especially if you're in serious pursuit of an antique, painting or jewelry.

7) Arrive late. If you can't be there at the opening bell, then arrive toward the end of the sale, when prices are slashed.

Tip: Come slightly hungry -- then you won't stay too long.

8) Plug it in & check the batteries. A toaster that doesn't toast and a blender that doesn't blend will wind up in your garbage. If a battery-operated clock or toy catches your eye, check to see that old batteries have not corroded. Don't buy what you can't test.

9) Try on clothes. You know what that means: wear your best underwear in case you wind up sharing a room with other shoppers.

10) Carry it around. When you spot something you like, but you're not quite certain it's for you, carry it around until you make a final decision. If you don't, someone else is likely to grab it, especially if it's a treasure.

11) Let children pay for their goodies. People rarely take advantage of a child so your own kids may wind up getting the best prices. A garage sale also provides a fun environment in which to teach them about making change, handling money and the art of negotiating. It also helps them become self-confident with other adults. Best of all, it teaches them that new is not necessarily better.

12) Bring an expert.  If an expensive collectible, work of art, or an antique captures your fancy, ask if you can leave a deposit and come back with an expert to evaluate its worth. This may or may not work, but definitely try.

Be sure you get a written receipt with a guarantee that you'll get your deposit back if you don't buy the item.

If you know ahead of time that there will be valuable items on sale, come with your expert in tow.