Be wary of garage sale pitfalls before buying, selling

Tips from Better Business Bureau

Garage sales can be a great place to pick up bargains - and a way to make money by selling items you no longer need.

But garage sale shoppers need to be wary of potential scams or rip-offs, and sellers should be aware of things they should not sell and of potential theft or fraud by a buyer.

Some items should never be resold - such as child car seats, cribs or items that have been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website, cpsc.gov. In some states, it's illegal to sell a used mattress.

Consumers should be prepared to pay cash for items at garage sales, and sellers should be wary of taking a check from someone they do not know. One Better Business Bureau staffer held a sale with another person who received a bad check in payment for an old but valuable Bible, for example. You may want to consider buying a counterfeit money detection pen and using it on any bills larger than $20.

Before you buy or sell, you should be aware of what products sell for in stores, whether new items or items sold at thrift shops. That way you can price your items so they will sell, rather than sit unclaimed on your sale table. If you are a buyer, doing research can help you avoid overpaying.

Examine items offered at a sale carefully for flaws, cracks or dirt. Be sure you actually want the item before you pay any money because it is rare for a garage sale to offer refunds, especially after the sale.

If you are buying an item such as a television or computer, plug it in and make sure it works before you buy it. An honest seller should want to demonstrate that an item is in working order or be open about disclosing that it does not work.

If you are not able to test an item properly before purchase, either walk away or ask the seller for a written guarantee.

Sellers should be careful about locking their doors and should avoid giving strangers access to their homes. If you hold a sale in your garage, be sure that items that are not being sold are covered up or out of reach. Try to have a friend or family member on hand to help you keep an eye on your sale items as well as your home.

For more BBB tips or to check out a business, call 573-886-8965 or go to midmobbb.org.

Sean Spence is the Mid-Missouri regional director for Better Business Bureau.