Clever second buyers

Not everybody purchases second hand items. Buying second hand items is something you either do or your don't. Call it an inbred attitude to consumerism, call it parsimony, the truth is that there exists a skill in buying second hands and enjoying it.

There are various reasons why people look through the 'For Sale' listings. Some people are out to make a bargain, others are on the look-out for collectors' items.

These classified listings are also virtual treasure troves holding a host of objects that otherwise could not be found on the market. Searchers vary from people wanting to stretch their pennies, to those wanting to acquire a much-sought-after objet d'art. It takes two to tango and the advert needs to be targeted to the right buyers.

The best advert to catch one's eye is usually the short one, which is direct, to the point and possibly carrying prices. However, the latter only applies to those items being offered at slashed prices, in which case the seller is intent on catching attention directly through the money factor. The rest of the cases usually involve some bargaining and bickering that will ultimately and hopefully result in a sale satisfactory to both seller and buyer.

Whatever you are after, it is always wise to visit sale locations personally, examine wares thoroughly and deal afterwards. Do not be put off by prices being quoted over the phone. Sellers may reduce prices if they feel they have the best buyer possible.

Do not give up on a purchase simply because the seller is set on keeping prices rigid. Remember, you might be the first person to view the item on sale and the seller may be hoping to make a better deal with a future viewer. Leave your name and number with the seller, just in case he or she changes their mind.

Searching the 'For Sale' listings is excellent for those people wishing to purchase household items 'as new' to fill up a new home or to redecorate. Do not reject this idea by stating flatly that you always buy new items.

I can still remember how we purchased our corner settee set through a classified listing. When I phoned to make my enquiry, the man at the other end of the line said the settee was made by a brand known for its luxurious and rather expensive items.

I was already feeling less interested as I had a budget to respect. However, he promised he was ready to deal. So off we traipsed to a village house some kilometres away from our own, to find this beautiful corner sofa, just the colour we wanted and really sumptuous.

The man wanted to sell and went down to half the original price, even though the item was brand new, practically squeaking. In addition, he led us into a room where he showed us a lovely oak table and six chairs, items he had not advertised but which he wanted to sell anyway.

End result was that the man made his sale and we filled up our living and dining room with top-notch items at a bargain price. This goes to show that one never really knows what to find at the end of the day.

Collectors always have one eye on sale listings, and I am not only referring to antiques here. Collectors exist for every genre of item imaginable, from rare cars (Buick, Bentley, Bedford) to vintage clothes. Yes, even Grandma's clothes from the days of the naughty Charleston.

There is a market for simply everything you have standing happily at home, or dismally at the back of your garage shelves. Incidentally, house sales or garage sales can be most interesting sites to visit on a Sunday morning as these may include just about everything.

Be sure to take cash with you if you intend to make purchases, as cards or cheques will not be accepted. People generally create a sale to obtain ready cash and a possibly bouncing cheque is beyond that purpose. Take small change with you too, especially if you like knick-knacks. One tiny porcelain item may be bought for a mere pittance, perhaps a few cents, and the seller probably will not have enough spare coins to change your tenner.

In short, if you want to buy something, chances are there is somebody out there wanting to sell. On the other hand, if you are interested in selling, pay attention to listings of items similar to what you have for sale, check prices and quality, as well as the period in which the item was manufactured. This will help you price the item properly once you advertise.

If you want to buy, read through listings carefully, make a note of the items and phone numbers that interest you and arm yourself with pen and pad before making your enquiring phone calls.

You will definitely need to take note of prices, item details and possibly directions to the point of sale, plus the best visiting hours as directed by the seller. After that, it is all a matter of luck, and who knows, tomorrow you might be the proud owner of your next collectors' piece without crippling your bank account!