Garage and yard sales also can have pitfalls, scammers
With relatively temperate weather, garage and yard sales can be a year-round phenomenon in the greater Houston area. Looking for a bargain at these sales draws consumers from near and far, and can provide great benefits. Consumers can save money on key purchases, and sellers can earn money and clear out unused items cluttering their homes.
Whether you are a buyer or seller, however, you should also be aware of the potential pitfalls and possible scams. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips for both garage sale shoppers and sellers:
Tips for shoppers:
• Research certain products before you buy. There are items you should never buy at a garage sale, no matter how much you might save. Bike/motorcycle helmets, child car seats and infant cribs should all be bought new. There is no way of know- ing if these items have been damaged or if they no longer meet safety standards. If you have any concerns about purchasing items, refer to the Consumer Product Safety Commission website at www. cpsc.gov, where you can find lists of recalled items and unsafe products. For these products, always search and shop for Accredited Businesses at BBBHouston.org.
• Be cautious when purchasing expensive items. If you’re looking for a big ticket item, such as a TV, jewelry, etc., remember, they may seem cheap but could be very costly if the item breaks down or is fake. Always consider the value of the safety and satisfaction you will get buying a high ticket item with a warranty at a BBB Accredited Business.
• Try before you buy. Especially with electronics and mechanical items, be sure to plug them in and test them before purchasing. When buying anything batteryoperated, be sure to check the battery compartment for corrosion.
• Talk to the seller and develop a budget. If you’re looking for a specific item, ask the seller directly if they have it. You’ll avoid wasting time and potentially buying items you don’t need.
• Request documentation. Always ask for a written receipt of any item of any item of a refundable value and get any implied verbal guarantee in writing.
Tips for sellers:
• Beware of accepting bills larger than $20. They are popular with counterfeiters, who rely on untrained sellers to unload the fake currency.
• Purchase a counterfeit money detection pen. It is a small investment to help you to be sure any large bills are the real thing. Always report fake currency to the authorities.
• Be cautious when accepting checks. When someone wants to pay by check, ask to see photo identification such as a driver’s license.
• Ensure personal safety and security. If you’re holding a garage sale, avoid allowing anyone you don’t know into your home. If possible, keep your garage closed and make your garage sale more of a yard or driveway sale. Since many homes allow access to the main house from the garage, be sure to lock it up.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston. org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.