HINTS FROM HELOISE

PRACTICAL, DEPENDABLE TIPS FOR TODAY’S BUSY CONSUMERS

Dear Readers: Today’s Sound Off is about garage sales: Dear Heloise: Two weekends ago, I went to a garage sale, and the lady who had items for sale didn’t have a price on anything. When I asked her how much she was asking for a couple of nightstands, she said, “Make me an offer.”

I did, and she flew into a rage because she felt that the offer was insultingly low.

I have a few hints on the do’s and don’ts of garage sales that might avoid anger and confusion for both the seller and the customer:

■ Have a price sticker on everything you’re selling. The “make me an offer” approach usually makes people decide to walk away.

■ Be willing to negotiate on some things. After all, if it was an item that you really loved, you probably wouldn’t have put it in a garage sale.

■ Make sure that everything is clean and well-displayed. You can make a table out of a long, flat board that rests on empty boxes. Just place a sheet or tablecloth over the board. The nicer it looks, the faster it sells.

■ Organize things such as kitchen items in one area, clothing in another, furniture in another, and so on. Make it easy for customers to navigate your sale.

■ Have one person who takes in the cash. They should never leave the cashbox unattended. Start with about 20 $1 bills and some change. Have a sign up that says, “We won’t take bills larger than $20.”

■ Don’t let people inside your home to use the restroom or try on clothing.

■ Have a sign that says, “All sales are final. No refunds, exchanges or returns.”

■ If your city requires a permit to have a garage sale, make sure you get one. The price for a permit is usually cheaper than getting fined.

— Gloria F., Deltona, Florida

Dear Heloise: What is the difference between raisins and currents? I’ve been under the impression that both are simply dried grapes.

— Juliette L., Via Email

Juliette, they are both grapes, so you’re correct about that point. However, raisins are generally softer, sweeter and occasionally juicier than currents. Currents have a stronger sweet and tangy flavor, and they are a little smaller than raisins. Modern recipes tend to use raisins more often than currents.

— Heloise

Dear Heloise: Thanks for all the hints that make our daily lives easier and more fun!

For a delicious change-up when making French toast, substitute the usual bread for toaster waffles.

— C.J., Via Email