Spend less in Vancouver BC, and save your money for what you really want to do! Here's how to spend less in Vancouver by shopping at Vancouver Police Department auctions, yard and garage sales, and the Vancouver BC Flea Market.
This article has a partner called Live Cheaply in Vancouver BC. Also --- here's some Vancouver trivia that may surprise you!
Spend Less in Vancouver BC at Auctions
The Vancouver Police Department organizes an auction at least once a year of unclaimed property, evidence exhibits and safekeeping articles; assorted items are divided into “lots” and sold to the highest bidder. Bikes, drills, airbags, binoculars, cameras, Barbie dolls, clothes, jewelry, games, car seats – with a little luck and a charmed paddle, you can find almost anything for a decent price. Call the police department’s Property Office (604) 717-2726 for the location and time of the next auction. This is a great way to spend less in Vancouver BC.
Auction tips:
- Ask if an auction catalogues is available in advance.
- Investigate the goods before the actual auction.
- Call ahead for preview times, as they differ for various auction houses.
- Register as a bidder when you arrive and ask as many questions as you need to, to avoid purchasing the computer for $450 when you intended to buy the camera for $45!
- Do your research so you have an idea what the item costs both new and secondhand, and don’t forget that price tag when you’re caught up in the bidding. This is a huge way to spend less in Vancouver BC.
- Always look at the Conditions of Sale for additional fees and check on the return policy. At auctions, most items are sold ‘as is’ and are not returnable.
Estate or commercial auctions – in which items in a house, restaurant or office are separated into lots and auctioned off – occur regularly and are advertised in the newspapers, classifieds and on various auctioneers’ websites. There are many auctioneers in the Lower Mainland that hold weekly auctions. To spend less in Vancouver BC, practice going to auctions!
Spend Less in Vancouver BC at Estate, Yard & Garage Sales
Estate, yard and garage sales can offer bargains and even valuable treasures, but they often require patience, an accurate map, a correct address, and a vehicle of some sort. If you have more time and energy than money, then garage sales are a great way to spend less in Vancouver, BC.
My most cherished yard sale find was a tawny faux-suede overstuffed loveseat, chair, ottoman and recliner – all for $50 – and they even stored it for me for three weeks. What a great deal! A couple of weeks later I bought a computer at a garage sale for $40 and used it twice. Not such a great deal.
Spend Less in Vancouver BC at Flea Markets, Swap Meets & Rummage Sales
The terms ‘flea market’ and ‘swap meet’ are used interchangeably, as both are indoor or outdoor markets where inexpensive or secondhand goods are sold or bartered. Rummage sales, on the other hand, are usually fund-raisers for charities or non-profit organizations. Some flea markets, such as the Vancouver Flea Market, run year-round and others only in the spring and summer.
See Garage Sale & Flea Market tips below for an array of helpful hints on how to spend less in Vancouver BC
Vancouver BC Flea Market
Everything from double chocolate chip mocha brownies to motorcycles can be found in one of the 360 stalls at Vancouver’s largest flea market (open Saturdays & Sundays). With a little luck you'll spend less in Vancouver BC on some big-ticket items and funky stuff.
Vancouver BC Flea Market: 703 Terminal Ave, Vancouver BC (604) 685-0666
Garage Sale & Flea Market tips:
- Arrive early, as the good stuff will be snapped up fast.
- Look at and test the items carefully: games should have no missing pieces, appliances in working condition, clothes stain and hole-free, etc.
- Carry small denominations of cash.
- Have fun, be friendly and get creative as you haggle not only over prices and but also about combinations of items. If an item you want is damaged or has pieces missing, use that to drive the price down!
- Remember that there’s likely no refunds or exchanges. When you spend less in Vancouver BC at garage sales, buyer beware!
If you found Spend Less in Vancouver BC helpful, try:
- Live Cheaply in Vancouver BC for ways to get free stuff!
- Make New Habits & Break Old Ones to learn to live on less
- High Self-Esteem Makes More Money to boost your income
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