Page 4 - Spring Home & Garden - Newberg Graphic 2014

Page four March 26, 2014
Home & Garden

Utilizing different resources to shop for bargains for the home

Garage sale and online groups provide a way to shop frugally and be more effective
n the 20th century there are ago, according to the group In contrast with Bradford,

Iseveral ways people can
profile, and has 1,526 members.
Wojick takes her children along
to shop at garage sales and uses buy and sell items. With the The rules for the site are
the experience to teach them integration of the Internet into posted at the top and the

about money and where their almost every aspect of daily biggest agenda the group
money goes.
living, using free online emphasizes is that all posts are

classified groups to find an local to Newberg and Dundee.
Her kids are 8 and 10, and
item at the right price in the enjoy making a plan the night “This is one of the nice
local community can add to the before. They search online to
advantages to the Facebook

lives of bargain shoppers such group,” Bradford said, find where the
as Keta Bradford and Jennifer adding the items are
garage sales are,

Wojick.
Google map the all in the area and
“You become friends
directions and then Bradford mostly uses people know when
with the people and
leave first thing in Facebook groups to do her they become a
know what they will
the morning.
bargain shopping whereas member of the group
post, and then when
Wojick uses other Internet that they have to be It is more than
you go to buy your
sources to find local garage willing to come to teaching. Wojick item, you see each
sales.
Newberg or Dundee
does her research
to purchase the item.
beforehand and Yamhill County residents other in person.
Garage sales are not
This differs from knows exactly what can access at least seven
Craigslist, which
she would pay retail specific Facebook groups that that personal; you
allows people to post
for an item and cater to people who want to do might chat with them

in the Yamhill County
knows exactly what
some online bargain shopping.
a few words.”
area all the way from rural Bradford said what is so she is looking for when she is

Washington.
great about the Facebook out.
groups is the 24-hour Aside from the locality of Wojick has discovered the
availability, not available at items posted, Bradford said she best garages sales are in the

garage sales.
also enjoys the online Facebook neighborhood. When the family
group because she can build She added that she still goes to the garage sales they

relationships with people.
enjoys attending garage sales, The selection, at garage sales and on free online classified groups like Craigslist, can run from
seek quality items.
“You become friends with but the convenience of the the eclectic to the sublime.
posting items for sale through “There were a ton of “Sometimes you can find
the people and know what they Facebook group gives her the Craigslist or Facebook groups, spammers, people from all over used things that look brand

will post, and then when you option of going online late at for almost a decade now.
the world posting their stuff,” new,” she said. “And you see
go to buy your item, you see night after her four children are “I began with Ebay, but it is she said.
other people, and recognize the
so hard to get into that site. You Bradford and a friend asked
each other in person,” she said. asleep and do a little retail people you see every week.
“Garage sales are not that therapy.
can only do certain things
the administrator of the group You end up knowing the town
personal; you might chat with Bradford is an administrator really well with Ebay,” to do something about the and then there is something we

them a few words.”
of the Facebook group Bradford said.
number of spammers and when all share as we are looking for
“Newberg Dundee Buy Sell nothing was done they decided So she merged over to the And yet, despite the online a great, quality item at a great
Trade.”
to open up a new group.
online Facebook groups and classified groups, there are price.”

She has been using online encountered an issue with one “Newberg Dundee Buy Sell other people who enjoy more
classifieds, a free way of
of the groups.
Trade” was created 12 months
traditional garage sales.

Story by Jessica Stanton / Photo courtesy of Pinterest

BBB warns shoppers to thoroughly vet contractors at home shows

s thousands of Oregonians that vendors are ultimately there to with booth owners, get specifics on at home shows — or other places that
embark on spring home repairs
make sales, not friends.”
pricing and understand company are not the sellers’ permanent place of
A
policies.
business — are subject to the Federal and remodeling projects, the Before walking through the doors,
Trade Commission’s Cooling-Off Rule, Better Business Bureau aims to protect BBB offers some simple planning Stay on budget. Avoid impulse
entitling buyers to full refunds if consumers as they shop local home advice:
spending and stick with goals. Steer

requested within three days.
expos and tradeshows.
clear of high-pressure sales tactics.
Research first. Check out show
“Home shows are great websites in advance and locate Check registration. Before hiring BBB encourages Oregonians to visit
opportunities for people to shop around appealing vendors. Understand the contractors, check to see that they are the Oregon Construction Contractors

and gather ideas,” said Tyler Andrew, layout and research companies online properly registered; registered Board to develop projects and verify
CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon at bbb.org.
contractors must have liability that contractors are legitimate.

and Western Washington. “But it’s insurance, business licenses and bonds.
Shop around. Collect information, For more information on selecting
important for attendees to remember
network and ask questions. Engage
Keep in mind that purchases made
reliable local contractors, visit bbb.org.