5 Things You Shouldn't Buy at Yard Sales (and 6 You Should)

Each year Americans host millions of yard, garage, tag and moving sales at which used goods can be had for deeply discounted prices. Shoppers can score everything from kitchen utensils to exercise equipment for a fraction of the cost. 

But that doesn’t mean everything you see at a yard sale is a steal. Some items are great deals and others not so much. Here’s a look at both. 

Yard sale items to avoid  

1. Electronics: Unless you’re able to test them, electronics land on the avoid list. “You don’t want to buy a toaster and it’s burnt-out, or a stereo that is broken or missing parts,” says Mona Scavo, owner of Tag Sales by Mona, which handles estate and tag sales for customers. These items are usually out of warranty and could be a fire hazard.

2. Stuffed animals: Dolls and stuffed animals that are upholstered may not be the best thing to purchase at a yard sale. Plush toys can harbor bugs and allergens that you don’t want in your home. “If you buy upholstered stuffed animals and dolls, you have to be aware,” Scavo says. “If you’re with your granddaughter at a yard sale, I would go with a game or puzzle instead.”  

3. Baby items: Car seats, cribs and even high chairs have an expiration date, which is why Heather Aiello, founder of the Organized You, a home organization company​ says you shouldn’t buy those products used. Stick to plastic toys, books and puzzles when shopping for your grandkids at yard sales.

4. Helmets: Safety helmets for biking or other sports may go for a song at a yard sale, but it’s not safe to buy them used. They could lose their effectiveness if a previous owner was in a collision. Plus it’s not as easy to wash the foam inside to remove potential allergens or bugs. “Bike helmets are only meant to last so long,” Aiello says.   

5. Cosmetics and perfume: These products aren’t a smart buy at a yard sale. You don’t know if bacteria and fungi may have been introduced if the seller dipped their fingers into the products. “Be wary of products offered for sale in flea markets or resold over the internet. Some may be past their shelf life, already used, diluted or tampered with in other ways,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns.