Here are some tips on buying items at a garage sale:

Map out your route before you go so you don’t waste time figuring it out along the way.

Some people prefer going to sales early in the day for the most selection while others like going at the end for the best deals.

When buying clothes for children, don’t just rely on the size listed on the tag. Keep in mind that it has been washed a lot and may have shrunk. Bring along one of your child’s shirts or pants for reference.

Be careful when buying baby products that the item is not something that has been damaged or is potentially dangerous. You can check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Web site, www.cpsc.gov/, for recalled items.

When buying something that uses a battery, open the compartment to make sure its not corroded. Also, test it to see if it works.

When buying CDs or videotapes, open the case to make sure the right item is inside.

If you see an item you may be interested in, pick it up and carry it around with you as you decide, or you may lose it to someone else.

Don’t be afraid not to buy something at a yard sale.

If you see an item you’d like and the seller is not willing to negotiate down, write down your name and number and asked to be called if it’s still around at the end of the day and if the person is willing to come down in price.