Anatomy of a Yard Sale

  June 2,2015


Along with earlier sunrises and warmer temperatures in Atlantic Canada, Saturdays are special to a breed of natives known as "Yard Salers" Although generally a quiet and docile animal, they have been known to exhibit unusually contentious behavior if  sale signs are not to their liking or if challenged in any way by others of their species.

There are certain traits that distinguish  them from the run of the mill people who just wander into a yard sale out of curiosity. Most notably, they arrive, park where they stop, and begin a ritualistic assessment of the wares on display.  They can be seen with a coffee cup in  hand as they purposefully mingle with others of their ilk. Most will nod or smile in the direction of the "Seller".This is also known as Posturing. It gives the impression of kinship and increases their chances of getting a better deal when, and if, haggling occurs. These finely tuned ceremonies are part and parcel of what makes a Saturday morning Yard Sale so much fun, whether you are selling, or one of the "Salers"(not to be confused with the east coast "Sailors"). I have been an active participant in both categories and also enjoy being part of the rarer breed known as the "Casual Observer"!