Even if the seller tells you the appliance, lamp or some other item works, always test it anyway, says Jonathon Papsin, founder and CEO of Tag Sell It, a website that lists garage sales nationwide. Most times, sellers are trustworthy, but you don't want to take home something that you can't use.
"Do whatever it takes to make sure you're satisfied before plunking down your cash," Papsin says.
If an item is damaged, but you can fix it, make certain the price you pay reflects the condition.