Bakersfield Bargains - BargainBetty's Blog - Bakersfield.com

Do you charge an "annoyance tax" at yard sales?

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:53:35 PDT

Californian columnist Valerie Schultz came clean on something she did while holding a recent garage sale: She slapped an "annoyance tax" on people who, well, annoyed her.

It's safe to say she's not alone in this regard, whether the irritation from shoppers comes from a person's politics (Valerie's case), behavior, attitude or whatever. I like that she's come up with a catchy phrase for the practice.

What do you think? Have you ever charged an "annoyance tax" at your yard sales? If so, why?

What's your most memorable Halloween costume?

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:39:51 PDT

Ran across this classified ad for a pirate's costume and it got me thinking about memorable Halloween costumes.

Whether it was as a kid or adult, what's been your most memorable costume?

Keep your eye out for a lost llama

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:52:31 PDT

Found this ad for a lost llama, which doubles as a family pet! There's a reward.

Be on the lookout!

Holy Garage Sale, Batman!

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:42:30 PDT

Hey bargain hunters, check out this ad for a "massive" garage sale with more than 10,000 items! It's purported to be the largest in town.

This is your first look........For those of you who have been to one of my garage sales before, you know it will be largest in town.

I have lots of Tools
300 Dvds, ps2 and xbox games, 200 Cd's, boxes of baseball cards, comics, records and 45's
Furniture, patio furniture
Sporting goods, Fishing pools, tackle box even a bait can.
Thousand pieces of clothes, jeans, kids, new jackets on a rack etc
Tables of Housewares, plates, glasses, cookware, 100's of decorative items, linens,everything
Speakers, misc electronics
moving dollies
garden equipment
Toys and bikes, scooters
hundreds of Books
So much more....the list goes on....to much to mention

Here's just one little picture....All of the items will be pulled out and displayed for easy access.

The time is 7:30 saturday no earlier.....7808 Terry John... down the street from Olive elementary.....near Coffee and Norris

Trust me you do not want to miss this one!

people.bakersfield.com/home/Classified/1385656

Discuss it: Have you sold any family heirlooms?

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:01:07 PDT

My two older sisters got in a huge fight over what jewelry was left to us "girls" by my Grandmother. I'm not talking about an argument, but a real fight with punching, kicking and screaming. I got my 1/3 fair share of pieces, but boy, I didn't think it was worth a black eye and pulled out hair to get the best stuff.

The funny thing is, despite how bratty they were about it, neither of them ever wear what they got!

Considering that experience, I was kind of surprized to see this local seller advertising their mother's pendant for sale...but, they probably don't have sisters like mine. Here is what an appraiser said about it in 2002:

"One handmade yellow gold combination broach/pendant. There is one 12 x 15 x 8.6 mm oval genuine amethyst. The amethyst grades AA and good dark color with some color zone. The setting is made up of ten tapered yellow gold tubes that has set one 0.055 cts old mine cut diamond set in each tube. All ten diamonds are set with gold pulled over the diamonds from the tube. There is a total of 0.55 ct of diamonds. Nine diamonds grade SI 1&2 in clarity and I-J in color and one diamonds grades I1 in clarity and I-J in color and is chipped. The broach pin is soldered to the base of the frame. It does not have a safety clasp but a circular wire that holds the pin securely. This wire is soldered to one of the tube. The bale for the pendant is a gold wire that forms a half oval circle that is soldered to two of the gold tube. Total weight of this broach/pendant is 3.3 d.w.t. The gold was tested and is 18K."

The value was appraised at that time at $1,645. Now the seller is asking $799. Interested? Please call (661)747-2887.

I wouldn't ever dream of selling what I inheited that's of "heirloom quality", unless it really saved me from living on the street. But, I'm a really overly sentimental person.

What about you? Have you ever sold a family heirloom?

Free Professional Pet Photography This Weekend At Petco Grand Opening

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:49:00 PDT

A new Petco is celebrating their Grand Opening this weekend at 8220 Rosedale Highway. They have a schedule full of festivities, but one in particular caught my eye.

They are offering free professional pet photography including a free 5x7 portrait. They are doing the free photo shoots starting at 9 am on Saturday and 10 am on Sunday.

Of course, there are a few restrictions:

Free photos will only be given to only to members of their P.A.L.S. member program. (It's a free discount card program.)
Only the first 30 P.A.L.S. members will receive photos.
Limited to one per household.
Pet must be accompained by an adult.

No appointments are necessary. For more information, call the store at 587-1097.

Free Rose Giveaway for Good Neighbor Day

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:48:27 PDT

Today is Good Neighbor Day and to celebrate Log Cabin Florist is giving away a dozen roses to everyone who comes to their store today (while supplies last). The recepiant is supposed to share their blooms with other good neighbors. I went on a quick fact-finding mission and roses are still being given away. Hurry down there!

Galleria Florist was also doing a rose giveaway and unfortunately ran out. They are giving you a flyer for 10% off a purchase though.

Did you get a rose today? If you got a free bunch, who would you share with?

Alta Vista Cutie for $850

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:12:00 PDT

In the charming Alta Vista neighborhood, this rental home offers a unique Bakersfield lifestyle:

2+1 $850 + $850 deposit. 100 Block Oregon St. Alta Vista/Bernard Neighborhood. Large yd 2 car garage.Nice clean home in a great neighborhood! Pets ok w deposit. (661)215-3648

Would you want to live in the Alta Vista neighborhood? What are the pros and cons of living in this neighborhood?

Discuss it: Would you buy these franchises for sale in Tehachapi?

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:30:57 PDT

David is advertising two franchise businesses for sale in the classifieds located up in the hills of Tehachapi. He is selling the Baskin Robbins ice cream store at 785 Tucker Rd # E and the Quizno's at 1001 W Tehachapi Blvd # B400. He didn't list the price, but if you are interested, call him at 661-343-1552.

Would you buy these franchises for sale in Tehachapi?

If I were to own a business, I don't know if I would like owning a franchise. Would you buy one?

Discuss it: Are you ready for a disaster?

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:13:37 PDT

If there is ever an earthquake or an impending Y2K-like event, are you prepared? Since I only have milk, some wilted lettuce and a can of stewed tomatoes at home, I know I'm not.

I hate to sound paranoid, but maybe buying a case of these isn't such a bad idea:

Military Ready To Eat Meals
I've got the MR ES for sell only have about 20 cases left. The MR ES are good for Camping, Disasters, and just eat them when you're on the run. I've got two types of meals theirs a A and B boxes that have 12 meals in each box. Each box runs you about $119.00 per case. I'm willing to sell them for $60.00 per case. Shelf life is about 10 yrs on these. If interested in them please call me at (661) 831-0940 and I'll make you a wonderful offer for the rest of them.

So, do you have a "disaster plan?" Are you prepared in case of an emergency?

Creative Photoshopping

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:04:36 PDT

A great photo can really help an item sell faster and for more money. The picture with this ad is rather unique and it really caught my eye:

65 INCH HD TV PROJECTION SLIM. HDMI INPUTS,LOTS OF RCA PLUGS. I PAID $2200 FOR THIS TV ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO,IT IS IN PERFECT CONDTION. MUST SELL FOR $475.THIS TV WILL NOT LAST BECAUSE IT IS VERY CLEAN. CALL STEVE AT (661)873-5619

Do you think this is a marketing tactic? :)

Cash for Clunkers, Baby Style: Great Trade-In Event at Babies R Us & Toys R Us

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:34:19 PDT

From Friday, August 28 through Sunday, September 20, Babies"R"Us and Toys"R"Us stores nationwide are holding the "Great Trade-In" event, providing parents the opportunity to trade-in any used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, play yards or high chairs in exchange for a 20% savings on the purchase of any new baby item, in any of these product categories, from select manufacturers.

Manufacturers participating in the "Great Trade-In" event include Baby Cache, Babi Italia, Baby Trend, Bertini, Britax, Chicco, Contours by Kolcraft, Cosco, Delta, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo, Graco, Jeep, Nature's Purest by Summer Infant, Safety 1st and Sorelle.

Visit Bakersfield's Babies"R"Us or Toys"R"Us stores to trade-in your used crib or baby product. Day care centers or other organizations who wish to exchange items in bulk are encouraged to contact their local Babies"R"Us or Toys"R"Us store prior to returning their used items to ensure adequate availability of new merchandise.

What are you going to trade in?

Discuss It: What instruments do you play? Ever in a school band?

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:04:53 PDT

I was not in my school band and I never really learned how to play an instrument. My mom played flute at her school and starting playing again last year after a long hiatus. She was motivated to learn again for my sister's wedding so she could play "Here comes the Bride" while my sister walked down the aisle. It was pretty squeaky, but very sweet.

I guess this family has given up on the flute:

Armstrong Flute..$100.00
In really good condition it was my child who took band class in Jr high, just don't need it any more asking 100.00 please call 204-9873

Did you ever play in the school band? What instruments do you play?

Remodeled Southwest Home for $1350

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:51:19 PDT

Did you know that there are over 140 unfurnished homes advertised for rent in the classifieds? They range in price from $500 to $2400 per month! Here's one that caught my eye:

$1350, Remodeled SW 3/2 w/ lg yard & RV parking. Visit Bakorental.com. 661-331-7293

On Bakorental.com, it claims the house has:

3 bedrooms with mirrored closet doors, white faux-wood blinds and new ceiling fans.
2 bathrooms with updated tile, lighting and cabinets.
Master bath has large vanity with plenty of storage and extra large mirror.
Large living and dining room with space for large sectional and large table. Fireplace and new tropical ceiling fan. Dining area has new chandelier.
Extra large eat in newly updated kitchen with all new appliances. Yes, the fridge, oven, cooktop and dishwasher are new!
Separate laundry room
New carpet, new neutral paint, new plumbing fixtures, new light fixtures, new ceiling fans, new floor and counter tile and much more!

If you were looking for a house to rent, what features would you be looking for?

Discuss It: What was your childhood bedroom like?

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:37:02 PDT

I spotted this classified ad for a very girly bedroom set and as nice as my childhood bedroom was, it was nothing like this:

This ultra-feminine bedroom set is an iconic childhood fantasy of any true girly-girl. Included in this set is twin-sized canopy bed frame, a coordinating four-drawer desk and pink floral bedding. The Queen Anne style furniture is painted a crisp white accented with colorful floral embellishments. Bring it home for just $275.

For an extra $250, you can also purchase the like-new mattress and a coordinating white dresser to complete the look. Please call 661-663-7437 today to make it yours.

What was your childhood bedroom like? How to you feel about a child having a fancy room like this one?

Calling All Pilots! Beechcraft Musketeer for sale

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:30:54 PDT

Here's a unique opportunity to take to the skies. This single engine blue and white beauty for sale in the classifieds is a Beechcraft Musketeer that will make your cares soar away!

These prized planes are known for their large, roomy cabins, airframe strength and stability, as well as their high crusing speeds. This Musketeer offers a 165 horsepower engine with a 60 gallon tank. Make it your for $24,00 or best offer. To learn more, call 201-5549.

Click here to view the original ad.

Have you ever flown a plane?

Help Wanted: These jobs will make your hobbies pay!

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:11:59 PDT

I enjoy reading Help Wanted ads since it enjoy fantasizing about all of the different career paths I could have taken in life. To be happy and fulfilled people, we're always supposed to turn our hobbies into our work, right? Here are some postings that could make that real for the right people:

Show Horse Assistant Cell phone & transportation req. No exp. nec. Call for interview, (214) 815-7239

KEYBOARD PLAYER for a church, Sun. mornings. Call 323-4322

PET STYLIST Expd Pay DOE. Pass drug screen. Call 588-5600

Click here to view more local help wanted ads.

Just a warning...If I ever see an ad for "seamstress that can't sew a straight line" or "cookie baker able to turn bottoms black," I'm outta here!

What hobby of yours would you like to make money for doing?

Hot Dog Stand at Home Depot for Sale

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:54:09 PDT

My husband and I are DIY types and we frequent local home improvement stores. The food stands outside are typically buzzing. With people that is!

Maybe the economic downturn and decrease in home improvement has affected this local business for sale:

Hot Dog Stand For Sale Located at Mt. Vernon Home Depot. $40k OBO 760-223-3156

It might be a great time for you to snag this rare opportunity and prime real estate.

If I owned it, I think I would name hot dogs after home improvement items... the hammer (mildly spicy), the sledgehammer (medium spicy) and the jackhammer (superspicy). Or is that too corny?

What would you do to make the business catch shopper's attention?

Kids eat free, 25% off, 99 cent Margaritas & More!

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:33:57 PDT

I hate to rub it in, but I must. If you aren't following twitter.com/bakodeals or visiting the companion site, Bakodeals.com, you are really missing out on fantastic local deals. Check out these from today:

Free Photo Clings from Walgreens
25% off The Limited
30% off Gymboree
Free Iced Tea from Arbys
99 cent margaritas with dinner purchase at Rubens

Click here to follow it on twitter or here to visit Bakodeals.com. What are you waiting for?

Deals for the Fashionista

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:23:54 PDT

If you like to keep with the fashion trends, here are some great classified deals you should pounce on:

Sunglasses , Auth Gucci Wmns Big Lenses New 661-333-1363 $60
Clothing Women vintage from 70's & 80's. 50 pieces. $2 each. 364-0542
Loafers, Auth Blk Gucci Wmns Sz8 Great! 661-333-1363 $30
A BEAUTIFUL COACH WALLET A white (cream) color with gold logo, and the inside is a gorgeous turquoise color it has credit card holders and I.D. pouch and on the back it has a change pocket, never has been use price tag still inside Org. price $98 selling it for $ 80 or OBO (serious callers please) 661-859-0243

A great place to check for these kind of deals is the $100 or less section. There are new things posted daily!