Sale words explained

What people mean by tag sale, estate sale, early birds, rain date and the other words you see on sale signs and listings.

Kinds of sales

Yard sale: A sale of used household things set out on a lawn or driveway, usually for a morning, a day or a weekend. Prices are low and most items are marked with a sticker or a sign.
Garage sale: The same idea as a yard sale, set up in or in front of a garage. Many people use “yard sale” and “garage sale” for the same thing.
Tag sale: Another name for a yard or garage sale, named for the price tags on each item. Which word people use mostly depends on where they live.
Estate sale: A sale of most of the contents of a home, often during a move, a downsizing or after a death. It usually takes place inside the house and is often run by a company that prices and sells everything. Some have a sign-in list or numbers for entry, and prices often drop on the last day.
Town-wide tag sale: Many households in one town hold sales on the same day or weekend. The town or a sponsoring group usually asks sellers to register and then shares a map or list of addresses. Check the official page for the date, the rain date and the map.
Rummage sale: A sale of donated items, usually held by a church, school or club to raise money. Everything is in one place, often a hall or gym.
Flea market: A market where many vendors rent spaces to sell used, vintage and new goods. Many run on a schedule, such as every weekend in season.

Early birds: Shoppers who arrive before the posted start time to get first pick. Many sellers write “no early birds” on their signs. Please respect the start time.
Rain date: A backup date in case bad weather cancels the sale. If a listing has a rain date, check the official page on the morning of the sale.
As is: The item is sold in the condition you see it, with no returns and no promise that it works. Look it over, and ask to test anything that plugs in before you pay.
Bundle pricing: One price for a group of items, such as “three for one price” or “fill a bag.” It helps sellers clear small things quickly and saves shoppers time.
Make an offer: The seller is open to a lower price. Offer politely and be ready to meet in the middle.
Firm: The marked price is the price. The seller isn't taking offers on that item.
Hold: The seller sets an item aside for a short time while a buyer gets cash or a car. Ask how long a hold lasts.

Craft fair: A sale where makers sell handmade goods, such as jewelry, knits, woodwork and art. Craft fairs happen all year, often at schools, churches and community halls.
Holiday market: A seasonal market, usually in November and December, with gifts, decorations and food. Some run for one day; others run for several weekends or every day until the holidays.
Craft fair vs. holiday market: A craft fair is about handmade work and can happen any time of year. A holiday market is about the season: it may include craft vendors, but also food, shops and resellers.
Vendor: A person or business that rents a table or space to sell at a market, fair or flea market.