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American Morning
Interview With Susan Goldberg
Aired August 16, 2002 - 07:55 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: For flea market junkies, this is the ultimate fix, a garage sale so big it crosses two state lines, extending into three different states. The annual Highway 127 garage sale now under way, 450 miles long, through Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama. The bargain blow-out continues through Sunday. Jack will be there.
The self-proclaimed world's longest garage sale, now in its 15th year. How do you spot the great deals, though, in a sea of stuff?
Susan Goldberg, better known as "Garage Sale Susan," is in Jamestown, Tennessee.
Great to have you. How did you get that name, Susan? I take it...
SUSAN ERG, "GARAGE SALE SUSAN": Well...
HEMMER: I take it you're pretty good.
GOLDBERG: You know something? I love garage sales, and this is an ultimate paradise of garage sales. I can't even begin to tell you.
HEMMER: You have some stuff with you today, right? Should I call it "stuff," or what should I call it, by the way? Are these gems?
GOLDBERG: I'm sorry?
HEMMER: You have some things with you today, right?
GOLDBERG: I do. You know, we have been traveling this road, 127, and there are so many amazing things to find.
Take a look around. I mean, there are oak tables here for $75 that are just lovely, special mantles made of worm wood, not quite sure that is, but it is expensive. There are so many great things here. It's just -- I don't really know where to begin, except maybe at the U-Haul.
HEMMER: Well...
ARTHEL NEVILLE, CNN ANCHOR: Where's all the fun stuff, like door knobs that you can't find anywhere else, crystal door knobs and stuff like that? Do you got that, Susan?
GOLDBERG: I sure do. I see that, and a lot of sterling also. HEMMER: Yes, listen, if it goes for 450 miles, where do you begin? How do people start looking through this?
GOLDBERG: Well, let me tell you. The reason we are here in Jamestown is because this is the actual beginning of the sale. This is where it started 15 years ago. So this is really the center of it, and it goes either way about 225 miles.
HEMMER: So if I'm looking for something, is there a starting point? Is there a guide book? Is there someone would could give somebody guidance as they go along this route? Or is it really a treasure hunt of sorts?
GOLDBERG: Well, I'd like to think that's what we're doing here. At Yahoo, we're actually taking items that don't sell and putting them online, so people can buy them right away.
HEMMER: Well, then it's...
GOLDBERG: So for all of you around the world...
HEMMER: ... it's no longer a garage sale, is it, Susan?
GOLDBERG: It's got the feel.
HEMMER: Oh, that's it. Arthel has got a question.
NEVILLE: Yes, but, Susan, I want to know what would make me a good garage sale hunter? I mean, what do I have to do to get the good finds?
GOLDBERG: Well, you know something? It's early here. I suggest getting out here super early for the good bargains. I also...
NEVILLE: Yes, but I mean, guide me here, Susan. I mean, you're the expert here. Yes, getting there early, I could show up before the crack of dawn and still wouldn't know where to go. How do I get right in there and just go right to the gold?
GOLDBERG: Well, you know something? I would scan the larger items, first of all, because there are so many driveways to stop at. I would scan the larger items, take a look. Also, take a look at items that you would know the price of, kind of get a feeling for what the dealer, where they're going, whether they're high or low.
NEVILLE: OK.
HEMMER: Are you buying (ph) that, Arthel?
NEVILLE: I don't know. You know, that's way too technical for me for garage sale stuff.
HEMMER: Hey, Susan, what's the best item you have found along this route in the years that you've been doing this?
GOLDBERG: I'm sorry, say it one more time? HEMMER: What's your No. 1 item that you have found in 15 years?
GOLDBERG: Well, you know something, in 15 years, I think I found it today, and I think I actually want to drive away in it. It's a beautiful 1950 Studebaker over here. And I think I'm not -- I don't think I can leave without it.
HEMMER: Wow!
GOLDBERG: So this came right from the garage...
HEMMER: How much?
GOLDBERG: ... so this is the ultimate right here.
HEMMER: What's the price -- what's the price they're looking for there?
GOLDBERG: Well, it's 10.5, but I'm hoping that maybe, you know...
HEMMER: 10.5 for that?
NEVILLE: 10.5 million, wow!
GOLDBERG: It's $10,000.
HEMMER: No, 10,500.
NEVILLE: Oh, I'm like, what do...
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: 10.5 million? You could buy a Studebaker from me for 10.5.
HEMMER: Arthel is having (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...
NEVILLE: I don't know. I'm thinking it's 10.5, clarify it for me.
HEMMER: Susan, enjoy it, and good luck shopping for your treasures. Susan Goldberg, "Garage Sale Susan."
GOLDBERG: It's bumper to bumper traffic here.
HEMMER: Yes, I am sure. I am sure -- a 450 mile route there.
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