DALLAS -- Garage sales are so last season. Nowadays shoppers are scrolling their way to deals. Social media is making that possible by putting a new twist on treasure-hunting.
Just log onto Facebook. Type in your neighborhood like you'd search for a friend and chances are you'll stumble upon a page with hundreds of items up for sale. They're being sold steps from your front door.
Sarah Krolczyk of Lake Highlands joined dozens of neighborhood Facebook groups with members who frequently buy and sell.
"I have a lot of people interested in my chaise lounge," she said enthusiastically while thumbing through her cell phone and looking at new posts from prospective buyers.
"It feels like I'm buying from my neighbors," she added. "It's just convenient [and] it's close."
She started making deals on Facebook a year ago. She started as a seller and quickly became a buyer.
"I've sold furniture to little knick knacks," she explained.
Krolczyk is also turning to pages like Highland Park Garage Sale for Christmas presents.
"There are some great items that are brand new," she said.
Todd Krumholz agrees you can score big on Facebook. He's the founder and administrator of Lakewood & White Rock Garage Sale Facebook page.
"The transactions that I've had on the site are all people that are within this area," he informed. "Down a few streets," he pointed.
He created his page four months ago. His pregnant wife was the inspiration. They wanted a double stroller, but couldn't find the right one in store or anywhere else online.
Krumholz invited a few dozen friends to join his page, and it took off from there. Nearly 6,000 members sign on now. His and most other Facebook pages operate the same way. You have to get approval to join.
"It's anywhere from 20 to 50 requests a day, I'd say," Krumholz said.
Folks are either looking for quick money or to clear out the clutter.
"We've had cars," he said matter-of-factly. "We've have engagement rings. We've had wedding dresses. We've had houses."
Courtney Davis makes big money on Facebook too. "I'm an avid user and seller on these sites and have managed to sell over $1,500 in the past 60 days," she said. "It's invigorating!"
Davis credits her success to her background in marketing. "[It] has really helped me leverage strategies to be successful selling my items at the right time and at the right price."
It's an online marketplace with plenty of faces to back it up.
"I think that the Facebook part of it gives it a lit bit of familiarity," added Krumholz.
"There's always some sort of little connection that makes it safer to buy from," added Krolczyk.
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