garage sale

CKnostman

Anyone have any good tips for a successful garage sale? I am hosting my first garage sale next weekend. Thanks!

posted October 15, 2006 - 6:45pm

Comments

Andra wrote 2 years 6 weeks ago

I have only organized one garage sale in my life, but I still remember it vividly. The best thing to do is to get your stuff out there by at least 8:00 am. That's what time the real garage sale "regulars" are out in full force. Also, be prepared for a long day. It's a lot of work, but in the end, you'll be surprised at how much stuff you can get rid of, and how much money you'll make

It's also probably a good idea to make sure everything is pre marked with a price. Although most people will "haggle" the price, at least they'll have an idea of what you're looking for. And last but not least, you'll want to really get the word out - in a local newspaper and also plenty of flyers around the neighborhood.

Good luck, and have fun!!

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MamaHall wrote 2 years 6 weeks ago

Have lots of change on hand: $1 and $5 bills, and loose change. Oh, and shopping bags for people to take their loot home in.

Have an extension cord hooked up so people can test electrical stuff.

Wear an apron or matching shirt/ballcap or something distinctive to let people know you are the seller. That way if they have questions and you are not at your "post" people will know who to ask and who is in charge.

Don't put stuff out that you really don't want to sell. I went to a yard sale once and they had a not-so-gently used dollhouse for sale for $45! If you really want to sell stuff, mark your prices at below E-bay prices but just barely above thrift store prices.

Here's a tip I got from a neighbor... put a big bright posterboard sign on your garage door announcing the garage sale and times of the sale. Open the garage door during business and when you "close" for the day, close the garage door, keeping the sign still posted. This way, you'll be advertising to your neighbors and everyone who drives by, you will have fewer early birds, and no one will ring your doorbell after the sale hours!

Good luck - happy selling!

MamaHall

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marlonjm wrote 2 years 6 weeks ago

Hi Moms,

So, you had your precious baby, and you couldn't resist -- all of those cute and beautiful baby dresses, rompers, suits, jean sets, christening gowns, onesies and unique designer baby clothes, that called to you. Not to mention the countless baby clothes that relatives gave you that weren't quite your style, or too big or too small for your baby and still have the price tags on them, never worn.

Well, if you have these baby clothes taking up lots of space in various closets and dressers around the house and thought you would just have to take a loss on these baby items, think again! There is a new website offering free classified and auction listings for new and used baby goods at www.infantexchange.com.

There are sections on www.infantexchange.com for used baby boy and baby girl clothing for each stage of your baby's life -- 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, 2T, 3T, 4T, and 5T. Not only that, but you can also sell your materniy clothes too!

Have an old car seat, stroller, old or antique baby toys that aren't being used anymore? Have unused diapers, baby bottles, breast pumps or baby toys not be used? You can also sell these items on infantexchange.com.

Best of all, the process for listing your baby items is easy. All you need to do is sign up to be a seller (it's free), take photos of your items and post them, write a description, and you're in business!

Now that we've talked about the benefits of selling your baby clothes online, let's talk about the other side of the coin, buying gently used baby clothes and baby items online. Just as you are selling nice gently used baby clothes, other moms around the country are selling their baby clothes and baby items at bargain prices. Since babies and kids grow so quickly, buying used baby clothes and even used car seats, high chairs and strollers can be a great way to get nice beautiful clothes and baby accessories and save money at the same time. Buying used baby items is just as simple as selling them, if not simpler. Just sign up as a buyer (its free also), search infantexchange.com for the baby item you would like and place a bid. Don't want to wait for an auction to end or really want that baby item you see? Search for items with the "Buy It Now" logo and you can just select the baby item and pay for it outright. It's just that simple.

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tara wrote 1 year 35 weeks ago

Hello- We actually just had one this weekend! (And we have had so many before between my mom and my family!)

Couple of pointers:

I recommend pricing things low... It depends on whether or not you are trying to make money or just get rid of stuff but people dont go to garage sales to spend a lot of money. They truly are looking for a good deal.

Advertise well- provide clear signs and if possible advertise in the paper (unless you live in a small town and then signs should do just fine)

Put your best items closest to the road so it draws people in.

Prepare yourself for haggling. Everyone wants to talk you down. Know ahead of time whether or not you are willing to go lower on a price so you don't get caught off guard.

It is helpful to price everything. My hubbie doesn't believe in 'pricing' but I think that is because he is lazy! :-) When I go to garage sales I don't want to keep asking how much something is. I like to know ahead of time.

Have some grocery bags available to put peoples items in. It is helpful for those who buy quite a few things.

I saw one garage sale that advertised free coffee! We didn't have that luxury but people who went to the 'coffee providing garage sale' were talking about it at ours!!!

Hope this helps. It can be a lot of fun if you relax, keep organized, and appreciate how crazy people are!!! Smiley

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Pam mother of 3 wrote 41 weeks 20 hours ago

Hello, My biggest suggestion is pricing. If things aren't going then it is the price. If you want to make some $$ then drop the price. Of course not on the antiques and collectibles but definitely on the other items. If you have a bunch of one thing make a special like 6 for $1. People will take more than what they originally would have because they have to have 6. They may not buy it otherwise. Also be organized. Put like with like. Price everything even if you will negotiate. Take things out of the box and show them they work. If you don't you will be lugging it back in! YUCK! Advertise too! Things that don't sell but are worth a $10 or more post on craigslist in your area or even e-bay. If you don't know how to sell on these sites just let me know. I will help. It's fun! Then I donate to a local charity what I don't sell. I usually have an empty garage by the second day and a pocket full of cash. Then I go shopping for my wishlist! I like garage sales because it clears my clutter and helps me to get things we need. The key is pricing and being organized!

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