This Saturday my sister in law and I are doing a garage sale together. We do them about twice a year. Along the way I’ve learned a few tricks that help in the selling process.
Some I think are just common sense, like CLEAN everything first! Pet peeve of mine is when people just throw their stuff out in the yard and then complain that nothing sold. Hello?! Who wants to buy a set of glasses that have water spots or a stroller that still has crumbs and grime plastered all over it? Please everyone, a little time spent dusting and wiping down surfaces goes along way in getting more junk out of your house and bigger bucks in your wallet.
One trick that I’ve learned recently has to do with sheets. Before your garage sale, run your sale sheets one last time through your washer. Then, instead of throwing them in the dryer, hang them up to line dry. You don’t have to hang them outside. (As I type this, I have three sets hanging all around my house, drying) The “line” drying leaves the sheets with a more crisp feel than the dryer. While softer is what you might want on your bed, to a prospective buyer, a crisper feel means that the sheets feel newer and less used.
You can also apply the same concept to clothes.
For more tips and ideas, go to We Are THAT Family.
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July 22, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Amy @ Experience Imagination
Some other ideas from my experience both as a shopper and a seller:
Organize your stuff. If you have several different sheet sets, put them all on the same table. Put all your books together–don’t make people search to see if you have more of the same stuff.
Know how much you’re prices. Whether or not you choose to label every item or bargain with customers, know what you are willing to accept for each item, so you can offer a clear answer when folks ask–also, make sure any helpers know what your limits are, too!
Provide carrier bags. While this isn’t strictly necessary, it’s a nice touch for shoppers who buy a whole stack of DVDs or your complete inventory of sheets.
Make sure you have signs up (with arrows) at every major intersection near your home. Depending on the size of your sale, you might also consider advertising in the local paper, posting fliers in nearby grocery stores or libraries, or placing a notice in your community newsletter.
Know where the nearest ATM is located–or, consider accepting credit card payments through an online merchant service (such as PayPal). If you will accept credit cards, make sure you indicate this on your signage/in your advertising.
Good luck with your sale!
July 26, 2009 at 8:29 am
runningamuck
Great suggestions Amy! I hadn’t thought of knowing where the closest ATM was. We always organize, tag some of the tougher stuff but have an idea of what we want for everything. Providing bags is always a great way to help clear out some of your own extras. =0) Thanks!
July 22, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Amy @ Experience Imagination
Ugh–note to self: proofread, THEN post.
July 22, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Kacie
AND… list it on craigslit! Great ideas for crisper sheets!
July 26, 2009 at 8:33 am
runningamuck
Kacie, this time was the first time we placed an ad in craigslist. I wish I’d thought to ask people as they came if they saw us there. It’d be interesting to know how much of our traffic was from it. I did have one lady who saw us and came out specifically because I had mentioned I had Ebay-ready Gymboree that I’d love not to have to list and mail. Unfortunately her girls were one size bigger than most of what I had. Bummer. And no one else bought any. Out in my area, everyone wants only the stuff that’s 50 cents. Sad for me. =0( Ebay here I come!
July 25, 2009 at 3:30 pm
mub
I’m always amazed at the grungy stuff I come across in the secondhand shops and flea markets here! I opened a plastic container once and found a half a sandwich…. blegh!!
July 26, 2009 at 8:34 am
runningamuck
Mub that’s so gross! I thought our area was bad. You’ve got me beat. =0)