Calling all yard/garage sale veterans

[IMGONNABE40!]

My block is having what they are calling a block sale tomorrow. Basically anyone who wants to participate is putting stuff in their driveway for sale to the public who wander by.

I have some stuff, but since I have never done this before, nor do I frequent these sales, I am clueless as to what I need to know/do to prepare for the sale. Should I be prepared to make change? How do I price items? What do people really expect to pay for say...a brand new, still in the box frying pan with a store tag of 49.99? How about a pair of DS's shoes he wore only about 6 times before he outgrew them? Should I put prices on items? What are clever ways to display things?

Thanks in advance.

 

[NMAmy]

I've had plenty of garage sales -- now I mostly have mine with the idea that I'm trying to get rid of stuff not make money. Yes, you'll need to make change and yes, you'll need to bargain. I've found it's easier to group like items and have a bulk price, i.e paperback books 4 for $1 and hardbacks $1 each. If someone buys a whole box of books, I make them a deal. Particularly depending on how late in the day it is. I'm a price slasher. I just do not want to bring that stuff back in the house!

You could price the brand new frying pan $20 and then slash the price if it doesn't sell. Shoes--well, maybe a few dollars. That may just be me, I just don't buy used shoes but I know a lot of people do!

Good luck and I hope you have a great time.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

It depends on how much you want to get rid of things. (I am on a decluttering mission.)

We had a neighborhood sale a couple of weeks ago. I had 12 boxes of FREE STUFF. I had cleaned out my kitchen cabinets, garage, umatched linens, old towels, shoes, even used cleaners...they took it all.

I had priced things I wanted to to leave my house right away at 10 cents. Clothes & coats. Someone came in and took all the coats to donate to their church. Teachers bought stuff for their classrooms. (I had "Back to School" stuff)

I had ALOT of doo-dads and I still managed to make 230.00. I had a couple of larger items that made us the $$$.

Have some change on hand and do mark your items.

Good Luck!

 

[enchantedpixiedust]

I'm having a yard sale next weekend - I just pretty much priced everything at the lowest price I'd be happy taking. I'm not much into the 'haggling' thing w/ people. I figure if it doesn't sale I'll donate it. (although this IS extra Disney spending money)

I'm just putting my stuff in sections - ie household, clothes, toys, etc. I'm also trying to hang the nicer clothes hoping that will help. If I have something that is new, or only worn a couple times, etc I've been writing that on the tag. Don't know if it'll have any effect but couldn't hurt.

Good luck!

 

[Kallison]

It help if you can display it on tables, not lying in the grass. Definitely price everything, if I stop at a sale and there is no price I usually leave unless I really want it. The new frying pan in box, I would mark never used and ask $10, you can always come down in price. I also hate to haggle. Clothes everyone wants dirt cheap, no matter how new they are. Have fun, I've done them twice and never again. I can't stand the yard sale police coming to criticize my stuff and prices.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

So I will go and get some stickers so I can price items and have a bunch of 5's and singles on hand. I'll try to get everything up onto tables. I was hoping I could just stay in the house and keep an eye on things outside while I get some chores done. I find it hard to believe that people will actually take the time to come up to our block for this--but then I have heard horror stories of people calling and coming by the nigh before to get a preview...then lining up in the morning before the sale even starts! It will be a new experience for me.

 

[HollyJoy]

You really have to price things to sell. I'd go for about $10 on the frying pan, but be prepared to go lower. People are looking for a deal. As for the shoes, probably a buck. Good luck!