Garage Sale Question - batteries!

[Jo-Anne]

I have numerous kids toys that I want to put out at garage sale, but most of the batteries have worn out. I'm worried that it might cost me more to replace the toy with new batteries than I'd get for the item at the sale. What do people do in this circumstance? Will the item sell without batteries? Should I have a couple of batteries on hand for person to try out to verify that it works (or is that too gauche!?)? Should I break down and buy batteries!? Thanks, Jo

 

[Ozymoe]

I'd have enough batteries on hand to show people that the items work...either that or I would figure out what I wanted for the item, replace the batteries and then add the cost of new batteries to it.

 

[angel's momma]

My mom works at a 1 hour photo lab & she gives me AA batteries that they remove from disposible cameras. I'm not sure if they'll do that for the general public, but you could try. Otherwise I'd have some on hand, but not let them go with the toy. I've found that toys sell better with batteries in them.

 

[enchantedpixiedust]

My Dollar Tree had 8 packs of AA & AAA's if that helps any. I'm doing the same thing, I think I need them for my sale too.

 

[Robmom]

Originally posted by angel's momma
My mom works at a 1 hour photo lab & she gives me AA batteries that they remove from disposible cameras. I'm not sure if they'll do that for the general public, but you could try. Otherwise I'd have some on hand, but not let them go with the toy. I've found that toys sell better with batteries in them.

Boy, I didn't even know they had batteries in them! I guess how would they work without them, right?

 

[disneyatl]

I totally agree with Ozymoe. People will buy toys without batteries and you can always have some on hand to show the toy works.

 

[mom2alix]

I just had this experience at my sale a couple of weeks ago.

A friend had broght a toy to sell that didn't have a battery. When a customer asked to make sure that it worked, I came in the house and found a battery that fit. Once she determined that the toy worked, the lady immediately removed the battery and gave it back to me with a "thanks". I was kind of surprised as I figured I was just giving it to her, but she didn't seem to expect to keep the battery in the toy, just wanted to use it for a test.

You'd prbably be fine having betteries around to use to test, but don't have to put new batteries in everything to sell them. After all, when you buy toys at the store the batteries aren't included!

 

[TupperMom7]

I guess it depends on how many batteries we are talking about here. I know at Christmas in our house, we spend quite a bit of money on just batteries, so if we were to sell our battery operated toys at a garage sale and include new batteries we wouldn't make much of a profit. If you are talking about a few toys, I think I'd spring for new batteries (rayovac of something) otherwise just have test batteries and make sure that the buyer knows that they are test batteries before you put them in....maybe not even put the battery cover back on, just let them see that the toy works.
Good luck with your sale! Ours is either next weekend or the next and I have to get in that attic to get kids clothes out to sell!