Hey there, help with garage sale stuff?

[valis2]

I'm about to wander about the net and look for stuff about garage sales, since we're going to have the mother of all garage sales in July. Then it occurred to me to ask you guys, too.

See, I've never had a garage sale before. The location of my parents' house wasn't conducive to them.

So, pricing strategies? Pricing guides? Thoughts about pricing?

Advertising? Do people still put ads in the paper, or is there a new internet forum where one does such things now?

Signs?

Thoughts?

Any advice would be tremendously appreciated. Seriously. I have 1000 square feet of stuff to unload.

(Some of my work is done already. Apparently there is a very popular county fair that takes place just down the road from our house, so everyone does their garage sales that week. I'm planning on setting up for the six days of the show, seriously. I have white tents and extra tables, that sort of thing. And I plan on putting up nice signs--not cardboard crap--at all of the relevant spots.)

Comments

[marginaliana]

As a child of a veteran garage sale evangelist:

--Whatever time you set as your opening time, people will show up at least an hour before that and knock on your door and go "are you open yet?" And then they will be rude when you say you haven't even started setting things out. (Not that I'm bitter about that, dude who was mean to me when I was twelve, oh, no.)

--Definitely signs. With arrows. Do not count on people to know the layout of the neighborhood.

--Re: ads in the paper - I think it depends on the kind of stuff you have. If you're selling to people like my mother, or you have big ticket items, or you have a lot of one thing (vintage clothes, books, Christmas ornaments, etc), then it might be worth it. Otherwise I wouldn't bother and I'd just go with signs on the road.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

--Whatever time you set as your opening time, people will show up at least an hour before that and knock on your door and go "are you open yet?" And then they will be rude when you say you haven't even started setting things out. (Not that I'm bitter about that, dude who was mean to me when I was twelve, oh, no.)

Ugh, ugh, ugh. That makes me crazy. I will keep that in mind, definitely, and adjust accordingly.

--Definitely signs. With arrows. Do not count on people to know the layout of the neighborhood.

Fortunately, we live on a very long rural road with few side streets, and we live right on the road, so there shouldn't be too many issues. *crosses fingers* But I'm sure I'll be OCD with the signs anyway. *nodnod*

--Re: ads in the paper - I think it depends on the kind of stuff you have. If you're selling to people like my mother, or you have big ticket items, or you have a lot of one thing (vintage clothes, books, Christmas ornaments, etc), then it might be worth it. Otherwise I wouldn't bother and I'd just go with signs on the road.

Nothing like that--just a total random assortment of household goods. So maybe I won't bother. This is so helpful, thank you!!

*giant hugs*

[tudorpot.livejournal.com]

Price to sell-otherwise you have to pack it up at the end. One thing that goes well is having a box full of odds and ends- everything is a quarter. Give bargains if someone takes all of something.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I plan on doing the Sunday thing where everything is a dollar or whatever. Excellent advice.

I'm planning on giving myself a bit of wiggle room, but honestly, I want it all to MOVE. *nodnod*

[little-tristan.livejournal.com]

Having spent way too many weekends searching out valuable stuff at yard sales, this is what I've learned:

1. The people will show up early. Be ready. If you don't want to sell stuff before eight, say you're opening at nine.

2. The pros won't come after the first day, so starting on Saturday is a good idea. That's how you get the maximum number of people before the good stuff's picked over.

3. Arrows on the signs are a must. But don't make them look too professional, because pro buyers (the ones with the money) hate pro sellers (the ones with the high prices).

4. Put an ad in your local paper so long as it's also online, because the pros will plan at least a day in advance. (We also made maps; I assume people still do this.) Don't mention Christmas decorations, clothes, baby stuff, or anything else that everyone has. If that's what you actually have, just say "lots of stuff". (These are known in the biz as 'baby clothes and fruit jar' sales and they actually repell buyers.) Do mention tools, cameras, electronics--anything that's genuinely useful. If it's professional or industrial grade, say so.

5. If you mention books, you'll get book people. Book people are assholes (I know, I am one, I've literally gotten my ass kicked trying to pick through boxes) so set ground rules and enforce them.

6. Don't forget, you're trying to sell stuff, so take the money. Even if you're not open yet, even if you wanted to be closing up, and especially if it's an item that people are having trouble identifying. (If more than three people ask what it is, sell it at any price to the first person who wants it.)

[valis2.livejournal.com]

1. The people will show up early. Be ready. If you don't want to sell stuff before eight, say you're opening at nine.

THANK YOU for this advice, seriously. I'm so glad that you guys are mentioning this sort of thing. I am running it mostly by myself, and this is way helpful.

2. The pros won't come after the first day, so starting on Saturday is a good idea. That's how you get the maximum number of people before the good stuff's picked over.

The fair runs Tues-Sun, so those are the days I'm going for. Hopefully that won't cause too many problems.

3. Arrows on the signs are a must. But don't make them look too professional, because pro buyers (the ones with the money) hate pro sellers (the ones with the high prices).

I want nicer signs than a piece of spraypainted cardboard, but still, I don't think I'll have super great signs, and this is excellent advice, thank you.

4. Put an ad in your local paper so long as it's also online, because the pros will plan at least a day in advance. (We also made maps; I assume people still do this.) Don't mention Christmas decorations, clothes, baby stuff, or anything else that everyone has. If that's what you actually have, just say "lots of stuff". (These are known in the biz as 'baby clothes and fruit jar' sales and they actually repell buyers.) Do mention tools, cameras, electronics--anything that's genuinely useful. If it's professional or industrial grade, say so.

Hmm. I will have nothing like tools or cameras or anything like that. This is mostly kitchen utensils, kitchen goods, table linens, furniture, and decorations. Lots of miscellaneous crap, seriously. I will be selling some of my own cheapo stuff and I'll be labeling the sale with that, definitely, because it's a popular category (craft supplies), but other than that, I'll just have to say lots of stuff, hee!

5. If you mention books, you'll get book people. Book people are assholes (I know, I am one, I've literally gotten my ass kicked trying to pick through boxes) so set ground rules and enforce them.

I only have three boxes of books--I don't know if I'll mention them or not. Probably not. And I've met some book asses myself at used book shows. *shivers*

6. Don't forget, you're trying to sell stuff, so take the money. Even if you're not open yet, even if you wanted to be closing up, and especially if it's an item that people are having trouble identifying. (If more than three people ask what it is, sell it at any price to the first person who wants it.)

Oh yeah, I'm totally used to this crap from working shows. But that bit about the identifying--VERY helpful.

This advice rocks--I can't thank you enough!! I SO appreciate it. :)

[little-tristan.livejournal.com]

Actually, I should also mention that if you don't know what it is, find out. Hard to identify often means rare/valuable. (My personal favorite was the surveying equipment that the seller thought was a broken camera set-up.)

But if you're mostly doing crafts and stuff that shouldn't be a problem. And you're less likely to get pros that way, which is good for you. (We knew it was surveying equipment and we totally lowballed them.) I always went to the ones advertising rubber stamps, too, just for fun. :)

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Actually, I should also mention that if you don't know what it is, find out. Hard to identify often means rare/valuable. (My personal favorite was the surveying equipment that the seller thought was a broken camera set-up.)

Unfortunately, there is nothing unidentifiable; far from it, actually. Everything is from the last five or six years, it seems. Lots and lots of crap kitchen utensils, tablecloths, and a few pieces of crap furniture. The only thing amazing about the stuff is the volume of it, lol.

But if you're mostly doing crafts and stuff that shouldn't be a problem. And you're less likely to get pros that way, which is good for you. (We knew it was surveying equipment and we totally lowballed them.) I always went to the ones advertising rubber stamps, too, just for fun. :)

I am really hoping to get a crafts crowd. Considering the fair, I think it's possible. *crosses fingers*

The only thing out of the ordinary that I have are lots of pairs of pants, all relatively high-end women's pants from midlevel boutiques, in medium sizes. I'm trying to guess on a single price to charge (like $10 a pair); they're $80 and $100 pairs of pants, but I don't think $10 is realistic. Or maybe I should say $10 and mean $5. They haven't done well on eBay, probably because people are much more likely to buy tops than pants. Any thoughts?

[little-tristan.livejournal.com]

They haven't done well on eBay, probably because people are much more likely to buy tops than pants. Any thoughts?

Clothes, especially pants, are the hardest, unless the buyer is familiar with the brand and knows how the sizing works. I don't know how to get around that, other than having a tent for people to try them on in. But quality tends to show and a flexible $10 sounds fair. Take $5 the first day and $3 after. Unless they turn out to be popular. One never knows.

I had a terrible time selling clothes on eBay just because it's impossible to tell sizes from a picture. The only time it works is with men's pants because the numbers actually relate to the size of the pants. (A 28 inch waist is 28 inches, whereas a Levis 6 is smaller than an Arizona 5.) But in person they can at least hold them up and guess.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Clothes, especially pants, are the hardest, unless the buyer is familiar with the brand and knows how the sizing works. I don't know how to get around that, other than having a tent for people to try them on in. But quality tends to show and a flexible $10 sounds fair. Take $5 the first day and $3 after. Unless they turn out to be popular. One never knows.

Yeah, they're the worst. I do well with shirts on eBay, but pants? Ugh, forget about it. And this is very limiting because they're all in one size.

And I don't know what to do about a dressing room, honestly. I'll figure something out, I guess. :(

[little-tristan.livejournal.com]

Last bit of the lecture, I promise. If the pants are all one size, offer a really good deal for the whole wad. They're bound to fit at least one person, and she'll be thrilled.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Terrific idea--I'll have to figure out a good price for the whole lot, thank you!!

[ms-hecubus.livejournal.com]

My tip for selling clothing at garage sales it so hang them up. People hate looking through piles of clothes and just won't do it. Get a rack, hang them neatly and even iron first if they're worth it.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Awesome--I have a portable clothes rack I use for eBay clothing pics, and I'll just hang them all up on it. That, and a generous dose of wrinkle releaser, should do the trick. thank you!!

[florence-craye.livejournal.com]

I have never put on a garage sale myself, and I only remember my parents having one twice.

That said, put an ad on craigslist as well. It's free and TONS of people check craigslist. They even have a section for garage sale postings. Maybe post something the week before and then the week of, and maybe the thursday before the sale as well.

I think yours will go well because you already know how to put things out for sale and have tents and all of that! I should save this entry to my memories, in case we need this advice as well.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Ooh, Craigslist has that? I was wondering--thank you so much for the tip!

I really hope it will go well. Not only do we have tents and stuff, but we have space for (I am not exaggerating) about 20 cars to park. Srsly. So I have very high hopes.

[florence-craye.livejournal.com]

Yeah, they have a category for just about everything. :D

I found our last 3 apartment/houses via craigslist and lots of other household goodies from there, too. And when I was looking for garage sales, I was checking that regularly as well.

We may be having one, as the house we just found (YAY!) is smaller than the current one and will mean a little downsizing... but it is always nice to get rid of things.

[gmonkey42.livejournal.com]

Yep, I was going to say "Craigslist" too. That's how I got two new chairs for the student offices!

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Ooh, awesome! Thank you!!

[lampblack.livejournal.com]

Check with your City Hall to see if you need a permit. The city where I live limits you to two garage sales per year, and you must have a license, which costs a dollar. It's a control issue thing so people don't have a permanent garage sale happening. I don't know if they actively ticket people violating the law, but I wouldn't put it past my city to do that to help fund our lovely expensive new courthouse!
Hmmm, lock your house up tight while you are working the sale. Nobody gets to use your bathroom, either.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Oh dear, that's a good idea! I don't think I do, given the area we live in, but I'll check.

And no, I do not want anyone using the bathroom. *shudders* I'm so damned paranoid, seriously. Everything will definitely be locked. *nodnod*

[fer-de-lance.livejournal.com]

No bathroom, definitely.

However, a cooler full of bottled drinks on ice? Can be a great way to make some extra money -- people are roaming all around, it's early so they may not have eaten yet... and you mentioned a fair nearby, so if they're heading there they might be even more inclined to buy (most fairs I have been to are of the "captive audience" theory of drink pricing -- $3 a can/bottle). So if you have time to set up some bottled water and sodas in a cooler to charge a dollar or so for, definitely do it. (Plus, y'know, leftovers are drinkable, unlike other yardsale stuff that must sit around forever.)

Also, be sure to have LOTS of change ready, so you don't run out of singles or quarters or whatever. Whenever I've worked a yard sale, I've had way too many people hand me twentiesas though I were a store! So head to the bank if necessary and stock up on change so you don't ever have to over- or under-charge someone who doesn't have the correct amount.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

No bathroom, definitely.

*nodnod* Excellent advice, thank you!

However, a cooler full of bottled drinks on ice? Can be a great way to make some extra money -- people are roaming all around, it's early so they may not have eaten yet... and you mentioned a fair nearby, so if they're heading there they might be even more inclined to buy (most fairs I have been to are of the "captive audience" theory of drink pricing -- $3 a can/bottle). So if you have time to set up some bottled water and sodas in a cooler to charge a dollar or so for, definitely do it. (Plus, y'know, leftovers are drinkable, unlike other yardsale stuff that must sit around forever.)

Oooh, fascinating! I think this is a great idea, thank you very much, I will *definitely* check this out! I have a Sam's Club membership, after all. *nodnod*

Also, be sure to have LOTS of change ready, so you don't run out of singles or quarters or whatever. Whenever I've worked a yard sale, I've had way too many people hand me twentiesas though I were a store! So head to the bank if necessary and stock up on change so you don't ever have to over- or under-charge someone who doesn't have the correct amount.

Oh yeah, I'll be hoarding change for days. I have tons of coin change on hand already, but I'll start stockpiling the bills.

Thank you SO much!!

[scatteredlogic.livejournal.com]

~agrees with everyone else about people coming early~ However, we've had great success in preventing the annoying early-birds who knock on the door at 6:00 a.m. by putting the words "absolutely no sales before (whatever time)" in the ad. The people still congregate (apparently with stop watches in hand), waiting for that specified time, but they don't knock on the door.

Tips from my past experience:

Have everything set up and ready to go at that specified time. People generally swarm early, leaving you with little time to take care of stuff at the last minute.

Lock the door to your home and don't allow people in to use the restroom. Partnered thieves will occasionally turn up, one to distract you, one to slip into the house. By that same token one will ask to use the bathroom, and the other will distract you from the amount of time the first partner has been in the house.

If your goal is to get rid of everything, anything that hasn't sold the first day should be marked down drastically for the second. Our garage sale motto was that once it was boxed up or tagged for sale, it didn't go back into the house, so we cut prices, grouped things as a two- or three-for-one sale, etc. We eventually marked a box of VCR tapes as Free, with the condition that they had to take the entire box, even if they just wanted one tape. ;)

Edited to add: Oh, and it's a good idea to have a power strip on an extension cord so that people can plug anything electrical in as proof that it works. ;)

[valis2.livejournal.com]

~agrees with everyone else about people coming early~ However, we've had great success in preventing the annoying early-birds who knock on the door at 6:00 a.m. by putting the words "absolutely no sales before (whatever time)" in the ad. The people still congregate (apparently with stop watches in hand), waiting for that specified time, but they don't knock on the door.

Oh, thank goodness. Still, considering that I'm starting this on a Tuesday, I don't think I'll have that many people until the weekend, which is when I have help.

Have everything set up and ready to go at that specified time. People generally swarm early, leaving you with little time to take care of stuff at the last minute.

Oh dear. And it's just myself. I mean, I'm used to watching a 10' x 20' space by myself, with lots of customers in it, but still. Good to know!

Lock the door to your home and don't allow people in to use the restroom. Partnered thieves will occasionally turn up, one to distract you, one to slip into the house. By that same token one will ask to use the bathroom, and the other will distract you from the amount of time the first partner has been in the house.

I'm so scared of stuff like this. I'll be certain to be at my most paranoid, especially during the week when I'm alone. *nodnod*

If your goal is to get rid of everything, anything that hasn't sold the first day should be marked down drastically for the second. Our garage sale motto was that once it was boxed up or tagged for sale, it didn't go back into the house, so we cut prices, grouped things as a two- or three-for-one sale, etc. We eventually marked a box of VCR tapes as Free, with the condition that they had to take the entire box, even if they just wanted one tape. ;)

My goal is to get rid of everything. However, I'm leery of getting too drastic too quickly; especially considering that it will run Tuesday through Sunday. I was planning on making Sunday the day of drastic markdowns, and then having the Salvation Army pick up anything unsold after that.

Edited to add: Oh, and it's a good idea to have a power strip on an extension cord so that people can plug anything electrical in as proof that it works. ;)

Oooh, good idea!!

[fer-de-lance.livejournal.com]

I would err on the side of non-caution.

For a sale running such a long time, I would guess turnout will drop off drastically -- people assuming that all the 'good stuff' was picked up early, so there's no point in going on the fourth or fifth day.

It's what I would assume, were I setting up a list of sales to visit -- prioritise those that are new, and then a few that have been running a day already to see if there's anything that was overlooked. I probably wouldn't even try sales that had been going for two days, much less longer. The fair might bring a few new folks by, but still -- I'd bet on most people showing in the first stretch, and try to move stuff accordingly.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

For a sale running such a long time, I would guess turnout will drop off drastically -- people assuming that all the 'good stuff' was picked up early, so there's no point in going on the fourth or fifth day.

The fair is running the whole week, though, and I want to keep getting fair-goers, and they'll spike on Sat & Sun, I think. I have crafting merchandise that will be advertised, so I think I'll keep hauling in the fair-goers, even after the garage salers have stopped visiting. At least, I hope.

It's what I would assume, were I setting up a list of sales to visit -- prioritise those that are new, and then a few that have been running a day already to see if there's anything that was overlooked. I probably wouldn't even try sales that had been going for two days, much less longer. The fair might bring a few new folks by, but still -- I'd bet on most people showing in the first stretch, and try to move stuff accordingly.

Very interesting, and excellent food for thought. I'm just hoping that this big fair will keep bringing the people. I mean, I have a *ton* of stuff to sell, so hopefully it will all work out.

[droxy.livejournal.com]

SIGNS. Internet isnt useful to my knowledge. USe classifieds if a big sale. Better to leverage off a person who took out an ad. I took out an add, did all teh fucking working posting the signs, then my neighbors happen to have a Sale...

But signs are essential and please make the readable with big arrows.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I've already informed Husband that we need to make really good signs. The good thing is that we live on a very straightforward rural road, with few turnoffs, so there aren't many ways to get lost.

Plus, I plan on putting up balloons and there will be lots of white tents in the front yard, so hopefully that will help.

Big arrows is a great suggestion. I'll be certain to keep that in mind. *nodnod*

Thank you!!

[fer-de-lance.livejournal.com]

Yes to the arrows! :D

I really wish I had some way to tell all the yardsalers whose sales I have skipped or missed because the signs were unclear ("Sale today!" -- well, when did they put that up? Today? Yesterday? Last week?) or the directions were impossible ("608 Saddler St." -- well, where is that in relation to this street corner? Even if I'm at Saddler, should I go left or right? Or else there's a paragraph of directions that nobody could read while driving past, without slowing down to a crawl).

[valis2.livejournal.com]

My OCD will no doubt take care of this--I'm already trying to figure out the exact locations for the signs, and put together the perfect wording and arrows. I'll go pick some nice signs up at the hardware store and work on those next week. And believe me, the biggest worry with my signs will be too much information, lol.

[droxy.livejournal.com]

Have lots of 5s and singles...be prepared to make change.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Oh, totally will have that. Definitely. I always use big bills everywhere I go, so I often have $100-$200 of small bill change at home (it always comes in handy for shows).

[cactus-wren.livejournal.com]

I second the Craigslist idea, they have a section, it's free, take advantage of it.

Also (and you're probably used to this from working your shows) be prepared for the hagglers. I absolutely loathe them, but they are always there, arguing prices that are already rock-bottom. My friend came up with the perfect reply for hagglers after a couple of years of holding garage sales:

Haggler: Hi! I really like this (fill in the blank), but was wondering if you would take less for it. It's marked $25, but would you take $15?

Seller: No, sorry, the price is $25.

Haggler: Weelllll, I'm running low on money (sure you are) and really would like to buy it, all I can afford is $15.

Seller: The price is $25. Don't you think it's *worth* $25?

For some reason that reply always seems to stump them. I don't know if the hagglers are stupid and can't come up with a response to that, or if they know they are getting a huge deal on a (normally) $100 item for $25 and they should just be pleased with their haul, but that seems to stop them in their tracks every time.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

I second the Craigslist idea, they have a section, it's free, take advantage of it.

Oh yeah, I will definitely be investigating this. Thank you!

Also (and you're probably used to this from working your shows) be prepared for the hagglers. I absolutely loathe them, but they are always there, arguing prices that are already rock-bottom. My friend came up with the perfect reply for hagglers after a couple of years of holding garage sales:

DUDE. Yes. I have two methods; either price higher, and then the non-hagglers have to deal with paying higher prices (which I feel is totally unfair), or price it as it should be priced, and then feel angry and offended every time someone tries to haggle. Grrr.

I absolutely loathe it. We're planning on having a freebie bin, but I'm already wincing, because I know that some jerk is just going to take the whole bin. I hate stuff like that.

Thank you so much for this reply! I'm hoping it works for me. *hugs*

[ms-hecubus.livejournal.com]

Put a limit on the freebie bin. You might want to have a second one for kids if you have anything they'd be interested in. It keeps them busy while mom looks.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

I don't have anything for kids, unfortunately. :(

It just makes me sad to limit the freebie bin, y'know? Some people are just crazy. I feel like I'm either enabling junk-hoarding or that I'm a pushover. bleh.

[ms-hecubus.livejournal.com]

It's all about merchandising. Take some extra time and lay stuff out so it's easy to look at. If people have to dig they won't buy. Treat it like any other retail event and keep the tables/shelves looking full.

I think I'm going to put up signs that say "no haggling" at mine. I always price fairly and I'm not wasting my time with it. If I decide to cut someone a deal that's one thing, but I'm not going to be bombarded with bargainers.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, I think I have a good strategy for putting stuff together. I have three tents, and I'm pretty used to displaying things for sale. I don't plan on putting too many things in bins.

And the no haggling sign--that sounds great! I think that's a terrific idea, thank you so much!!

[tudorpot.livejournal.com]

Haggling is expected here in Canada. I don't care who takes the stuff- if someone wants all the boxes of free stuff- it's less for me to deal with afterwards. one of those crazy book people who hit five garage sales this weekend and while I found some great stuff- pinking shears $1, no new books

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think a certain amount of haggling is expected here as well. I'm hoping that my stubborn nature doesn't assert itself--I really don't want to be pouting about the whole thing, y'know? I'm going to try to price everything fairly and hope for the best.

[todayiamadaisy]

My local paper has a thing where if you put an ad for a garage sale, you also get a garage sale kit, with a couple of signs, a booklet of tipsm, balloons and some other stuff. Of course, that's only relevant if you're going to hold your garage sale in my town. :-) But I suppose it might be worth finding out if there's something similar in your area.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Oooh, very interesting! I don't think ours does this, though. In fact, I keep hearing that one of our local papers has gone under, though I haven't verified this yet. :(

garage sale advice

[gypsyjolie.livejournal.com]

http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/06/12/a-yard-sale-checklist-ten-tips-for-garage-sale-prep/

I think you'll be a natural at this anyway - you have so much "display for sale" experience. Best of luck!!

Re: garage sale advice

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much for the link--have read and (hopefully) absorbed it. Very interesting! Y'know, I've never really gone garage saling, so this is all very new to me.

Still, like you say, a display is a display, and I hope to put together something good. *crosses fingers*

[saruwatari.livejournal.com]

<-- Tam.

(Had to escape from the former username for a couple of reasons.)

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Gotcha! I check my flist for changes through Semagic each day, so I caught this. And I think I'll be able to remember, too! *crosses fingers*

*giant hugs*