I've managed to successfully talk some of my university friends into a combined garage sale on August 4. We all need the cash, especially since no one gets paid again from the university until October 1.
DH and I had a long talk about how much the budget cutbacks from the state affected us. He really doesn't care much about money, and although we've talked it through before, I think he FINALLY gets it. Perhaps the lack of huge amounts of available cash for his soon-to-be purchased car? But we've got the requisite 4K for the car he wants, and enough in the emergency fund. But the car, the high cost of the UK, the new windows, and my $500 salary cut has bit us a bit harder than we'd like--thus my unbridled enthusiasm about the garage sale.
I've unearthed piles of things already and plan to devote an hour each day this week to find more. Thanks to ceejay and bankergurl for making me pull out two denim skirts, two pairs of capris, and two pairs of pants from my closet along with a few other items.
And oddly--the British train magazine that our friends left here is now selling on ebay.
I'd like to make $150-200 on the sale. Experienced garage salers, I welcome suggestions. It's been a while for me.
Combined Garage Sale Joy!
July 23rd, 2012 at 04:51 pm
July 23rd, 2012 at 05:46 pm 1343065614
You will need to sell a lot of stuff to get that amount. Most things will only sell for a couple bucks or less (obviously furniture, tools, and large-ticket items like bikes are exceptions). You are probably going to have a ton left unsold, so put out twice as much stuff as you think you need to make that profit mark.
Advertise! Black on yellow signs, ad in the local paper, maybe an ad on Craigslist or another site.
Think volume. Even if you put out stuff you don't think will sell, it gives people something to browse through that keeps them there long enough to get to the good stuff. If I see a tiny sale, I often don't even stop. Plus, you never know what someone will pick up.
Arrange things in an orderly way so all books are in one place, kids's stuff in another, etc. and everything's visible and easily accessible. Make sure prices are well-marked. Hang dresses & coats if at all possible.
Price to move, and be willing to give bulk buyer discounts. If you're doing it for two days, offer things for half off after noon the second day, and let people stuff bags full of items for $2 or whatever for the last hour of your sale. Be willing to negotiate, especially nearer the end of the sale. (At least be nice to people if they ask; nothing turns me off more than someone getting snippy when I try to bargain them down.)
Sell drinks and snacks for a small extra profit. It's mostly so people won't be in a hurry if they're hungry or thirsty.
Try to position yourself a tiny bit away from the merchandise so people don't feel self-conscious and will take their time looking.
Have lots of change, a fanny pack if you intend to move around a lot, and lots of shopping bags.
July 23rd, 2012 at 06:00 pm 1343066418
July 23rd, 2012 at 06:23 pm 1343067792
Ceejay had good advice. I agree that most things sell for very small dollars, so put as much stuff out asyou can.
While she suggested being inconspicuous so as not to make people feel you're "watching," please also keep in mind that people do steal from tag sales! At my last garage sale, I put all the jewelery items on a table where I was sitting and a friendly older woman chatted away while she deftly pocketed a small pair of earrings!! I was only asking $3!
The earrings were in an open box and after I saw the box was empty, I knew it had to be her becus she spent an inordinate amount of time looking and talking to me as she looked. All she had to do was cup them close in her hand and then casually drop that hand and walk away.
July 23rd, 2012 at 06:58 pm 1343069917
Good luck! Joint sales can be soo much fun, motivating and well attended if advertised as mulitple family. I always advertise on craigslist and use bright big study signs at major intersections.
July 24th, 2012 at 02:44 pm 1343141056
July 24th, 2012 at 06:59 pm 1343156348