Garage Sale Pricing??? - Madison,WI

Hi S.,
After our first Garage sale, we decided we wasted *way* too much time putting price tags on everything, because to garage-sale-gurus: everything's negotiable!

For big-ticket items, just decide ahead of time what the lowest price you'll take for something is, and stick to it. For the smaller stuff, just tell the person the price (they ask, even if there's a price tag on it!) or tell them to make you an offer.

Also, people love to think they're getting a deal, so if they want to buy more than one item, tell them you'll give them a "break" on the total, and take a buck or two off.

There's also the annoying cheap-o's: they want you to give them everything for free. Ignore their sarcastic remarks when you tell them an asking price, and let them know they can go get it at Wal-Mart for $10 if they want it so bad. They're going to walk out on you unless you give it to them free, anyway, so I don't consider them real customers.

Also, just have a big box full of the cheap stuff, all together, and just put a big (HUGE) $1 on the front (just the stuff you never want to see again), and put it near the street where people driving by can see it to draw in anyone who's curious.

And have fun!!!
T

I do a huge mothers of multiples sale and I sell A TON of stuff and make a decent amount. The way I price things is, I take a look at it and I would ask myself how much would I pay for this? Then that is how much I sell it for. Its worked for me for 3 years and on average I sell $500 worth of clothes.

I've had tons of yard sales in my life. The reality is that you're not going to make tons of money, so I'd have to agree with Rachel - price it to sell. It's easiest if you use a colored sticker system to save yourself time and effort (ie everything with a red tag is $1, etc.). For small stuff, here's a pretty reasonable guide: http://www.garagesalesource.com/articles/garage_sale_pric...

For the bigger things, you might want to check out Craigs' List for your area and see what people are selling those items for. If you really want to get more cash out of your kids' clothes, then check out local consignment sales and see if they're looking for sellers.

The best lesson I've learned is to schedule a charity to do a pick-up the same afternoon for all the stuff that didn't sell. Be sure to make an itemized list so you can deduct the donation from your taxes! Good luck!

In my experience, no one wants to pay more than 10 - 20 percent of the retail purchase price. Take consideration to brand, age, and wear. Even the Kelly Blue Book prices accordingly. Also when there a lot of clothes and I just want things gone, I do a $5 dollar bag. I did have a lady walk out with everything she could carry, hand me a $5 bill, and kept on walking. I just let it go, she wasn't worth my time.

This kind of depends, are you trying to make a little cash, or are you just trying to get rid of stuff? I personally price to sell, just to get rid of it, so I lowball everything. If it's something you're trying to make money off of, then yes, sell the name brands for a little extra. Also, look at the items as if you were buying them second hand... is it gently used or visibly used? If it's going to require more cleanup after purchase, mark it down. If it's still like-new, mark up. Be flexible. Even better, don't put pricetags on the big stuff you're really unsure about. If someone is interested, have them make you an offer... then counter offer. For example, are you selling the play kitchen with all the fun foods and plates and extras? Sell them separate for a higher price, but if someone is interested tell them they can have it all for just then price of the kitchen itself. Have fun with it. Good luck! I plan on having a yard sale soon too, and I can't wait for this stuff to get out of my basement!

A very good question, but a little difficult to answer. A lot depends on the quality and how much it's worth to you.

I went to a community sale this morning. I saw video tapes priced at $.50, $1.00, $2.00 and even on person had $3.00. Going price in our area is $1.00.

I saw a no name kitchen set with a few accessories being sold for $8.00. It was in good condition. Bouncy seats were selling from $7 to $15.

I recommend doing a little reseach by going to a consignment store in your area. Then make sure your prices are lower.

As for quality brand name clothing or jackets, I would price it and put it "on display". You could ask $2 to $4 an outfit. As for the Target clothing put it all in a box and mark it $.25 or $.50 each, or a bag for $5.00. I'm sure some items would be more, but it's not worth your time to go through it all. It helps if you separate by sizes.

Good luck.