Get the most out of a garage Sale

With Spring around the corner, and garage sales on the horizon, I thought I would share a few tips.  With the economy the way it is, sales are a great opportunity for buyers and sellers.

Selling Tips
*Price low.  If you want to get rid of stuff, go with low prices.  (I'm going to share some guidelines I've found helpful)

*Post signs.  Keep sign on every other block and every corner where a turn is required.  Make sure the address and sale dates are large and easily readable.  Add balloons to attract the eye.

*Promote yourself.  Advertise in the newspaper and on Craigslist, Facebook and bulletin boards.

*Sell with others.  Doing a sale alone is a lot of work, and it will bring in more people knowing there is more than one family involved.

*Sell to early birds. Charge extra-say, a $10 "tax" for a purchase- for such customers.

*Keep it short.  Make the sale one or two days, not three.

*Cut prices.  Advertise that everything is half-price on the last day or afternoon.

*Group small items.  Sell everything for a $1.00 or more to eliminate coins

*Prime hours are from 8a.m. to 5p.m. Thursday, 8a.m. to noon Friday, and 9a.m. to 3p.m. Saturday

*Donate anything not sold.  Several charities will pick up items.

Buying tips
*Don't take your purse or wallet.  To avoid overspending, keep quarters, ones and fives in a pocket.

*Shop later.  Shop in the late afternoon or on the last day for the best bargains. Unless you are looking for a particular item that you "have" to have.

*Be smart.  Skip cribs, mattresses, car seats and helmets because of possible safety concerns.

*Leave your name.  Ask to be called if an item remains unsold and the seller is willing to accept your price.


Pricing Guidelines
Kitchen Items
*dishes (setting of 4) $5-$15
*Gadgets, about $1
*Microwaves(working) 1/4 of cost
*Pots and pans, $1-$3

Toys and Games
*Action figures, .25-$1.50
*Fisher-Price toys, electronic toys and video games, 25% of cost
*Complete board games or puzzles, $1-$3
*Stuffed animals, .25-$7
*Tricycles, $3-$10

Electronics
*Analog TVsets, free
*VCR, free-$5
*Radios, $1-$4

Media
*Paperbacks, .50-$1.00
*Hardcover books, $1-$2
*Kids books, .25-$1
*CDs, $2-$5
Videos and DVDs, $1-$5

Children's Clothing
*Jackets, .50-$2
*Outfits(two-piece) $2-$5
*Pants and overalls, $1 to $2
*Shirts, .50-$2


Miscellaneous
*Power tools, 25% to 30% of cost
*Sporting goods, 20% to 30% of cost
*Bicycles, 25% of cost
*Lamps, $3-$25
*Furniture, 25% of cost
*Frames, .25-$3
*Costume Jewelry, $1-$5
*Men's suits, $5-$25

If garage sales aren't your thing, find consignment shops,  resales places, or use craigslist.  You might not get what you want, but you will be rid of it with a little extra in your pocket.

Have a Fabulous Friday Friends! ♥ BJ