Garage Sales

Terry Edwards asked:


So, you’ve been going through your basement or garage and can’t believe how much stuff you have just sitting around. That can mean only one thing’s it’s time for a garage sale!

Today, garage and yard sales are more popular than ever, but the secret to your success will be in garage sale pricing.

How many times have you been to a garage sale and just shook your head at some of the ridiculous prices you’ve seen for some items? Too many I’m sure! Pricing is why you can find several different yard sales going on in the same neighborhood, but one house may not sell much of anything, while another can’t keep up with the cash drawer.

How to set garage sale pricing.

1. What is your purpose in having the garage sale?

If you simply want to clear out the basement or get rid of old clothes you no longer wear, then price the items accordingly.

Sell the clothes for $.50 or $1.00 if they are in good shape. Toys can go for $.50 and if a family is buying several items, throw in a couple for free.

2. Garage sale pricing for valuables

When selling big ticket items you’ll need to consider if the value is a personal judgment or whether it is monetary. In other words, take your personal connection to the item out of your pricing strategy.

3. Visit other garage sales

If you are stuck on what you think prices should be, visit some other sales and observe their prices and whether things are selling or not. You can learn a lot from just watching what is going on around you.

4. Put it on eBay

You may have some items which would be better to list online at eBay than it would be to put them in a yard sale. Higher ticket items that are over $250 - $500 are a good example.

Most people are buying from a garage sale to find useful items at cheap prices. They usually don’t spend over $100, although there are certainly exceptions.

5. Negotiate

This is an important tip. Leave your items that are a little more costly some room for negotiation.

Many folks love to haggle and bargain down the price. It makes them feel great and they buy every time. Use this to your advantage by leaving some extra room in the price. So, you have a $20 price and someone offers $14. They don’t know it, but $15 is what you really wanted anyway. It’s a win-win situation.

Take your time and carefully consider your garage sale pricing strategy. It will make all the difference in having a successful sale.



MONTY

Victor Tunggal Irawan asked:


While many of us know what garage sales are and that they essentially involve a lot of planning and marketing strategies, few realize that garage sales, just like any event, are required to obtain permits from respective authorities before they can successfully push through.

Location of Your Garage Sale

Where you’re planning to hold your garage sale will determine from which regulating bodies you should obtain permits. Village residents must naturally obtain permits from the homeowners’ association or its equivalent; city dwelling residents on the other hand may be required to obtain permits from the local or state government. There may be other requirements but this depends on the town, city and state you’re living in.

Following Rules and Regulations

The only way you’ll be given a garage sale permit is when you solemnly swear to adhere to all their rules and regulations. These include but are not limited to the following:

Advertisement – Most regulating bodies are very particular when it comes to the mere size of your ads and where you’re planning to display them. Be sure that you ask about this when you apply for a garage sale permit.

Duration – Generally, you’re only permitted to hold a garage sale for a maximum of three days. You should know beforehand the respective dates on which you plan to hold your garage sale. There are also rules that specify from and till what time your garage sale can operate. These rules have been formulated to protect the privacy and rights of your neighbors. Garage sales can be especially noisy and chaotic, characteristics that aren’t commonly welcomed by any neighbor.

Products – It’s very rare that garage sale owners are allowed to sell brand new items. Make a list of all the products you’re selling as well as their conditions and origins as you may be required to submit it to the necessary authorities.

Other General Tips

For convenience’s sake, some cities and states allow garage sale owners to download application forms for permits online. It’s ideal to apply for a permit at least one month in advance.

Be sure to bring valid proof of your identification when applying for a garage sale permit.

Talk to your neighbors and inform them about your plans. They may have several conditions to put forth. It’s best to take care of these worries in advance to ensure that your neighbors will have no reason to complain later on and cause the authorities to revoke your license.

For any other questions you may have, don’t hesitate to contact your local authorities.



SAMMIE