WHAT MAKES A GOOD YARD SALE……..
Yard Sale aficionados will agree that there are some key features that make for a good yard sale. It is critical to learn that if the yard sale is one that happens every week and all season, it is NOT a yard sale, but a business, and it will certainly not have the flavor and excitement of an “event”.
If the ad’s top features are Beanie Babies, Avon bottles, and kids toys you can bet that you won’t find vintage wool knickers made in Vermont for cross country skiing, nor will there likely be an All Clad Stainless skillet (gently used) calling your name.
Moving sales can be great opportunities for treasure hunters, and often the perfect spot to find furniture. Here’s an example from Charlotte: “moving sale- chairs, end tables, d.r. buffet, outdoor furniture, lawn mower & tools…” You can bet that along with the furniture listed there will be a variety of “finds” that these folks don’t want in the moving van.
Sales to benefit an organization or charity are terrific, and a “must go” for any real “thrifter”. Not only are you helping a worthwhile cause, but you can expect to reap the reward from the donations of multiple (sometimes well over 100) households. These sales should be a priority as you plot your yard sale route for the day.
Sellers should be aware of the unwritten code of ethics for thrifters. The most significant is that bargaining is part of the game so be prepared to haggle a bit over some items, but do stand your ground to the few, but persistent, hagglers who badger you for an unrealistic deal. It’s okay to say no. The Boone area has a handful of infamous characters that are well known in the world of thrifting for outrageously annoying behavior. We have code names for them. Last year I saved a gallery quality pottery bowl from a “deal” about to go down between one of these characters and the seller. I offered full price (which was still a bargain), and feel that the bowl was “saved” from some bad karma. It should also be said that there are folks in the community who go to yard sales just to stock their side business and resell items for enormous profit.
Sellers, you need to have a well organized system for pricing, and my recommendation would be to post a list that is easily seen by all. Be aware that if you price using colored dots or tags there are some folks who will change them (as sad reality). It is also expected, sellers, that you use some common sense when pricing. If your seven years old daughter’s wardrobe is all Hannah Andersen please don’t expect to resell close to retail price. Top price for a dress should still be about $4. On the other hand, thrifters know the bargain brands and your pricing should reflect this.
Be ready to start cutting prices a few hours into your sale. If your sale starts at 7am go to half price for all or selected items by 10am. If you plan to end the sale at noon and still have piles of clothing then consider doing a “bag sale” at 11am. Example: all the clothing one can stuff in a bag for $3.
And, sellers, be clear and honest with yourself about your intentions for the sale. Are you selling to purge and simplify your life, or are you selling to pay next month’s cable bill? Your intent will surely drive your interactions with customers and your ability to have fun and to haggle.
Lastly, sellers, make your signs glow (use florescent cardboard) and sing for customers (large print and maybe a signature theme logo?). Like breadcrumbs in the path, you want to lead local thrifters to your feast.
Yard Sale aficionados will agree that there are some key features that make for a good yard sale. It is critical to learn that if the yard sale is one that happens every week and all season, it is NOT a yard sale, but a business, and it will certainly not have the flavor and excitement of an “event”.
If the ad’s top features are Beanie Babies, Avon bottles, and kids toys you can bet that you won’t find vintage wool knickers made in Vermont for cross country skiing, nor will there likely be an All Clad Stainless skillet (gently used) calling your name.
Moving sales can be great opportunities for treasure hunters, and often the perfect spot to find furniture. Here’s an example from Charlotte: “moving sale- chairs, end tables, d.r. buffet, outdoor furniture, lawn mower & tools…” You can bet that along with the furniture listed there will be a variety of “finds” that these folks don’t want in the moving van.
Sales to benefit an organization or charity are terrific, and a “must go” for any real “thrifter”. Not only are you helping a worthwhile cause, but you can expect to reap the reward from the donations of multiple (sometimes well over 100) households. These sales should be a priority as you plot your yard sale route for the day.
Sellers should be aware of the unwritten code of ethics for thrifters. The most significant is that bargaining is part of the game so be prepared to haggle a bit over some items, but do stand your ground to the few, but persistent, hagglers who badger you for an unrealistic deal. It’s okay to say no. The Boone area has a handful of infamous characters that are well known in the world of thrifting for outrageously annoying behavior. We have code names for them. Last year I saved a gallery quality pottery bowl from a “deal” about to go down between one of these characters and the seller. I offered full price (which was still a bargain), and feel that the bowl was “saved” from some bad karma. It should also be said that there are folks in the community who go to yard sales just to stock their side business and resell items for enormous profit.
Sellers, you need to have a well organized system for pricing, and my recommendation would be to post a list that is easily seen by all. Be aware that if you price using colored dots or tags there are some folks who will change them (as sad reality). It is also expected, sellers, that you use some common sense when pricing. If your seven years old daughter’s wardrobe is all Hannah Andersen please don’t expect to resell close to retail price. Top price for a dress should still be about $4. On the other hand, thrifters know the bargain brands and your pricing should reflect this.
Be ready to start cutting prices a few hours into your sale. If your sale starts at 7am go to half price for all or selected items by 10am. If you plan to end the sale at noon and still have piles of clothing then consider doing a “bag sale” at 11am. Example: all the clothing one can stuff in a bag for $3.
And, sellers, be clear and honest with yourself about your intentions for the sale. Are you selling to purge and simplify your life, or are you selling to pay next month’s cable bill? Your intent will surely drive your interactions with customers and your ability to have fun and to haggle.
Lastly, sellers, make your signs glow (use florescent cardboard) and sing for customers (large print and maybe a signature theme logo?). Like breadcrumbs in the path, you want to lead local thrifters to your feast.
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