Thrift Store Pricing: A Delicate Dance

She’s inspecting the red Doncaster blazer with a puzzled expression, and sighs, “oh what do you think? Trying on is my least favorite thing…” I’m thinking she’s the owner of the Lexus parked out front the thrift store, and I say, “How could you go wrong, it’s Doncaster, and it’s on the dollar rack!” Another costumer chirps, “And if it doesn’t fit just donate it back here!” Suddenly Lexus gal grins broadly, slaps me on the back, and says “thanks for helping with that decision”. She buys it. This scenario captures the thrill of thrift store bargains.
Dollar racks, half price Saturdays, dollar day Mondays, and “stuff- a- bag” are all examples of crafty Thrift Store marketing certain to draw a crowd and to turn over merchandise. Rosie P. had the pleasure of attending a Black Friday thrift store sale where they were giving purses, bags, and children’s toys away for FREE. Everything else in the entire store was half price. This non-profit moved inventory that day!
Along with these “specials”, standard pricing should be low enough to guarantee a steady inventory turn over. Many dedicated “thrifters” will often visit a favorite store at least once a week; if inventory remains stagnant the store risks losing its client base.
We consider Goodwill Stores to have a fair and workable model for pricing. Goodwill doubles the price if an item is new with tags still attached; example, dresses are normally $5 but you can expect to pay $10 for one with tags. Not a problem when the tag says $89.99 --that is one to write home about.
A recent visit to a local non profit thrift store set off alarms. The store was selling brand new jeans with tags attached for over $30. Yes, we want to see this non profit succeed, but those prices simply do not reflect what avid thrifters are willing to pay. Someone in this organization would do better putting the jeans on Ebay if this is a firm price. Most prices are firm at thrift stores. Very few will allow you to barter and many post signs that address this exact issue next to the checkout..
The Rosie Philosophy: Price according to what most people will pay. Single plates should be priced no more than $1 and silverware no more than a quarter for each piece. Coffee makers abound so to move them quickly don’t overprice. Top price for electric coffee grinders should not exceed $2. Cast iron cookware is always considered a special find, but if you are a non profit thrift store, please don’t try to sell for antique booth prices. Shoes cost $3.50 and linens are anywhere from .25 for a cloth napkin to $8 for a comforter.
Books generally move best if priced $1 for hardback and no more than fifty cents for paperback. The local library sells books on tape for $1 each which is a suggested price match. We all know that VHS tapes are dinosaurs; let them go cheaply. DVD’s can be expected to move quickly if priced around $2. Used music CD’s are usually $2 as well.
Some collectors are searching for vintage vinyl records, and this is why they visit your store. If you jack up the price to mirror that of a flea market booth these treasures may not sell; again suggest that you sell these on Ebay if you want a premium price, but keep in mind that if customers can’t find treasures in thrift stores then the base of “regulars” will slowly erode. Goodwill prices their vinyl for $1 a record whether that be a Christmas Album by Johnnie Mathis or a Rolling Stones album in mint condition. They price to sell.
It should be noted that there ARE some Thrift Stores that present as “boutique”. This is great as long as costumers plan for this price difference in advance. Many thrifters would choose to shop at a “boutique” thrift store for special occasion items. Enchanted Forest in Asheville is one such store as it stocks a variety of gently used FLAX, and we know that there is a “boutique” Salvation Army store in Greensboro.
We invite Rosebuds to respond to this blog. Tell us about some of your favorite stores and the marketing deals that they use to move merchandise. Some of you have firsthand experience in the pricing realm, we would welcome your feedback. As always, happy hunting!

The Little Wonders Project

An intriguing ad to say the least, found on craigslist--the new free venue for advertising local garage sale. Both Rosies shopped to support their cause. we believed it was an innovative fundraising effort worth a browse. We encourage you to read on to find out more about their cause.

YARD SALE THIS SATURDAY at 229B W. King St. (at the white siding apts across from Earthfare, downtown Boone) Items will include some furniture and clothing as well as various household items, pieces of art, and anything else we don't want. Sale is hosted by a group of 7 people traveling across the country in a biodiesel bus this summer. All proceeds from the sale of our belongings goes toward finishing the biodiesel conversion and getting us on the road so we can then fundraiser for The Garret Wonders Memorial Fund. We are The Little Wonders Project. We are selling everything we own to make this trip possible. Come check out the yard sale, get some great stuff for cheap and help out a good cause while you're at it. Thanks.

Rosie W. met an interesting group of young people in Boone last Saturday. I promised to post a link to their website to explain the charity they were supporting. I also bought an assortment of “stuff” at cool prices, most to share with a Rosebud who collects religious artifacts. The cool price was everything in my arms for $1.

Here is the information:
The Little-Wonders Project. This summer I have planned a nationwide bicycle ride to honor the lives of Garrett Wonders and Adam Little. The ride will start in Charleston, SC and end in San Francisco, CA. Garrett and Adam were teammates of mine that were both struck from behind by a motorist while on a solo bike ride. Garrett passed six years ago on March 10, 2004, and Adam just recently, March 17, 2010. Both Adam and Garrett were kind hearted caring guys. Their love lives on by the ones they encountered.
Shortly after Garrett’s death, friends and family created THE GARRETT WONDERS MEMORIAL FUND, a 501©3 non-profit organization. The memorial fund was created to honor the memory of Garrett Wonders by promoting the safety and enjoyment of the sport of cycling through academic scholarships and bicycling advocacy.
We have realized that we will not be able to do this on our own; this trip is going to take funding in order to be successful. We ask for your support in any way possible. Charitable donations will be greatly appreciated along with donations toward funding our journey to raise support and awareness for bike safety on the open roads. My goal is to raise at least $5,000 over the two and a half month journey, split between the the Garrett Wonders Memorial Fund and Adam’s family. Along the way we plan on having charity rides and bicycle safety awareness events nationwide. Thank you for your time and we hope you will join us in supporting bicycle safety.
Thank you,
Brandon McKeever and Team
http://thelittlewondersproject.com/
email: thelittlewondersproject@gmail.com
phone (803) 413-4208

Overall Presentation is Vital!

When you walk into a garage/yard/tag sale you want to easily peruse the items for sale. The seller should have them displayed in ways that allow for quick and easy "grab buys." Clothes should be folded nicely by gender and size, if possible, at least by type......shirts, pants, shorts, etc. Clothes that need to be on hangers should be on hangers. Sellers, figure out a way to hang those clothes! The last thing that a buyer wants to do is get on the ground and go through piles of clothing, especially heavy clothing like jackets and sweaters. Clothing that is in boxes is even worse--if the buyer cannot see it, they will not buy it. Clothing laid out on big sheets is not preferable either--this is a serious LAST RESORT OPTION. Don't do it the night before or else the clothes will get wet with morning dew and that is really an icky experience. At the very least, hang up the dresses, skirts, jackets, sweaters, and suits. Be creative, use whatever you have in the house or strap up a clothesline --these are often very effective in hanging up large amounts of clothing with the proper support. Clothesline are easy to look through and provide the buyer with an efficient way to find what they are looking for. Rosie W. warns,“Be careful that your hanging or standing racks are well secured especially if there is wind. I have seen more than one rack topple with heavy clothing, and once got badly whacked in the neck by one at a church sale. This could be a liability.” Try and place all items at least waist high. Yes, this means that you should beg and borrow as many tables as you can. Card tables work great, but I have also seen people use large pieces of plywood sitting on sawhorses, picnic tables, benches, anything and everything to keep the stuff off the ground. Mark your tables as NOT FOR SALE-- garage salers will try and buy everything inside the assumed boundaries of your sale. Complete a thorough sweep of Not for Sale things that are in the vicinity--this will save you some unneeded questions and hassle. Organize things by category, shoes together, toys together, housewares, linens, etc. Some folks recreate living areas with their garage sale goodies in order to promote them, such as place settings are set out in front of the box of dishes. Books are stacked with book ends. Kitchen appliances should be displayed near electrical outlets to allow a possible customer to plug it in and see if it works. They should ALL work folks, don’t sell broken appliances at your garage sale—that is BAD JUJU .There are exceptions to every rule and some objects on the ground are fine and expected at times--just keep them out of the path of expected traffic. Vacuum cleaners, large children's toys, furniture, golf clubs and other self standing, large objects can be exhibited in a variety of ways on the ground. Remember to try and make a navigable path through your garage sale stuff. You don't want anyone to trip. Rosie W. notes , "Also, strange but true. Warning, watch how you display any mirrors,especially those makeup mirrors. Last year witnessed the following at a blacktop parking lot sale: Clothing piled on the ground on dark tarp along with makeup mirror. Suddenly someone yells "FIRE"! The pile of clothing had ignited." Who would have thought?! Keep in mind that the seller sits at the entrance to the garage sale, therefore, blocking any attempts at individuals not paying for their items. (SAD BUT TRUE) The check out space should be easily identifiable. It can be confusing when the person hosting the garage sale is walking around in the crowd of shoppers. Then you don't know who to ask about prices or where to check out when you are ready. The person calling the bargaining shots should be seated at the check out and be prepared for "negotiations". These are just some thoughts about presentation of your items. The Rosies would love to hear how you have creatively displayed your garage sale merchandise to promote quick sales. Feel free to comment on the blog or our facebook page.

Damascus City Wide Garage Sale

Damascus Tales from Rosie W.
May 8, 2010 was Rosie W.’s introduction to the Damascus City Wide Yard Sale, and what a spectacular way to begin “the season”. The entire town participates so one can expect to walk a great distance as well as meet an assortment of “characters” along the way.
Up at 5am and on the road by 6:30 am for a lovely drive in the mist through the back roads to Virginia. The clouds lifted as we pulled into Damascus and realized the logic of arriving early. We were lucky to get one of the last remaining parking spaces on the main street. The scope of seeing sales in every direction was overwhelming, but we chose a start point and began the “hunt”.
The first few sales were boring, but then we reached India’s sale on the main street. It was spread over the lawn and porch of a stately older home and the first thing to catch my eye was a Pelican Kayak for $150. Sorry to say the dang thing was just not comfortable for an almost 60 year old body, so regretfully had to pass on the kayak. But I did score a beautiful sun hat with leather strap, and some random funky jewelry. India, you get a dozen roses.
Down the road we picked up a new shower curtain rod still packaged for fifty cents, and finally met up with Rosie P.; quick hugs and hellos before we dashed off with plans to meet for lunch.
We crossed the river bridge with miles of sales before us, and I felt lucky to have “ pack horse husband”, rolling cart, and a fanny pack for what was ahead. On the first stop we found a gently used Coleman camp stove. Price was $10 we got it for $7.
Next stop, pure joy! Found a Paul Klee print that owner said had been in her first apartment in Boston in 1963. Print was $2, and also found some jewelry and two meditation CD’s. Next sale was strange. Not much there, but I bought a wooden figurine from Africa for five cents, yes, five cents! Felt that I needed to rescue it from owners who didn’t appreciate its value. Don’t need it, but will gift it to someone who will love.
Along the way I found a Scrabble game for Rosie P. and a pair of Chuck Taylor’s for grandson. Interesting haggle re Scrabble game, it started at $5. I was able to buy it for $1.
Another kayak was for sale on the outskirts of town. It was in great condition, and very comfortable, but the guy wanted to sell accessories a la carte which moved the price up past my limit.
Best sale for clothing was back on the main street. Lovely young woman named Christine who was selling a variety of interesting goods. I found several items of clothing, including a FLAX dress. This is the sale where Rosie P. found the mustard colored sofa. A dozen roses go to Christine.
The day was a blast, and I even had money left in the Altoid tin afterwards. Kudos to the city of Damascus Virginia; a dozen roses day, hands down.


Damascus Tales from Rosie P
With a slight rain falling outside, the alarm rings at 6am. It is dark and I am warm, but today is the beginning. I cannot sleep in, hitting the snooze button is not an option. The garage sale machine needs to run in a smooth and timely manner. I slowly get out of bed, wake up my husband, jump in the shower, while he wakes up his mother and they make coffee. As we wipe the sleep out of our eyes and decide to leave the dogs behind, we pack our waterproof sandals and rain coats. We are stocked with change and small bills. We each carry large shoulder bags and the discussion on the car ride includes "what we are on the hunt for" today. It can be difficult to keep 3 people together at a city wide garage sale event, so we made sure that all our cel phones were juiced and ready in case we got split up. Forty five rainy minutes later, we arrived in Damascus, a misty Virginia mountain town. Nestled in the high southern Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, this quiet, little village comes alive with their annual Trail Days celebration, a gathering of thru-hikers of the Appalachian Trail. The city wide garage sale kicks it off. Over a hundred garage sales dot the small town streets. It took us over 4 hours to walk through them all. The bargain hunters were out in abundance! I spied some of the Boone regulars who I only know by their nicknames that I have given them, “Patch” and “Lipstick”. Good to know that they are now privy to this sale as well. I always thought I was one step ahead of them, but now I no longer have that sense of satisfaction. Finding a parking space was a chore in itself. I was practically salivating as we drove through the town to the little red caboose park, our designated parking area. Looking out the window, I could see all of the “junk” passing by, I was wide eyed like a child at the circus. People were selling everything from baked good, to cars, to household items, to flea market finds. You could smell the bargains in the air. Jewelry, vinyl albums, milk crates, camping gear, hand thrown pottery honey jar, vintage cloth napkins, mason jars, and jazz cd's were among the prizes we found on our excursion. The grand prize was located halfway through our trip. We were at the right place at the right time when the funky retro mustard yellow couch was unloaded from the back of a pick up truck in front of me. It caught my eye immediately, but a family had already sat on it. In garage sale terms, that translates into they have first dibs. I watched them talk and bounce and talk and bounce and then I went over to them and said " If you do not want it, I do. Is two minutes enough time for you to make a decision?" They agreed and the clock began to tick. Soon, the man came over to me and indicated that I could have it because it would not fit in their RV. I collected the $40 and gave it to the seller, Christine. They placed a sold sign on it and we said that we would return for it at the end of our hunt. She said that would be fine. Upon our return, Christine told us the story of the couch and where she had bought it at an estate sale across the street. The mustard colored couch sat in the parlor of an elderly woman for all of these decades. It was in near mint condition, sans the dog hair from her dogs. I told her that was not a problem because I had two indoor dogs myself. Christine went on to confess her own “love of a bargain” and her thrill in hunting down unique items. We managed to load the couch in the back of my mother-in-law’s truck and secured it with bungees for the ride back to Boone. We ended our morning frenzy with grease-laden comfort food and beer at the local Dot’s Diner. Meeting up with Rosie W. (no longer a Damascus city wide garage sale virgin) and her husband to share our stories. A field of blooming roses goes to this small town and Christine, a newly minted rosebud.