Label Whores

Label Whores

We are “Label Whores”. When “thrifting”, we dive to grab clothing made by our favorite companies.

Our top picks are FLAX, April Cornell, Eileen Fisher, Patagonia, Kavu, Royal Robbins, Gramicci, J. Jill, Cut Loose, Russ Berens, Nomadic Traders, Aly Wear, Ex Officio, Chicos, and Banana Republic. We will be posting “Dozen Roses” moments when we find these.

We won’t pass up a good J. Crew, Polo, Saks, Bloomingdales, Liz, Lands End, or Talbots. The aforementioned don’t reflect our more bohemian tastes, but these finds can be passed on to friends and family (great gifts). We WILL buy Gap, especially the children’s line, although quality and concern about the company’s labor practices are reason for pause.

Madison Studio, Sag Harbor, and Rafella are Belk brands. Usually made in China, and “okay” if unique or in top shape. Dress Barn, Alolfo, White Stag, Bill Blass, The Limited, Old Navy, Worthington, and Cato are in this category as well. We will rarely post about finding any of these brands.

Faded Glory, George, and Jaclyn Smith are Big Box brands. We don’t consider these to be “finds”. So “caution” to those having a sale and expecting big returns on these brands. Let ‘em go cheap!

It’s a sure bet that we will grab any Hannah Andersen or Boden children’s clothing.

Shoes have to be in excellent condition. If we ever find Earth, Dansko, Birkenstock or Keens in good condition it’s a “dozen roses moment”.

We post this with the intent that “Rosebuds” will add their favorite brands to the list. We would love to learn about special boutique brands from our followers. You ask, we find!

The art of the garage sale ad

FILL A BOX,FILL A BAG FOR $1
The ad steers the public to your sale. Your description of particular items, your tone, and your eye for detail are all key components in the ad. Remember to highlight unique items you are selling and put size ranges on clothing. Don't forget the statement "NO EARLY BIRDS" if you mean it. This lets garage salers know not to show up before the designated time. Some still will, but you just need to remind them there are no early birds and invite them to wait until you open the sale. Ads should be placed the week of the sale and not the week previous to that. This may cause confusion among garage salers, as it is not common practice. Phone numbers do not need to be placed in the ad unless it is for the purpose of finding your house. If you have good signs, garage salers will not need to call you. This ad caught my eye and I wanted to share with you all what was so right about it.
The best moving sale Ever! Bring your own bags and boxes, fill them up with great stuff, and take them away for $1 each.This is a great opportunity for yard salers and flea marketers. Loads of household items, glassware, linens, frames,pictures, flower ports, flower bed fencing, and odds and ends. Also have some furniture, a Char-Broil grill, stack of mold able chairs, a kerosene heater, kerosene containers (one is full of kerosene), a gasoline container, way too much to list.Plus, I have 30 boxes of books that are going for $5 a box. Believe me, this sale is definitely worth the trip because everything is going at next to nothing prices! My goal is to empty two rooms by the end of the day. Saturday, April 24 at 7am. Directions from King street, turn onto Cherry,at the stop sign turn right onto Eastview, at the next stop turn right then left and head up to Howard's Knob. Look for the first left---that is Navajo Trail--and follow the signs to 308.

This ad was found in the High Country Press this week and was also posted on our local Craigslist. Craigslist is a new arena for the garage sale ad and can be posted there for free. Some folks choose to use it instead of the local papers. I would encourage you to use both avenues to advertise your sale. I marked this as the #1 garage sale to hit this weekend. Not only was the price right, but the ad was written almost to perfection. The seller highlighted a few items to perk the curiosity of her audience, whom she identified by name. She told us this was worth our while and we needed to get out of bed at pre-dawn to be there. She continued by stating her goal was to clear out two rooms of her house and then she gave us specific directions. This was the real thing. She melded marketing skills with down home wisdom to entice the reader ( garage saler) to attend. Genius!
And that I did. Following $1 signs posted on the backs of cardboard boxes, I climbed my way up that mountain to her house. Being the second person the scene, I managed to fill two bags within minutes. The seller was moving back to Mobile, AL to care for her elderly mother. She had just sold her house and was "getting rid" of some her stuff. Her intentions were pure and she was wheeling and dealing. She encouraged me to fill my bag with as much as it could hold. No worries. I got a set of silverware, some cloth napkins, a vintage lamp, the license plates, a few mason jars, some cloth, and some stuffed animals for work. All for $2. The seller earned a dozen roses from me. She was right, it was well worth the trip up the foggy mountain before dawn on a Saturday morning.

Garage Sale Signs are Essential

Good garage sale signs are essential! This is a huge aspect of a successful sale that many people seem to neglect. Did you know that if you place an ad in our local paper, they will give you two free garage sale signs to promote your event? You have to go by the office and pick them up, but they are free…..a nice catch word for us thrifty souls. Let’s make the best use of your free signs and post them in very VISIBLE places. Let’s look at this visibility issue. Some folks are lucky enough to live in places that border large roads or are close enough to the main road that a sign or two will do the trick. Other folks do not have this luxury and must not only spend money on directions in their ad in the paper, if they live in the boondocks, but also need to provide enough signs to get buyers to their sales without any confusion. Signs should be in bold, eye-catching colors, I like the fluorescent signs personally. This is not everyone’s preference and that is understandable. If you choose not to use them, try attaching a balloon to each sign, use an orange cone near your sign, cut your sign into a star shape---something to catch the eye of the hunter. You can also purchase pre-made signs that are orange and black from local stores. These are helpful when they are in front of your house, but could become costly if you choose to use them as directional signs. Anything creative goes when it comes to signs. I have seen hand painted signs on wood that were catchy and unique. I have tracked painted directional arrows around neighborhoods. I have followed scant signs that had directions in the paper as support. I have trailed signs that were designed as large flowers with the sale information printed in the middle. Remember that signs should be constant in color so we can follow the path like good old treasure hunters. What types of signs that you choose to use are not as important as the decision to use the signs and be consistent! If you have annual or semi-annual sales, it might be worth your while to store the signs until the next year. Putting out the effort to assist shoppers in the locating your sale will benefit your overall cause. Old signs should be taken down once the event has occurred, this is just common sense and good garage sale etiquette. Good luck folks and hang those signs where they can be seen!

A successful sale begins with thoughtful pricing

A successful sale begins with thoughtful pricing. Customers should see prices posted as soon as they enter your space. You could have price lists displayed close to the goods, or one huge price list that is easy to read. Loud colored poster board, big lettering, and maybe some artistic twists will catch the eye. Cover every type item…remember, people go to dollar stores and continue to ask the price of things, so assume nothing.

Clothing is usually abundant at every sale so overpricing equals no sale. Generally we suggest that children’s clothing be priced at $1, or less for smaller items. A grab box of free children’s items (stained and worn) will buy friends.

People are often “funny” about buying shoes. Keep your footwear low price if you really want to sell. This rule can be broken if you have a new pair, never worn, and still in the box.

If you want inventory to move keep T-shirts at a max price of 50 cents. Dresses no more than $5, slacks, jeans around $3 and yoga pants $2. Jackets not more than $5, and overcoats never more than $10 (the $10 overcoat would be a North Face down jacket type quality).

Toys should be in a dedicated spot, away from the crowd so children can play. They also should be priced to sell with the option of a “free” box as well. Games in good condition, $2, but little cars and such should go for 50 cents or less. Plastic toys made in China are a bane to civilization (our opinion here) so let them go cheap, cheap, cheap. They will be on our planet forevermore. Toys handmade in the USA are treasures. Ask a “bit” more for these, but remember you are passing something special on to another child so be fair.

Home gym stuff can be tricky. If you have a Nordic Track, good luck. Put a $1 on the price and be happy that someone carts it away. Exercise equipment found by infomercials can usually be found at next year’s yard sale. Just let it go cheap. You know it didn’t work for you. Exceptions would be treadmills and exercise bikes in good working condition. One of us found a Tuntura exercise bike at Salvation Army for $25. The original price was hundreds more, but this should give you and idea about pricing.

A full set of linens with pillow cases, no rips or stains price no more than $5. Tablecloths with no stains can be priced around $3 and let your cloth napkins go for about 4 for a dollar. If you have a comforter that was truly “gently” used you should still keep the price under $10. Any other blankets, comforters should go for FAR less. If someone is at your sale looking at a raggy old blanket then they need it. Or their pet does!

If you have jewelry that is expensive, a yard sale is not the place to sell. Your costume jewelry should be priced to sell with a range of one to three dollars for a necklace, and usually about one dollar for earrings.

HOUSEWARES
Cast iron skillets (if they are the real deal and not from China) are sought after items, but remember, you are not an antique booth and YOU want to sell. Do not exceed $1 per piece for dishes, cups, and glasses; much less if they are not great quality. The old Teflon pots and pans should go to the dump, not a sale. They are likely toxic. Any cookware that is aluminum should be priced at almost nothing. Old Revere ware in good shape can bring in $2-$5 depending on the size of the item. People love Corning Ware, and these pieces should sell well. Random flatware should be priced to sell at 10 cents each.

Books are also another abundant sale item so keep your prices fair. Suggested pricing would be $1 for hardback and 50 cents for paperback.

We hope that this has provided you with a pricing blueprint. Furniture will be covered in another blog, and we welcome comments and questions about this material.

What makes a good yard sale

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.

"One woman's trash, another woman's treasure"

Rosie Wells' comments on Thrifting Philosophy

Thrifting ought to be a verb. It's not, at least according to my well worn ( from a school sale) blue, cloth -covered , Merriam-Webster dictionary. Verb, "an action performed by or suffered by the subject, or a state experienced by the subject..." (Merriam-Webster 1938, p.911). Heck, it's an action I perform almost every Saturday, and not once have I "suffered". A grand experience, bar none, and I invite my reader friends to share in its joys.

Someone once told me that what drives the passion for thrifting comes from the hunter gatherer instinct within us all . Having not followed the moose hunting path like some women (Sarah Palin) , my hunter gatherer evolved sans camouflage,deadly weapons, and night goggles. Rather, in a somewhat Darwinian twist I evolved into a "thifter". This being one who is found salivating at 6am with newspaper carefully folded and sales circled in red, and ready to dash up the first driveway. Weapon of choice being a fanny pack securely fixed to the waist and holding my budget for the day. ( You must keep your arms unencumbered).

This way of "doing life" seems better suited to my commitment to reuse, recycle, and live simply. for years my car sported the bumper sticker "Live Simply so others may Simply Live." Now this doesn't mean that I don't have "stuff", Nooooo. I am constantly bringing home new "old" things, but then it's easier too resell or donate to keep a balance. If something new comes in, the something old must go. I know it's important to remain mindful about how clutter impacts our psyche, so I suggest practicing breath work before every purchase. ( Just a few deep breaths from the tummy.) I have been able to resist a few stupid purchases by just giving myself time to breathe.

I love being able to have a variety of cloth napkins for my home. One less paper product for the landfill. And well made, classic clothes, like the vintage navy wool pants I found for my husband. They were made in Vermont. What a history they must have!

Rosie Peters' comments on Thrifting Philosophy

I would like to assert that a garage sale can be a soulful event. At least, it is for me. I want to illustrate my idea by using our annual work garage sale . Every year for the past 5 years, my co-workers and I have hosted an organization wide garage sale to benefit our in-house charity. To me,this garage sale marks a season of cleansing, a ritual of taking unwanted and unneeded objects and removing them from our houses, our offices, and other personal spaces in order to allow a "cleaning of the house." This can be emotional, spiritual, and physical in nature. Maintaining the balance with one's possessions, having an in-flow and an out-flow are important components to one's overall sense of well being. Have you ever just felt weighed down by the amount of shoes in your closet, the unused appliances in your kitchen, the unpacked boxes hidden in your closet? Those dark places that you know one day you will have to face the monster of your clutter. The event of hosting a garage sale with the intention to sell it all or send it all to the thrift store allows an individual to feel the freedom of moving their items to a new home. A wise woman once said to me," There is no room in your life for new things ( people, experiences, relationships) because they have no place to enter." The energy to purge and clear can then be transformed into a new energy for other life adventures. I encourage everyone to host a garage sale or donate to one of the large benefit garage sales in town and "clean their closets." Open yourselves to something new!

The Secondhand Rosies will be providing information on how to have a successful garage sale in future blogs. Please send us any questions that you may have about this topic. Thanks.

The First Day of Spring

To celebrate the first day of spring, my husband and I set the alarm clock early in hopes of finding unannounced garage sales. With the weather forecast being in the mid-60's today and the snow being mostly melted, we had dreams of locating those first-of-the-season yard sales. We determined a possible route at which brave souls might have set up shop for the day. The "Doctor's Lot", "Mike's Inland Seafood Lot", and the "Closed Gas Station Lot" were our three main drive bys. We figured that if anyone was out there, they would be at one of these places. To our surprise, we found our first sale at the "Doctor's Lot." A man and his 10 year old daughter had set up a few tables and a clothing rack for us to peruse. The little girl was wheeling and dealing in an attempt to make a sale. I was impressed with her ability to barter at such a young age. She knew the nuances of selling, keeping in the mind the goal of making a few dollars and moving her merchandise. We bought a pair of sunglasses, a handmade pottery container, a concert t-shirt and a recycled Keen purse for the grand total of $7. With smiles on our faces, we felt a sense of accomplishment. Spring was truly upon us. It was like seeing the first daffodil or finding the first morrel mushroom. We had made an educated guess that had paid off. With one behind us, we decided to drive around to the other hot spots. On our way through downtown, we found another impromptu sale set up across from Ram's Rack in the lawyer's parking lot. We used the drive-by technique and decided it was worth a look. My husband turned the car around and we parked and got out. They were friendly and told us that they were selling a few things to make a little pocket cash. I knew that they were ready to make some deals. We found a framed piece of embroidery, 2 sets of vintage saucers and matching tea cups, a pair of Columbia pants, and a pair of wood clippers-- total $9. With our cash flow running low ( because we were not as prepared as we should have been), we decided to drive by our final possibility at the closed gas station on the 105 bypass. To our relief as well as our disappointment, there were no sales in that lot. We were satisfied with our finds this morning and glad that spring had finally arrived! For all of you in this area, it is safe to say this has been a hell of a winter. I am glad to say farewell to the dark days of winter. Now, the crocuses are showing their blooms and the daffodils are about to bud. Yard sale season has started for those hardy sellers who do no fear cold dark mornings in which to set up shop by their car headlights. Thank you folks for being the committed beginners of the new season. I was glad to give you some business this early March morning and I can't wait to see more of you as the weather continues to warm.