Sep 17, 2009 11:00 pm US/Eastern
3 On Your Side: Ultimate Garage Sale
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
The hunt for bargains is big this year and it's bringing out droves of shoppers. But they just aren't heading to the mall, they're heading to a garage near you!
3-On Your Side's Jim Donovan shows us how you can make a buck by throwing the ultimate garage sale.
These days, garage sales are big business. On Craigslist, ads are up 50 percent!
Allan Woodrow has high hopes for his garage sale.
"We're hoping about $400," said Woodrow.
But a few things needed to be tackled first, like proper pricing. Selling items for a little under what they're going for online is a good strategy. With some exceptions. Legos for instance, rarely lose their value.
You can charge a little more if you clean your item and replace the batteries.
Merchandise with store tags can fetch a higher price. Often 60 to 70 percent of the original value.
Days before the sale, start promoting! In newspapers, and free internet sites. Make your ad stand out with pictures and details. The more the better.
Estate sale expert Nancy Kirby says veteran shoppers will be looking for signs.
"Put one of these signs out by the street and as they're driving by, they'll be able to see that sign pointing down the alley," said Kirby.
She says on sale day; put your best stuff out front.
"That will draw the people in from outside where they can see them such as your snow blower, pick a variety, some of the children's toys," said Kirby.
Allan took her advice.
"I just moved this from the garage about three minutes ago and there you go, the first person who comes since I brought it out, is looking at it," said Woodrow.
And it paid off.
Clearly mark every item. Allan used a color coded price chart. Take things out of boxes and place them on tables so people don't have to bend down.
Hang pictures so they can easily be seen.
And grouping items together according to themes will help move your merchandise.
But in the end, shopper Sherry Garvey is looking for bargains.
"If you price them the right way, more people will buy your stuff. You may not make a whole lot, but you'll make more than you would if you price them too high."
What do shoppers want to buy at garage sales?
Home decor, furniture, kitchen appliances and bath items top the list with books taking the number one spot.
RELATED LINKS:
www.craigslist.org
www.garagesale.nearu.com
www.garagesalehunter.com
www.garagesales.com
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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