Hobbies And Interests
Bundling Is Good
Bundling works in yard sales much the way as it does with Internet, TV service and phone packages: Bunch together a collection of items for a better price than you would receive for the total of the individual items separately. For instance, if you have a lot of books to sale, price them low and offer a deal for customers purchasing more than one, such as 50 cents each or three for a dollar. If you think you are receiving a "deal," you may purchase that third book even if you initially thought of buying only one or two.
Pricing to Sell
Pricing to sell is offering your yard sale goodies at a price that is extremely reasonable compared to the price of those same items new or at consignment shops. This tactic is valuable when you have a lot of one item, such as books or CDs, or for items such as clothing that you and your family no longer need. Yard sales are all about getting deals, so if you make your customers feel your items are priced inexpensively, the more likely they are to purchase multiples. Price your stuff too high, and you won't sell too much, even if you consider them valuable.
Pricing New and "Like-New" Valuables
You may have items around your home that you have never used, or at best, used only once or twice. Such items, especially if somewhat expensive new, will sell at a yard sale if priced appropriately. For example, if you have, a new blender still in the box that retails for $50, pricing it in the $25 to $40 range will give the customers a deal while still earning you fair-market value for something you aren't going to use. To give new-item sales a boost, attach an ad from a recent store flyer showing the actual retail price of the used or slightly used item, which helps the customer make an educated decision, while giving your wares a better chance of being sold.
Antiques and Collectibles
Antiques and collectibles are a bit tricky to sell at a yard sale, primarily because yard sale shoppers are looking for deals; your hard-won collection probably means more to you than it does to this kind of sale shopper. If you really want to sell collectibles at a yard sale, you should price your items prices lower than market value. That vintage soda clock that retails at an antique store for $150 may not sell at a yard sale unless you're willing to accept one-half to two-thirds its actual value. Yard sales attract savvy shoppers who know the value of your collectibles, but since it is a yard sale environment, they will most likely try to talk down your price. If you are unwilling to take a low price for your collectibles, you may be better off selling them directly to a dealer or taking them to a consignment market.