Ever since we found out that we *may* be making a move to China, we decided that we'd have a rummage sale this summer. We still don't know *for sure* about the move, but we're ready to get rid of stuff that we wouldn't miss if we moved or didn't. Then we'd have a 2nd sale in the fall if we were indeed going to move and sell off even more.
Back to the first sale - we're thinking of having it June 30th, but now I'm wondering if it's really worth it. I guess I'm also wondering if I can really pull it together. Something we'll have to decide, I guess, but I do have a few questions for you all:
1. Is a 1-day sale better than a 2-day sale? Everyone I talk to has almost NO business on the 2nd day, so we're wondering why even have a 2nd day?? Is there something we're missing where it would be good to have a 2-day sale?
2. Should we sell snacks and beverages? It seems like this would be a good idea, but what's your advice?
3. Should we take out an ad in the local paper? If so, how big should it be? It seems expensive to detail everything we'd be selling. However, if we only write 4 lines (the cheaper rate), it may not draw as many people as the larger ad.
4. Does it even pay to have clothing at the sale? We have lots of baby girl clothes and some maternity, but not much in the other sizes. I guess it probably wouldn't hurt to put it out, if we're doing the sale anyway . . .
5. I've read that we should do as many signs as we can. We have some major intersections that are 2 miles down the road (we're in a small town, but it's pretty rural). Does it pay to put signs that far away?
If you have any other thoughts at all, please share them. Thanks!
Planning a Rummage - Is it worth it? Any advice??
June 18th, 2007 at 02:42 pm
June 18th, 2007 at 03:14 pm 1182179661
I think that 2 separate days might be best. You could have one on a Saturday in say June and another one in August.
We thought about advertising but realized that it was not necessary for us. Alot of signs are good. We had rectangular signs and made them look like directional signs. I also put up flyers in 2 grocery stores and a RV camp lot close by. I also took some to my bank.
We sold beverages. I would suggest that you buy what you would normally drink since you might have some left over. The only diet drink we bought was diet coke and we had sprite because it was caffeine free.
We sold a lot of clothing. You can put up a clothesline or a pole that can hold clothing that has been hung. I also put masking tape on the clothing to indicate the sizes.
Put like items together like bathroom items in the samearea. Electrical gadgets together, computer stuff, household decorations. I cleaned my up a bit and I think that it sold because of appearance.
If you're going to sell electrical items, have an extension cord nearby so people can make sure the item works. Post a sign that says "Sales are as is and final"
We also played soft music in the background. Also, throw some free items out there. It attracts many people. Place objects for me in the front. Good luck!
June 18th, 2007 at 03:16 pm 1182179813
I always think the more stuff, the better--if it's arranged well and easy to see. So yes, put the clothes out.
I'd also suggest going through all your home, room by room. Think about the less obvious things to sell. I've seen people happily buy bags of magazines,candles (cute if they're tied together with ribbon), and things like leftover half-full bags of disposable diapers.
I don't think snacks do as well as beverages, and people are more likely to want to grab a cold can of water or soda than anything.
Think about where you can put up free ads too. Your grocery store bulletin board? Craigslist?
A lot of people only go to multi-family sales. Is there anyone who might consider going in with you?
Have fun!
Again--good luck. I think it's a lot of work
June 18th, 2007 at 06:08 pm 1182190087
Drinks work best with a little table set up with the kids running the show.
I am a big advocate for the more the better. I pull out things that I am not sure I really want to get rid of and put expensive prices on it.
Books and clothes sell well if organized and clean. Movies and kids games go fast as well. Clean out your linen closet. You have alot of miss matched stuff and sizes you know longer use that will sell well.
I sell alot of personal products as well. Shampoo, soaps, make up, bubble bath, tooth paste. Stuff I got free or really cheap with coupons sells fast.
If you have a few dishes, mugs, etc group together in a box and sell for a few bucks. Do the same with any stuff you have a few odd items of.
Get the kids involved, have them go through their rooms and you will be amazed at all the things that they add to the sale. I tell mine that any clothes they have left in their room, they will be wearing to school next year. That helps them quickly decide which items they are going to part with.
Tools and guy stuff is a great way to get people to stop and look more closely. Put your lawn mover near the house and put an expensive price on it. That will make the men get out of the vehicle, not just the women. If you can get him out of the vehicle. The woman will shop longer and he will look at all the other stuff as well.
Plants are also a big seller. Can you tell I have done this a few times? I love going to sales and having them is fun, too.
June 19th, 2007 at 12:23 am 1182212601
June 19th, 2007 at 11:29 am 1182252561
2. I think snacks and beverages are a waste of time. It's not what people are looking for, and they can always drive through McDonald's if they're thirsty.
3. Yes on the ad; that's how you get the veteran garage salers. Big ads aren't necessarily better, just be sure your ad is worded in an informative way. Don't just say miscellaeous -- name some of the items you are selling. Don't waste money on a two-day ad if you're having a one-day sale.
4. Clothing can sell well, and it doesn't matter if you only have a certain type. Maternity clothes, in particular, sell well. The trick with clothing is to display it well -- put it on a rack, if you can.
5. You don't need lots of signs. A sign with an arrow at the closest major intersection is important, and a few signs that will help people navigate
their way to your house are necessary. Also be sure your house is well-marked with a sign, balloons, or something that will make it easy for people to identify their destination.
It's a lot of work! But if you put a little extra work into making sure everything is clean, well-marked and attractively displayed, it will pay off.
Good luck!
June 19th, 2007 at 11:31 am 1182252683
June 19th, 2007 at 03:31 pm 1182267118
We've decided to go for it and see how it turns out. We're also thinking about putting out signs on the 4th of July. Even though we live in a small town, people flock here for the 4th of July parade.
Thanks again and I'll let you all know how it went!