This past weekend we had a tag sale. We prepped all week, getting everything organized and priced. I put an ad in the paper (online) and share the date as well as a list of items available in local tag sale Facebook groups.
It was a bust.
We made about $100. In 6 hours.
And while it’s great that we made anything, and got rid of some stuff, we were left with almost all of our big items. Since the main purpose of our sale was to clear out all our old baby gear, I was really bummed.
Online Sale Groups
There are several online sale groups on Facebook in my area. Before putting away the unsold items I took pictures of everything. I posted the items in the online tag sale groups and was getting offers within half an hour.
The key to selling in these groups is to have good pictures, fair and honest descriptions, and clear pricing. Do your research about prices. The retail price doesn’t necessarily reflect the tag sale price.
What to sell: Baby items, furniture, clothing in good shape (outfits do best), specialty items.
Craigslist
Craigslist can be a good place to unload larger items left over after your sale. Depending on where you are, and how active the Craigslist community is, smaller pieces like lamps and home decor, too.
Again, pictures help. Since Craigslist gives you multiple images per post, try to get shots from multiple angles, close-ups of details, and capture any damage. It may seem counter-intuitive, but being upfront about damage makes it easier to find the right buyer and saves you time with showings to people who are looking for perfection.
What to sell: Lawn and garden, furniture, home items, unique clothing pieces, building materials.
eBay
I will confess that I’m not big on eBay. I have an account and I’ve bought things from the site, but I’ve never sold anything. That said, my sister-in-law is an eBay queen and makes a good side income there, so it’s definitely possible.
You will need a picture (or more than one) that is good quality and true to color. If you know any information about what you’re selling, like brand or year made, include that in your listing. Known, quality brands sell fast and for a good prices.
What to sell: Collectibles, specialty or hard to find items, designer name brand or boutique clothing.
Consignment Store
A reputable consignment store is a great way to unload left over items without the hassle setting meet-ups and dealing with, you know, people. The store will take your items, sell them, and give you a percentage of the profit.
Because you don’t have to do anything other than drop off your stuff, this method may make you less money than others, but the time and effort saved could be worth it. Do your homework and check around for the store that will give you the best deal – some offer a higher percentage back if you take it in store credit – and where the right customers are for you. You don’t want to bring your pack n play to the store that specializes in clothing.
Just remember that if your items don’t sell you may have to go get them, or make a new agreement with the store owner.
What to sell: It depends on the store, and what they’ll accept. Some stores are pickier than others. Ask the staff what sells fast.
Charity
Some things just don’t sell, and aren’t worth the time and effort to try. For those items, donation is a great option. Not only will you get rid of your unwanted stuff, they will go to a good cause, and you get a write-off on your taxes (if you donate to a legitimate charity).
What to donate: Anything in decent condition. Before you donate, I urge you to read about why we should stop giving crap to the poor, and make sure that what you’re giving is truly a gift and not just junk.
Friends and Family
Just because you don’t need that unused yoga mat, doesn’t mean that someone in your circle of friends couldn’t use it. This is especially true of children’s stuff. Kids outgrow things so fast, it hardly gets played with or worn at all before they’ve moved on. If you know someone who’s got kids younger than yours, pass along what you can to them and spread some good will.
What to give: Anything they need. Just be sure to ask first – giving someone a box full of stuff they don’t need or want is just passing your problem on to them.
Want to make sure your tag sale is a success? Check out this link from Stephanie Six Figures Under to keep your tag sale from being a bust.
