Garage Sale Prices?

**cmoy** · 03-23-2011, 04:12 PM

Hi All:

Since the recession began, I have noticed prices in my thrift stores have increased quite dramatically. For example, a light weight spring coat that used to cost $7.99-9.99 is now selling for $14.99.
These items are donated to these stores, so are free. I don't think that the employees are getting any extravagant raises, and they now ask you if you need a bag for your purchase (shaming you into declining if you forgot your regular tote). So, savings to them on the bags.

So, now to my question.

I missed having a garage sale last year due to a very busy schedule, and I have a whole spare room full of things to sell. It must be done this year, and whatever doesn't sell at the sale will go directly to the thrift store.

Should I price my items higher than what you would usually see at a garage sale, knowing that they will still be lower than what the thrift stores sell them for?

Or, do you think that when it comes to garage sales, most items are an impulse buy, with the customers seeking an extremely low price?

Thanks for your insights!

carol

**Spirit Deer** · 03-23-2011, 04:18 PM

Your competition is not the thrift stores. Your competition is whatever the guy down the street is charging at his garage sale. So I would price things at the going garage sale rate in your area, less if you really want to unload it so you don't ever have to deal with it again. If you don't mind the bother of having to pack it up and then deliver it to the thrift store, or if there are things you don't care if you sell, you could put higher prices on things.

**heartofmine** · 03-23-2011, 08:16 PM

You'll sell more if you price it reasonably and that will be less stuff you have to tote to the thrift store. When I'm out going to yard sales or thrift stores either for that matter if the prices are high I walk away. JMO but a lot of the thrift stores are pricing themselves out of business.

**NikoSan999** · 03-23-2011, 08:47 PM

I would price it to get rid of it...at YOUR idea of what you would pay if you were going to buy it at a yard sale. If you wouldn't pay it no one else is either.

Besides, if it dosen't sell and you take it to the over priced thrift store where is the money going? "These items are donated to these stores, so are free. I don't think that the employees are getting any extravagant raises, and they now ask you if you need a bag for your purchase (shaming you into declining if you forgot your regular tote). So, savings to them on the bags." Why would you want to help them? Lower prices means going in YOUR pocket...not theirs. Just me.

**erinalexmom** · 03-24-2011, 12:20 AM

I have always heard the general rule of thumb is at 25% of what it cost new. Not sure if that helps but its what I have heard

**2ndGenGranola** · 03-24-2011, 02:17 AM

Originally Posted by erinalexmom

I have always heard the general rule of thumb is at 25% of what it cost new. Not sure if that helps but its what I have heard

Wow!! I have always heard 10% of new cost. That is what I have in my head when I go to gs and that is if it is in excellent condition.

**monkeywrangler71** · 03-24-2011, 06:57 AM

Maybe you can go around to yard sales in your neighbourhood the week or two before your sale and see what others are charging.

Our thrift stores here have really good prices, but when I was living in Ontario I found their prices so ridiculous that they weren't even worth looking at. I could buy new for less. But then again, I didn't think the yard sales were much better.

**TigerGirl1226** · 03-24-2011, 10:17 AM

I think it is also regional as to where to set your prices. Here in Louisiana, we are already getting into garage sale season and we like to kick them off before the heat gets too unbearable. I see reasonable prices and them I see the "price it high and haggle prices" and then I also see the "I value my stuff and probably don't want to see it prices".

I try to go down the middle. I don't want to be ripped off, but I want to see my stuff. There will always be people who say you are priced to high, well let them walk. It's your choice how to price stuff.

**Ali Lee** · 03-24-2011, 01:30 PM

I'm getting "stuff" around for a sale. I'm pricing it now as I go thru it. This is what I'm figuring... I want this stuff GONE..I will price it low & get rid of it. Of course I need to ask my 3 dau's if they want it first. And if it doesn't sell...the car will be backed up--& off it goes to a SA or GW drop off box. I'm tired of this clutter!!