Cashing In Your Stuff

The average US household has between $3,000 and $25,000 in stuff that isn’t being used, isn’t needed, but could still be very useful to someone else–and worth selling.  We hold “Todd’s Yard Sale” every year–over 100 families participate, along with a pile of clients who want to boost last season’s merchandise and lots of cute little charities and fundraising groups.  Ten thousand people drop by to snag a bargain.  If you’re not a local and can’t join us, but would like to cash out the clutter, here’s some ideas:

Books, Cds, DVDs, and Video Games:  You’re going to want Amazon.com for these puppies.  Textbooks and recently published books sell like wildfire.  Amazon will charge a fee, but they handle the transaction for you.  Sneaky inside tip:  Price your stuff at a penny less than the lowest-priced item to be listed on top.  Be honest about the condition, seller report cards are important here.  If it’s new and in packaging list as such.  Sneaky inside tip #2:  When mailing your goods, send via “media mail,” this is about half the cost of regular first class mail!

Baby Furniture and Gear, Toys: Once again, Craigslist.com.  Do make sure your stuff hasn’t been listed on a recall!  You can check that here–www.cpsc.gov.

Household Goods and Electronics: the old-fashioned Garage Sale is still your best bet–try to get your neighbors to be involved, multi-family yard sales are far more likely to see traffic.  Sneaky inside tip: Right now, yard-salers are snapping up frequently used items–hand mixers, bread makers, small tvs and such.  Group small items–like silver, dishes, frames or vases together for a faster sale.  List your sales date in free-bee listings like Craigslist, and be sure to use more signs with clear directions to get buyers to your location.

Clothes: as you might guess, eBay.  My fabulous stylist David gets all his Versace jeans and such from there for a fraction of their $1,200 price tag.  Sneaky inside tip: List your items for 7 days for the best exposure…and always, always include photos…be sure to list size, color, brand and if it’s new and still with tags, add “NWT” as well.

Furniture: I’m hearing the best buzz about Craigslist.com.  It’s free to list, no commission.  Sneaky inside tip:  Not sure how to price your goods?  Check out similar items on the site, then list yours at about 10 to 20% higher than you’re willing to part with them.  This gives you a little wiggle room on negotiations.  Once again, pictures, pictures, pictures.  List style, brand, condition, age, and dimensions.  Since you’re going local here, insist on cash.

For more ideas on where to sell your goods, hit the May edition of “Real Simple.”  Here’s a $1.00 off coupon.

Share this:

Tags: consignment stores, online sales, Yard Sales