Happy New Year!
I have almost all of my four year old daughter's toys, baby gear and clothes since birth. I saved them, thinking we might have another child, but I don't think it's going to happen and now I'm overwhelmed with all this stuff.
I plan to donate a lot of it, but would like to sell some too. I am thinking yard sale to start just because of the amount of stuff. I was also looking at those large weekend sales that are held at churches and other locations a few times a year, but I don't know how much time is involved. I don't know how to price things to sell them. How does one determine a fair price for items that are still in excellent condition?
I'm looking for other moms' experiences selling your baby stuff and children's toys/gear... what worked best for you and what was more of a hassle than it was worth?
Thank you!
I do Just Between Friends, too, for items I prefer to sell. It's a bit of prep work (hanging items & making tags) but worth it. They suggest 30% of the original retail if in good condition. The last day of the sale is 1/2 half off - a nice option if you really want to move some items.
The 'rule of thumb' that I go by is 10% of the retail price, if the item is in nice, used condition. If it is something that is never used, then maybe up to 50% of the retail price. Some items may not go for as much as you think they should, because they may not be as common to use as you think they are, so go into selling stuff with an open mind about lowering the price (if someone makes an offer) to get rid of it. If you are selling a top of the line, top dollar something, then don't expect to get as much (percentage wise) for the item; people are at a garage sale to get a bargain. If you are planning to keep the item if it doesn't sell, then by all means, leave the price a little higher, and you just may get lucky and sell it. Take Care!
Gear: Craigslist
Clothes: kid to kid or donate
This is what's always worked best for me.
Skip the yard sale. Baby stuff is a HOT commodity and you'll be overwhelmed very quickly. That's when things will start to disappear while you're distracted with other customers. I think you're best bet is consignment. Or, if you have friends with small children, you can have a private sale in your home just for them. And I'd keep the pricing very easy - make categories and put everything in a category - clothes, small-medium-large toys, etc.
I would seel it all thru JBF. Someone else already gave you the link.
These are the steps I usually take, but it depends on if you're willing to do this much. I take everything in season to Kid to Kid, and they purchase what they want. Then I place on craigslist, and whatever is left over will go into a garage sale. Whatever doesn't sell there will be donated. We're in the same boat. We're getting ready for a garage sale at the moment, but I've sold a lot so far.
I vote donate to shelters or anyone in need. You avoid the begging and bidding down of prices of things you know that are worth more.
The tax benefit is worth more to us. However, now you are looking at tax benefit for 2009.
Hi There
I sold some stuff on Craigslist for the first time this past weekend and it was a wonderful experience. My friend said the baby stuff goes super fast. Log on and read about all the baby stuff they are selling and it will help you determine a good price. When I posted I just put my cell phone number and met buyers in parking lots of stores that were between our 2 homes. (To avoid having strangers come to my home.) If you can hold on to your stuff a little longer The Divine Consign sale that is held twice a year is a great place to make some extra cash. www.divineconsign.net.
Good luck
T.
Hi S.,
I have had a lot of success selling items on craigslist especially if it is in good shape. The consignment stores only pay you 30% of what they will be selling the item for. So, I usually only use them as the final option. A yard sale demands alot of work, but can pay off in the end. My last yard sale I had 4 items stolen and a friend had an iPod stolen at hers on a different day. From what I have heard this is happening more and more at yard sales too. So, that is very disappointing. The items that I can not sell I then donate.
Good Luck!!
T.
www.TFJPhotography.com/blog
Craigslist is great, we have bought and sold so many things using it. Divine Consign, like the other poster mentioned are awesome consignment sales to sell and buy at as well. You might also want to check out Tried and True which is another consignment sale. http://www.triedandtruesale.com
Just Between Friends!!!! www.jbf.com. It is only twice a year and ROCKS!!!!!
Hi S.,
I did well with using Craig's list. Most of my larger items went quickly as did my clothes that I sold by the lot. I was fortunate to be able to sell some other stuff at my Mother in law's and neighbors garage sale. I ended up not wanting to deal with consignments. Lazy I suppose. I just didn't want to take it up there. ")
