ScrappyAZ

We had our very first garage sale today. It was quite the experience, and my thanks go out to everyone who provided very helpful tips! I must say that garage sale people are very unique. We had the garage sale because we bought a smaller home and had to get rid of "extras" that would not fit in our new home. Since our goal was to sell or donate everything, we priced everything very low. I was definitely surprised at the number of people who wanted to pay $1 for something priced at $2. Really? People dicker over one dollar? I met some very interesting people.

We were selling an older model video camera for $15. One gentleman said it was too old and no one would want it but he'd take it off our hands for $5. I asked "how about we meet in the middle for $10?" He said No, he will keep his money and left. Shortly after, another gentleman asked about the camera. I told him the price was $15 and he said he could not pass up such a deal. Sold! So what happened about half hour later? The first gentleman stopped by again, looked at the empty spot where we had the camera and asked where "his" camera was. I reminded him that he didn't want it so I sold it. He seemed upset that I did not save the camera for him, but he purchased a small vase for $1.

Not sure we will have another garage sale any time soon. It was more work than I thought, but I'm happy we did it.

Judith1005

LOL, yes, I have had many garage sales. They always want to barter. They have to feel like they got a deal. (heck, I like to get a good deal. lol)

But, the differance, I don't quibble over a $1 items.

Congrats on getting what you wanted on your camera.

I usually price my items to sell. Out of my house and into yours.

slbram17

I agree, they are a lot of work. I have only had two though.

Billi

Good for you!
When we moved that's what we did I had good will all set up or a pick up we had our saturday sale and good will was there on Monday to pick up all the leftovers. Nothing went back into the house.

You do meet some interesting people.

granny64

I have had a garage sale and will never have another. I just as soon donate the merchandise to a worthy cause. People go to these sales and want you to give it to them.

Ellageo

I also had an old camera to sell, I checked sold prices on ebay , just to get some idea. Well, the camera was only selling for $20-25. BUT!! the old film I had left over was worth a 'fortune'!!

ptquilts

My favorite bargaining story - At a yard sale, a lady brought an item over to the seller and said, "this is marked 75 cents, would you take 50 cents for it?" The owner looked at the tag and said, "No, it is marked 25 cents."

"Well, would you take 15 cents for it then?"

athomenow

I had a lady ask me if I would take a dime for a $.25 item. My response, just take it, you obviously need it more than me. I haven't had many garage sales but you're right about people being very unique. A friend had one where she didn't price anything and asked people to pay what they thought it was worth to them. Made some money on that one strangely enough.

SewSassy

When my husband and I got married 3 years ago and were combining two households of "stuff". Each of us had lived in our homes over 40 years, I had several yard sales trying to get rid of some of my things, yes people will barter, we even had a free table. There were several items that we a little bit pricey and people tried to barter, when they decided they did not want to pay what I wanted they left, then several days later, they were knocking on the door wanting to know if I had sold the items....when you have collectibles, people know what they are looking at. After the yard sale was over, I had a Christian Outreach group come, pack up all of the remaining, and take it away...three pickup truck full.

scisyb220

I like to go to garage sales & look around, sometimes finding something that I know I can use. But some people who have garage sales will do strange things--like the lady who had 3 empty egg cartons & priced them for $.75! Really???? Who would pay $.75 for things that most of us just throw away??? I laughed all the way down the driveway away from there! But the last time I had a garage sale, over 25 years ago, I said never again! I made no money to speak of & it was days of work getting ready for it. I had a charity truck come & get what was left and said I will never do that again!