So your collection was started some years ago, but lately your interest has evolved and you no longer save windshield wiper blades from American autos. You’re now a serious hunter for anything from your hometown of Paris, Wisconsin. (And as soon as you get more than one, your collection will start.)
How can you get rid of this valuable collection, along with three hundred pounds of computer, printers, and cables, three beer mugs from an original set of eight, two TV’s, one with broken rabbit ears, a bread maker, (never used, you can buy bread at a store) and assorted other goodies?
Well, dear readers, it’s rummage sale season.
Regular readers will know I have many collections, as does Wifey, and some collections we sort of share. Most decorate our abode in the “wilds” of Wisconsin, where deer and turkeys roam. We have a natural outlet for any unwanted items, with wifey selling on Ebay and through her antique mall booth. Most folks without these outlets resort to the ever popular garage sale. Whatever you call it in your area, a tag, garage, rummage, relief, or yard sale, they create lots of interest at this time of year.
Jackie Looshauis-Bennett, wrote in our local morning newspaper, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, some informative “rules of etiquette” for both the buyer and seller at tag sales, titled “Make your offer, Then mind your manners”. Having been on both sides of the checkout counter at many yard sales, Jackie’s wise advise (with experts she consulted) instructs us all to act with civility to make the experience pleasurable.
Might I add some extra advice if you’re planning to place your table on the lawn and a sign at the curb, that should make your sale more profitable, less stressful and help you get rid of your unwanted treasures.
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Plan ahead, put key items in your newspaper or on-line ad, and don’t sell listed items till the sale begins. I always start a sale earlier than most in my area and end early. I use an odd start time like 7:42 am, which attracts attention in my ad.
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If you use signs along the route to your sale, include directional arrows or be sure the address is large enough for drivers to read.
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Have a helper, a neighbor or friend work with you on sale days, since a successful sale requires extra hands and eyes.
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Prepare newspaper and bags for wrapping and have change ready, accept checks if you know the person, ATM’s are everywhere, so hold the item until they return for cash.
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Have a set area with visibility over your sale for wrapping and collecting payment. A case or tray with small valuables should be at the checkout area. Keep your money safe, not in a box unattended.
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Don’t write, even in pencil, directly on an item, including on the back of a box, or in a book as it will decrease the value of the item, and never use tape, especially masking tape. String tags are best or tags that are designed for easy removal, wifey uses Post-it notes inside original boxes, and on the inside cover of books.
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Don’t be bullied by early arrivals, hold to your own start time. I’m reminded of the lady that would show up at sales a day ahead on crutches and tell a “sad” story of fearing crowds on sale days.
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“Those darn dealers out early waiting at the curb for start time.” Well bunkie, if you don’t sell to them you may miss your best chance to make money, so, welcome them without scorn.
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Price your items fairly, what you see on the Road Show is representative of maybe 1% of all antiques. If your sure your item falls in that category, sell it through a reputable auction service.
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Checking Ebay is fine, and if your item is exactly the same – in the same condition as one that sold , then sell your item on Ebay also, but don’t expect a retail price at a yard sale. (Ebay sales locations charge sellers fees that can reduce your profit by 30% or more.)
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Consider your sale a wholesale event but leave in some room for price reduction, as everyone likes to feel they just won a bargain. Inspect your items with a critical eye, a chip, crack, fading or stains may be acceptable on very rare antiques, but not on a decorative piece from Crate and Barrel.
- Lastly, don’t run a sale more than two days, any longer and exhaustion sets in and the last day you may be very lonely. So have fun at your sale and enjoy a new collection started with the money earned.
- Remember the adage: The price of an item is completely dependent on the mood of the buyer and seller at the very moment of sale. As a wise antique dealer once said, “I’m lowering the prices, I’m not running a museum.”
With my years of experience, I realize that finding an addition to a favorite collection provides a great rush, but the searches are taxing and time-consuming. Overall, I do enjoy selling more than buying; it’s a wonderful opportunity to quiz attendees on their own addictions, and hear their stories of antique conquests. And the feeling that two people got the better end of the same transactions, leaves a warm glow in both hearts.
