How to Price Your Yard Sale Items
The right prices on yard sale items encourages sales. The wrong prices will either drive customers away or leave you with little if any profit. Don't overprice, but don't underprice. A few shoppers will want to negotiate every price. Negotiate back, passively or aggressively: Answer with "What price do I have on the item?" or "I'm afraid I need to get the amount on the sticker." Early in the sale, try to stick to your original amounts. Be flexible as the day ends.
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Instructions
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Offer only those items that are clean and presentable. Price each item based on how much you would be willing to pay. Many shoppers look for good deals; others want you to give your stuff away. Many yard sale veterans price items at 10 percent of their original retail value.
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Assign prices of 25 cents to $1 for small kitchen and bathroom items. Home decor can be 50 cents to $5 but rarely more — unless it is truly a desirable object and in perfect condition. Books sell well at 25 and 50 cents, magazines at 10 cents.
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Ask $1 to $3 for DVDs if they are popular and especially if they are good quality children's entertainment. VHS tapes have little value in most locales. Sell them for $1 each.
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Price DVD players — if every piece is included — at $5 to $8. Request only $5 for VHS players. TV's can be tricky. Ask for $5 to $20, depending on the size, model and age, or post a "make me an offer" sign.
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Post prices of $5 to $50 on furniture such as headboards, side tables, odd pieces, bed frames and odd chairs.
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Charge at least $25 for a baby bed in good condition. Expect 50 cents to $3 per item for baby's and children's clothing.
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Price a lawnmower in good working condition at $25. Sell hand tools for $1 to $5; ask more for power tools.
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Request $5 to $20 for old bicycles.
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Tips & Warnings
When someone offers less than your stated price be ready to counter with an interested and open tone and a price you'd be willing to accept.
Within a few hours of closing, be willing to take more offers and let your shoppers know.
It is against the law to sell alcohol at a yard sale. Check with local law enforcement before selling guns or ammunition.
