Sunday, April 24, 2011

A VIRTUAL GARAGE SALE

What a great day today was! 24 degrees here in Toronto!  With Spring looking like it's finally staying, some of us are "Spring Cleaning".   During my annual home purge, I set up different piles - LOVE IT- things I keep, LIKE IT - things I am on the fence about and HATE IT- definitely needs to go
After everything is sorted out, it's time to decide what to do with that huge pile of "STUFF",  I give some to charity, some to friends and then I sell the rest of it.  The beauty of technology is that you can have a garage sale at anytime! Thanks to sites like Craigslist and Kijiji it's possible to actually make some cash from the things you no longer need.  Posting online and creating your own "VIRTUAL GARAGE SALE" may seem daunting, and a bit difficult, but seriously it's pretty easy to do and manage. 

Here are some great tips  on how to sell your items online.

1. Make sure what you have is sellable
No one is going to buy your child's arts and crafts! Also if it's broken, don't put it online no one is really going to buy a broken item.  Make sure that your item is also clean, and shiny. If it's an electronic item include any warranties or manuals. Make your item look as new as possible.

2.Take some great photos
Photos are super important. Place the item in front of a neutral background, a nice solid sheet covering your table is great. If it's a piece of furniture, make sure the area is tidy, (people look at the other things in

3. Describe with as much detail as possible
Let everyone know exactly what you are selling.  The dimensions, the age, the colour. When did you buy it. Tell a story about what you are selling and why you are selling it. Make sure you let people know if you can deliver. 

4. Set your price
Do your research! What I like to do is take a look at what others are selling similar items for and what they are selling it for.  Be ready to negotiate, trust me people will make you "low ball" offers, it's your choice if you respond. However,  if you notice that you are getting offers that are much lower than what you have posted, reconsider your asking price.   

5. If you only want cash, say it
Cash only should appear in your ad if you only want cash. I think this is the best way to deal on the sites.

6. Get a number
Make sure you speak to the person that you are negotiating with, especially when it comes to making the exchange. 

7. Be safe
Never be alone when doing an exchange. If possible I always say go them, and try to bring a friend.

Happy Savings
Miss Savings Girl


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