Today we have a great Guest Blog entry from Amy at Trashfinds.com, enjoy!
The average person may not think too much about their actual method of pricing items they sell at a yard sale or flea market. Really, why would they? If someone hosts a sale on average of one every year or so, the method of pricing probably isn’t taking up too much mental energy. As someone who resells and collects, I can tell you I am far less likely to buy an item to resell that is going to require more time and effort to clean up than it is worth – especially if part of that cleaning is due to pricing sticker residue! It’s all relative to what I pay and what I can sell it for, but if I can only make a few bucks on it, I want minimum hassle.
Just a few observations on pricing methods:
Masking tape should be outlawed… The adhesive residue gets baked on the item in the hot sun, heat, over time, or if on paper, tears off precious parts of the cover or box. Same goes for almost any sticker you can use to price items. I swear by “Painters Tape” – it’s optimum for ease of use and visibility. Sure, it’s a buck or so more a roll, but it’s a lot easier to work with and you’re bound to find a use for it around the house (I find a permanent marker works best when writing on painters tape)!
Painters tape works on just about everything, except for certain fabrics. For items that don’t work so well with painters tape, tie tags step in. I make my own from discarded file folders, a hole punch, scissors, and a thicker sewing thread. No need to buy a bunch if you only need a few!
Washable or not, DO NOT write a price directly on an item with markers, crayons, or pens. Even if the writing comes off, an image is often left behind that is still visible. Additionally, having to use a marker remover or solvent on an item I intend to resell will very likely leave a noticeable dull area on the item. This is often a deal breaker when I’m looking to buy an item for resale or to add to my own collection.
Even if your items don’t go past a dollar, the print on pricing gun stickers is often difficult to see in bright sunlight or by those of us with not-so-great eyesight. You’re old sales sticker machine may look nice, but it may send the wrong message in that you may not be willing to negotiate on price. Besides, now that you’re using painters tape, why use pricing gun stickers?
You don’t have to price every item if you’re interacting with your customers; Price a few things in each category, or have tables for each price so people can get an idea of what you expect for items in general. If you’re willing to come down in price, let your customers know!
Check out Amy’s Website, http://www.trashfinds.com and follow her on Twitter @Trashfinds
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