Selling from you Garage, Porch, or Yard

Hosting a yard, porch, or garage type sale can be very daunting due to all that is involved.  With some good thought, it doesn't have to be daunting if you start early and get other family members or friends involved.  If you want to make money, you will need to spend a little money to do so.  It takes an organized person, willing to spend some time to plan, advertise, organize, and lay out the merchandise.

1.  Plan

• Know the restrictions placed upon sales by your municipality and homeowners association.  Some allow sales during certain time periods or may limit the number of sales.  Do you need a permit to host your sale?
• When in the year will you host your sale?  Depending upon where you reside in the country, think about normal weather conditions.  Look at your families schedule for conflicts like sports, jobs, or other activities keep you busy and unavailable to host a sale.  If there is a major event in your town, more people will be in your neighborhood.
• Involve neighbors or friends in the sale.  Larger sales can bring in more shoppers.
• If your residence is not an appropriate place to host a sale (i.e. on a hill), is there a local organization hosting a sale where you can rent space?
• Gather supplies you will need to advertise and set up the sale.
• Determine the date(s) and time period for the sale.
• Just before the sale, go to the bank and have ample money available - $100 in smaller bills and coins.

2.  Advertising

• Traditionally people search their local newspapers.  Look into the requirements a few weeks in advance and look at other people's ads for ideas.  Create your ad and following time deadlines for submission.
• Purchase bright colored poster board and a black Sharpie marker to make signs.  You want people driving by to be able to read your sign.  Make the lettering large and simple.  Each sign should include an arrow, date and time.  Place them at key intersections near your home on the Monday before your sale, unless there are restrictions set by your municipality or homeowners association.
• Print fliers to place at local stores on their bulletin boards.
• Consider posting your sale on the Internet.  Look at sites for other sales in your area.  Again, look at their requirements as to the size of the ad and number of photos you may post.  Some popular sites include:
•   Craigslist.com
•   yardsalesearch.com
•   yardsales.net
•   yardsales.com
•   garagesaletracker.com
•   yardsaletreasuremap.com
•   garagesales.com
•   garagesalehunter.com
•   yardsalequeen.com
• As a common courtesy, take down all signs after the sale.

3.  Organize

• Designate a location for gathering sale items - have boxes or shelves available to start sorting.
• Taking one room at a time, look around your home and decide what items are not being used, are outgrown, or no longer needed by you and your family.
• Make sure the item is clean, all pieces are there (use a plastic bag to gather small pieces), and if damaged make note of it.
• When you transfer items to your temporary storage location, place similar items together after pricing them.  Be careful when placing tags on items that they will not damage the surface.
• If other people are sharing your site, place your initials on your price tags.
• Expect people to ask for a lower price.  If your price is firm (not willing to go lower), note that on the price tag.

4.  Lay Out

• Think of your sale as a store, what would help draw people into your sale?
• Place like items together such as kitchen items; clothing arranged by gender and size; furniture; etc.
• Overcrowded displays are not appealing.  Because your sale is competing with others, people will spend time looking through boxes or piles of items.
• Electrical items should be placed near the building with an electrical cord available for testing.
• Keep the money with you.  Most people are trustworthy, however some are not.  If you are distracted by showing someone an item, your money box could be left unattended.

With some key points covered, you can have a successful sale and line your pockets with some extra money from items you no longer want or need.

Where to Find a Hidden Gem or Junk at 7 a.m.

For centuries, people have bargained and traded items.  It was how they survived when money did not exist in some cultures.  Today, people still trade items, but normally they buy and sell them for cash (paper and coin) or credit.

There is little recorded history of how and when people began hosting sales at their homes known as yard sales.  Another name for them comes from the word romage which is a nautical term for how cargo was packed into a ship, and how the captain would sell unclaimed items on the docks.  From the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a rummage sale is “an unusual informal sale of miscellaneous goods.”  As the saying goes, one man's junk is another man's treasure and these sales abound with treasures.

Yard or rummage sales can go by many other names including garage sale, porch sale, tag sale, lawn sale, attic sale, moving sale, thrift sale, junk sale, estate sale, bazaar, and flea market.  They are a way for the seller to make money while finding a way to dispose of unwanted or unused items.  Some of these events are run by individuals while others are run by an organization to raise money for a cause.  The reasons why someone shops at yard sales is as varied as the items you can find at them.

These sales can be a wonderful resource for furnishing your first apartment, looking to replace a missing or broken item, or to find an unusual treasure.  Some sales are organized and items labeled with a sale price, while others are disorganized and items have not been priced.  You never know what you might find.

Learning how to locate sales has changed in recent years.  Other than the local newspaper, bulletin boards at local stores, or driving around town to find signs, the advertising of these sales is now available on the Internet.  Searching these websites has varying results.  On some you may not find any listed for your area, and on other websites results appear.  It all depends upon how the people hosting the sale advertise.  Some web sites are:

  

  Craigslist.com

  yardsalesearch.com

  yardsales.net

  yardsales.com 

  garagesaletracker.com

  yardsaletreasuremap.com

  garagesales.com

  garagesalehunter.com

  yardsalequeen.com

Here are some tips for taking on the adventure:

 1.  When attending these sales, use the same common courtesy that you would want to receive if you were the person having the sale.  Read their ad thoroughly to note what is available and the date(s) and time of the sale, including special instructions such as no early birds.

 2.  When going to a sale, dress for the weather, wearing layers of clothing in cooler climates and good walking shoes (morning grass can be dewy).  Have a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen available even in the off season you can get a sunburn.

 3.  In advance, go to the bank to obtain change for the money you withdrawal.  Paying for a $1.25 purchase with a $20 bill may break their money box.

 4.  Have a focus on what items you are searching for, even if it’s not written down.  Know the size or  measurements, color, etc. for what you are seeking.  Use your cell phone camera to photograph something you are trying to match while searching can help.  Take a tape measure with you for measuring items at a sale.

  5.  Plan your route in advance, knowing which sale is the most important and where it is located.  Then drive to another sale that is nearby.  Some weekends you may strike out with few sales and on other weekends you may have to limit the number of sales you attend.

  6.  Have a shopping buddy, a friend or family member to tag along.  They can navigate your route, help carry items, and keep you grounded.  Have refreshments available in the car for staying hydrated and nourished.  To clean your hands after touching yucky items, bring along a bottle of hand sanitizer or wet wipes.  Keep supplies available including plastic bags, newspaper, rope, and a box to hold your purchases safely inside your vehicle.

 7.  What are you willing to pay?  Know the worth of items.  Know that the cost would be if the item was new, if it is an antique, or a limited edition item.  Unless the item has the work "Firm" on the sticker, be willing to make a reasonable offer.

 8.  Unlike a store that has a return policy, these types of sales are final.  Check items carefully before purchasing.  Check for condition – stains, tears, chips, rust, etc.  Does the item come in the original box, if so open it to make sure it is the item shown on the box and to see if it includes the owner's manual, and have all of the pieces?

 9.  If purchasing electronic items, ask to plug in the item to see if it turns on.

10.  There normally isn't a place to try on clothing, but that does not have to stop you from purchasing clothing.  Clothing can shrink when washed, so do not rely on the size on the label.  Look at the condition searching for fading, worn spots, stains, tears, missing buttons, and working zippers.

11.  Pick up and carry items you are considering purchasing.  You can always put it down if you decide against the purchase, but by not picking it up, someone else may select it.

12.  Items at these sales may be under a recall.  This is of particular interest to those purchasing baby items like a car seat.  If you have a smart phone, check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission web site while at the sale or call them during the week at 1-800-638-2772.

13.  If you purchase a large item like a sofa or a chest of drawers, and do not have a truck with you to transport it immediately, ask for a receipt when paying and take a part of the item with you like a cushion or a drawer.  Most sellers are reputable, but by not doing so they could sell your item to another shopper.

Who knows what treasurers you may uncover while shopping in someone else's garage!

Thrifty Shopping for Non-Clothing Items

Many thrift stores and consignment shops offer more than clothing and accessories including shoes, belts, and purses.  Under their roof you may find furniture, Christmas decorations, books, luggage, and so much more.

To live thrifty and obtain items, when you are shopping is this item something you need or want?  There is a difference, and knowing this difference can help you live a wonderful economical life.  To be financially savvy, it is important to understand the difference.  A need is an essential purchase, and a want is a discretionary purchase. We tend to get confused about the two.  Often what we think that a need is a want.  Those working in advertising tend to help us by confusing us, letting us think we need something that is actually a want.

Part of how we understand needs and wants comes from how we are raised and how the advertising industry displays things in front of our eyes.

One way to explain it is to look at something we have can understand.  If you have ever been outside in 90 degree weather for 15 minutes and feel parched because you have not stopped to hydrate, you can say "I am thirsty."  That is a need, as our bodies require a certain amount of liquid refreshment to be hydrated.  What you chose to drink is the want. If you chose a soda over water, you have chosen what to drink.

Likewise, the choice of how to spend our budget can be dramatically effected by our wants and needs.  That is where shopping at a consignment and thrift stores can save money.  Last month's blog was about purchasing clothing at these stores. 

Both consignment shops and thrift stores may sell glassware, dishes, curtains, small appliances, books, baby merchandise, sporting equipment, collectibles, and furniture.  Being a smart shopper involves knowing that what you are buying may not be a bargain because the item is may be overpriced or damaged.  Here are some tips for purchasing non-clothing items:

1.  Inspection - always examine the item for the condition.  Look for brakes, stains, and defects.

2.  Repurpose - can you take an item and with a new coat of paint turn it into something else. 

3.  Condition - check electrical items, ask to plug them in and make sure they work.  Does the store allow you to view DVDs or listen to CDs?  The outward appearance may be fine, but what is on the inside is unknown.

4.  Price - is it a bargain?  Knowing the regular retail will help you determine if it is a bargain.  Many times thrift stores offer items at specific prices that are a set intervals.

5.  Budget - are the items in your stash within your cash flow?  Setting a budget and having a list is important to not overspend.

6.  Real or knock off - know what to look for in the logo for your favorite brand.

7.  Price - look for an original tag or price sticker.  If you have immediate access to the Internet on your cellphone, take a minute to look up the item for the retail price and possibly reviews.

8.  Before approaching the cash register, take a moment to review your treasures.  Are they impulse purchases?  Impulse buying is something to always consider in the grand scheme of things.  Is it something you can live without?

9.  Before finalizing your purchase, understand the store's return and exchange policy.

While shopping you may find a match to something to replace like a broken plate, a memory from your childhood, or a real deal, something that is not priced correctly.  Take time and enjoy your adventure.

Next month tips for finding treasures at yard and garage sales.

Thrity Shoppers, Buying Second Hand Clothing

Saving money, but adding items to your wardrobe that may be slightly used or even new is possible due to consignment and thrift shops.

The word consignment comes from the French word consigner - to hand over or transmit.  This type of a store allows someone to place items they no longer want with a shop to be sold.  Although both consignment and thrift shops carry second hand merchandise, a thrift shop differs in the way it acquires their merchandise.  The items are donated by the owner to the thrift store who becomes the new owner and most of these shops are operated to benefit a charity.

The following chart can help explain the differences between the thrift shop and a consignment store.

                                 Consignment                                  Thrift

Merchandise           Ownership maintained by               Ownership transferred to thrift shop
                                owner of item, store agrees to        through the donation of merchandise
                                sell the item  - fee included
                                in sale price

Condition                Top quality name brands items      Varies - some items may be very worn
                                in excellent condition, may            while others may be new with tags on
                                specialize in one portion of the      them
                                market like children's clothing
                                    
Prices                      Higher due to quality of items        Items generally sell for a few dollar,
                                and includes a fee for the shop      name brand or new items sell for
                                in the sale price                              $5-10 or even more

Tax Incentive          None                                              Can request a receipt for the donation


One of the things that can be seen as both a benefit to both is the turnover in the stock.  You never know what you might find in these shops.

1.  Before your visit, know your focus.  If you know you are looking for summer dress blouses, then focus on the colors that would be good to add to your wardrobe.  Set a budget so you do not go over your limit and come home with items you do not need.

2.  On your first visit to a new shop, take a few minutes to look around the store to get the "lay of the land."  This will help you see what merchandise they offer and know where your focus is today.  It will also allow you to decide if it is a place you could come to again on a future shopping trip for other items.  Look at the way items are displayed.  Is it clutter-free with good lighting and wide aisles?  Do they supply a shopping cart or a basket?  Where are the dressing rooms and how many items may you take into the area at a time?

3.  Stop by the customer service desk and ask for the store policies for acceptable forms of payment, return policy, shoppers loyalty card, and how often they restock their merchandise.

4.  Locate the focus of your trip - the category of clothing you need to add to your wardrobe.  Some stores may divided the clothing into sizes or display them by their color.  Browse the racks and select items you may wish to add to your wardrobe.  Some manufacturers styles are smaller, while others are cut larger.  Look at items in the sizes close to your size, do a quick visual inspection for the possibility that they may fit.

5.  After you spend time searching the racks, and made you selections, try on the clothing.  Look at yourself in the mirror for the fit.  Next inspect each piece for torn seams, missing buttons, and stains.

6.  Review your budget with the items you have chosen and proceed to the check out with your final selections.

Part of the allure of shopping in consignment and thrift stores is in the treasurers that can be found far and wide.  These shops also offer many other wonderful items and next month's blog will focus on some of the other treasures they can offer.

Giving Your Wardrobe Personality

What is in style in clothing this year may be out of style next year.  Watching the fashion runways show us many styles that are outlandish and impractical for the average person to wear and afford.  Continue to build upon your basic wardrobe by now adding unique pieces that match your personality and are within your budget.

Last month's blog featured tips for reviewing your current wardrobe to build a basic wardrobe with some basic pieces for both men and women.  This wardrobe may sound bland with basic pieces in the colors of black, brown, navy, grey, and tan.  If patterns were chosen, they were simple, like a pinstripe.  Now is the opportunity to add more color and pizazz to your wardrobe, allowing you to show others your own signature look.

First and foremost, have a game plan when you go shopping.  Know what you are looking for - what needs to be added to your wardrobe the most.  Factors to consider are the season, the type of clothing you need for your professional wardrobe, your age, and the field in which you work.  You may decide to limit your shopping spree to a certain part of your wardrobe such as shirts to wear for work.

Before walking into a store, take time to check out their sale ads both from the newspaper and online.  Buy on sale whenever possible.  After Christmas or season’s end sales are best.  But don't buy something just because it is on sale or is a great deal.  It should be something you want to wear and coordinates with your style.  Also, if you find something on sale that may not have a perfect fit, don't be shy about considering buying it and having it tailored.  Buy comfortable clothes that make you feel confident and fit your style.

However, flexibility may be needed if you find an unexpected sale or end up at a store you did not plan on visiting.  Unless you are shopping for a something like a dress to wear to a wedding, you may find something that you can use within your budget limits.

Whenever you shop, look for clothes that are constructed well and need limited care.  Remember that dry cleaning bills can add up quickly for those dreaded "Dry Clean Only" items.

If you find a brand you like, consider purchasing more items in their line.  Many times, the material used is the same and you can mix and match pieces from something like a suit giving you additional options in your wardrobe.

Your body type can play a role in the style of what you should wear.  Many people do not find it easy to stand and stare at themselves in the mirror, but doing so can identify what your shape is and allow you to more forward in your clothing choices.  Look at the fit of the garment on your body.  Here is just one site with more information on body types.  www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-Your-Body-Type

Also consider the pattern and the length.  If you are tall, a larger and bolder print is normally a good choice.  However, vertical stripes will make you look taller than you already are, so avoid them.  The opposite goes for someone who is shorter with vertical stripes, but stick to a smaller pattern.  If you are short, wearing something very long may drown you.  Likewise, if you are tall, do not wear lengths that are too short.

Shopping is not for everyone.  Go into it with a good attitude and consider rewarding yourself afterwards.  When you go shopping, wear clothing and shoes that are easy to get in and out of.  If you are trying to find something to match a particular piece is clothing, wear it or bring it along.

Plan to take time trying on the clothes.  Not every company makes their clothing the same.  If you wear a particular size in one brand, you may wear a larger or smaller size in another brand.  Also, as items are made, the manufacturer may cut them differently to make quotas from a bolt of material.  A good quality item would be constructed with the pattern matching at the seams.

When you pick items to try on, be prepared to try it in different sizes for the fit.  Look at yourself in the mirror, turning to see yourself from all angles.  If you have a trusted family member or friend, so shopping together for that second opinion.

Go outside your comfort zone and try on different styles and colors.  You may be surprised to find a new color that matches your skin tone and hair color or you may be surprised to find a new favorite color or clothing manufacturer.

Each store has their own approach to how their sales people will interact with you.  Some are more helpful and will offer to locate a different size for you.  Since most stores have a limit for the number of items you may take into a dressing room, ask the staff to hold items you have already selected.

Good luck in your search to dress to impress, and dress for success.  Next month's blog will give you other shopping options to add to your wardrobe while saving money.

Building Your Wardrobe Basics

The workforce is ever changing, as with graduation looming for many and others job searching, the need for particular pieces of clothing can bring on a considerable expense.  Most employers have a dress code for their employees.  Fewer people are required to wear a uniform for their jobs today.

Pending the industry in which you work, you many have different clothing needs than some working in another industry.  Maybe you are someone looking to update your wardrobe. 

Before going shopping, here are some pointers to take stock in what you own and begin to create a game plan.

1.  Take an inventory of what you currently own.  Reorganize what is in your closet and drawers, placing like items together.

2.  Look at each piece and determine what whether the condition warrants it staying in your closet or drawer.  This step is time consuming, but worth the effort.

     a.  Repair a lose button or a seam that needs mending.
     b.  Attempt to clean something with a stain by using a laundry product.
     c.  Faded or thread bare items should be removed from your wardrobe.

3.  If you have not worn a piece of clothing because you do not like it or the size is wrong, decide if it is worth the space to keep it in your collection.

4.  Donate items that are still in good condition.  Ask for a receipt when you do so and save it and make a list of the clothing that was donated for your income taxes next year.

5.  Make a list of items you need to add to your wardrobe.  It might be to replace something like that dingy white dress shirt or it could be something you do not own that you should own.


Once you have completed this, look over the list of basic wardrobe items below and see if you may have a gap that needs to be filled.  These are basic lists for men and women.  Your job may not require a business suit, but you may like to own at least one for special occasions.

If you do not have then money now, at least go window shopping to check out the department or specialty clothing stores.  This way you will know what different stores have to offer, as well as their regular prices.  When the time is right, you will know what stores have the basic pieces you wish to purchase from the list below.

Always try on the clothes for fit.  Items vary from one manufacturer to another, as well as whether the item was cut from the beginning or end of the bolt of material.  Consider using a tailor if an item needs to be altered unless you have the skills to do it yourself.  Yes, this does add to the cost, but for a basic item listed below, it will be worth the expense.

Buying a good quality piece of clothing is important for something you will wear often.  Build your wardrobe with basic items, then add specialty pieces that follow the current trends.  Join store web sites to receive information about upcoming sales and coupons only offered to "members."

Men's Work Wardrobe Essentials

Suits - blue, gray, and black - classic basic colors that can be worn as separates. 
Black and brown shoes and belts
Dress shirts basic colors and sleeve lengths- white, creme, pale blue, etc.
Ties - solid are best for any occasion
Blazers - blue, tan, and a nice tweed are good basics.
Khaki and other casual dress pants
Casual shirts - polo or casual button down shirts
Overcoat/Raincoat - pending where you live you may need them for different seasons.


Women's Work Wardrobe Essentials

Suits - blue, gray, and black - classic basic colors that can be worn as separates.
Simple dresses, blouses, and shirts - chose simple small patterns or solids.  A simple black dress is always a classic piece.
Cardigan sweaters and/or blazers
Casual shirts like polo
Slacks - include neutral colors
Chino pants
Black, tan, and white dress heels and/or flats
Purses - look for classic styles in basic colors or small patterns


Now that your basic wardrobe is set, the column for June will continue with ways to spruce up your wardrobe with specialty pieces that can allow you to express your own style.

Charitable Donations

Studies show that people who itemize their taxes are more likely to generously give to non-profit organizations.  Maintaining receipts for the monetary donations for your 2014 taxes can put more money back in your pocket.

What is acceptable for receiving the tax credit on your federal taxes when it comes to a monetary donation?

1.  The organization must be a 501 (c)(3) as recognized by the IRS.   They must apply to the federal government for this nonprofit status.  Groups who are exempt from federal income tax can include charities and private foundations that exist for reasons including charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering amateur sports competition, and prevention of cruelty to children or animals.

2.  In claiming your donation to an organization, you cannot receive something in return.  That firehouse chicken barbecue, a car wash, a raffle (due to the offer of a prize), or another service like filling your pool with water do not qualify as an eligible donation.  The gift must be a true donation for which you only receive a warm heart.

3.  If you volunteer for the organization, the group appreciates your time and skills.  However, you cannot place a monetary value on your time and service to the nonprofit.


For more information on what are acceptable donations go to the IRS web site for Publication 526.

Recently a postcard was received in the mail from a non-profit who collects clothing to give to veterans.  Sounding like a good charitable cause, their organizational name was unfamiliar.  Having been a librarian, I checked on several web sites for the validity of this organization, including their own site.

Knowing that many groups tend to flock to certain types of organizations (pulling at your heartstrings to get you to donate to their cause), researching their validity as a nonprofit led to the discovery that they have had some issues that needed further consideration.  The compensation of the top officials showed large annual salaries.  This group also donated money to the Washington Redskins several years ago and in return received sky box seats.  So why would a not for profit organization looking to help veterans give money to a professional football team?  Does that sound right to you?

If you want to know how your money is being used, there are three good sites to check out

charitynavigator.com        givewell.org        bbb.org

These three sites have their own way to rate or review charities.  But not every charity will appear on these sites.  Some charities may be new (these web sites may be updated on an annual basis), and have only a local appeal, not being in the national scope.

Next, look for the organization's web site - what information do they provide there that can help you make that decision on whether to give or not.  As a potential donor, you have the right to know why the organization exists and what they do with the financial donations they received. 

When reviewing them, seek information on how much of your donation goes directly to the cause (program), to overhead including salaries (administration), and promotion of their cause (fundraising).  You have the right to view their Federal Form 990, which will explain their assets, receipts, expenditures and compensation of officers.

Never feel pressured to give to someone who is asking for money.  You have the right to ask to be removed for their phone and mailing lists if so inclined.  If you are speaking to a someone in person or on the telephone, ask for the group's information to review it when considering a contribution.

Years ago, a friend told me they had received a telephone call asking for a donation to a local fire company.  They wanted to support their fire company, but when they asked the caller to name two of the fire fighters, the caller could not.  This call was made from an company hired to solicit funds from the residents.  In this case, the fundraising company would be keeping a portion of the money.  Some organizations may hire someone to solicit for them, but this could also be a scam.  To see the funds used in the best possible way, with the money going to the organization and not the fundraiser/scammer, send the check directly to the organization or deliver it directly to their location. 

With your mailbox full of requests, and receiving telephone calls from other groups, you need to decide in the end to which organization deserves your money.  After all, the charity's ability to bring about long lasting and meaningful change in the lives of people and communities should be the key reason for your financial investment.