Skip to main content

Cash for Trash

Share This article

I just finished two grueling days of taping in the South Jersey shore area for a new reality TV series called “Simplify Your Life.” The show brought in experts to help solve an average family’s problems and I was to address the family’s financial concerns.

After a successful shoot, the production assistant graciously offered to drive me to a nearby beach amusement park for some R&R. So, still in my business suit and heels, she and I headed toward the boardwalk to get fresh pretzels and see the rides.

We had the thrill of riding on an ancient wooden roller coaster that went above the boardwalk and over the ocean. Then we saw a “Bungee Flying” ride. A young woman was being hoisted up 300 feet in a harness. When they gave her the thumbs up—she pulled a rip-cord and fell from that height until a bungee cord caught her and she bounced up another 100 feet. The “ride” made her look like “Supergirl” flying through the sky—except most superheroes don’t scream at the top of their lungs.

When I saw her, this fun loving mother of seven said, “I’ve got to try that!” When I told the girl who drove me what I was going to do, she gave me a look that said, “Are you nuts or something?”

But the only question she actually uttered was “Are you going to do that in heels?”

Yes, I was.

And I did.

The only thing that concerned me was that when I was hoisted up 300 feet and the ground was getting further and further away—my harness started slipping. I wondered how my newfound friend would break the news to my husband. But alas, the harness held, the rip-cord pulled, and the adventure began!

I went free-falling 300 feet and the ground rushed up so quickly that my stomach ended up in my throat. It was frightening and exhilarating at the same time.

I look at life as an adventure—especially when it comes to stretching our dollars and being good financial stewards of the resources God has given us. If we’re not careful, we can find our money dwindling and further and further out of our grasp.

Sometimes we need to have the ultimate adventure: a garage sale! Paying a dime on the dollar for a product still in its original box that you’d pay full price for at Stuff Mart is a great thrill. Not only do garage sales simplify your life by helping you de-clutter, but they also provide a way to keep more change in your pocket if you can learn how to navigate them wisely.

Here are my top ten tips to host a successful garage sale. If you follow them wisely, you’ll find yourself flying high—without the bungee cord!

  • Collect – Throughout the year, throw stuff in a big box marked “Garage Sale.” Not only will you relieve clutter, you’ll soon have enough diverse items to host a sale.
  • Location –You may want to buddy up with a friend whose house has a better location to catch the attention of drive-by traffic. Or ask a neighbor (or two) to host their own sales—you could get three times the garage sale traffic with combined sales.
  • Advertise –Use brightly colored poster board and a good contrasting color. Keep the lettering brief and legible and tape some balloons on it.
  • Pricing –If you price your product, you are more likely to sell it. Most people don’t want to keep asking, “How much for this?” There will be some who will still barter with you on the price—but that’s to be expected. Begin pricing items weeks before the sale, placing them in a “finished” pile in your garage.
  • Cash Have at least $20 in coins, 30 one-dollar bills, and 6 five-dollar bills. Keep your money box in a safe location and never leave it unattended. Bring each $100 earned into your house for safekeeping.
  • Checks –Never take a check from someone you do not know. This isn’t just a matter of trust; it’s one of stewardship. Most people know to bring cash.
  • Hold –Never hold an item without a substantial non-refundable deposit. When you do this, it is likely that the customer will not return and you’ve lost your opportunity to sell it.
  • Marketing –Place furniture and bikes that will draw attention by the curb where people can see them. Try marketing ideas such as “buy three books/get three free.” It’s amazing how well this works—people respond to the word “free!”
  • Clean – If an item looks newer because it’s clean, you’ll be able to get as much as 50% more for it. Run sturdy plastic toys through the dishwasher, spot clean the armchair, and polish wood furniture—it’s worth it!
  • Expand –Let your kids get in on the action by selling lemonade on hot days or coffee and donuts on cool mornings. Be sure they understand how to make change and how to be courteous to customers. Who knows? They may earn enough to fund their college education (or at least buy a new bike)

 

Share This article

About The Author

Ellie
Kay

Ellie Kay is a best-selling author, a frequent media guest on Fox News, CNN, and CNBC and a commentator for “Money Matters” radio show. For her free newsletter and money savings links, go to www.elliekay.com.