That's my post. Blame me for posting a different topic on September 11. At the end of the day you'll be exhausted from all the retrospectives coming from all media sources.

Posted by: Jack on September 11, 2002 09:45 AM

 

I recently sold some computer components, stereo equipment and furniture -- all at my asking prices. I considered Ebay, but it seemed like too big a hassle. I didn't want to fuss with packing each item, waiting for checks in the mail, giving Ebay a cut of my sale, etc.

I held a garage sale. It was advertised in the local newspaper with a URL where photos and detailed descriptions were available. I posted five cardboard signs in town. I only had 80 page views (about 10 people), but the Ebayable items were sold in the first 30 minutes.

I have not read any books about garage sales, but here's my theory... Label everything with prices. All of your small stuff goes for 25 or 50 cents. Your mint condition wide-screen only-viewed-once video of Monty Python and the The Holy Grail goes for, at most, one buck. People scoop up your bargains.

(They are bargains because you don't sell crap at a garage sale. Why embarrass yourself in front of your neighbors? And certainly never sell clothes. You don't want to see Mr. Foggerty from across the street wearing your old Hawaiian shirt.)

Anyhow, after your marks (definition #13) have been sweetened with armloads of good deals, they're like moths to a flame. They pay your asking price on your big items without bartering.

Posted by: Jack on September 11, 2002 11:18 AM

 

When I was about ten years old, I ran a stall in a jumble sale to raise money for some good cause that I can't remember.

At the appointed hour a horde of old ladies rushed into the church hall at a speed that illustrated the excellent hip replacements you can get on the NHS.

In the space of ten minutes they reduced me to tears by destroying my stall and insisting that as they were 'just a poor old pensioner' they shouldn't pay more than 5 pence for anything.

I felt like a small mammal that had been ripped apart by a school of piranah

This experience has put me off ever selling anything again. I would rather give my stuff away then re-live that experience !

Thanks a lot Jack, I'm shivering just thinking about it.

Posted by: Mac on September 11, 2002 11:33 AM

 

I usually end up listening to these types of shows on long trips around the holidays.. makes for some good entertainment and break in normal radio action...

Posted by: TimW on September 11, 2002 12:05 PM