You won your first virtual storage auction. Paid then hauled the merchandise back to your home. You have boxes to dig through, clothes to sort and electronic equipment that may or may not work.
Now what?
How do you flip your inventory into a profit? Unfortunately there’s no set formula. Many factors come into play. Your location which includes the street you live on and populous of the neighborhoods that surround you.
Are you willing to answer a flood of emails if you choose to put items up for sell on the Internet? The climate where you live plays a part on flea markets or swap meets. Consider these factors:
- Are yard/garage sales successful on your street
- Any flea markets/swap meets nearby and do you possess the patience to stay the day
- Can you describe an item well enough that it will appeal to eBay bidders
- Do you live in an area in which you can move an item on Craigslist
Let’s explore a few of these options.
Flea Markets/Swap Meets
You pay a fee to rent space. Indoor flea markets cost more and other flea markets charge more if you use tables. Also consider the cost of gas if the flea market or swap meet is a distance away. Think about whether or not you are willing to sit all day indoors/outdoors from early morning to early evening.
Garage & Yard Sales
Location. Location. Location. You’ve heard this many times. Skim through your local newspaper and check how many advertisements there are for garage/yard sales near your area. Drive around your neighborhood on any given Saturday or Sunday during good weather for yard sales. Signs for your garage sale twenty blocks away do not guarantee you’ll see any traffic.
eBay
Mega world-wide store and yes, there’s a “but.” You are competing with the entire USA to sell your inventory. You should take a good, clear photo of the item. Put up a marketable description that will appeal to bidders. Offer a 100% guarantee on most items. Answer all emails in a timely fashion.
Craig’s List
Site to unload your merchandise locally but there’s a catch. If you do not live in a populated area it’s a bust.
While it appears I have slanted each of these venues in a negative viewpoint, the only way you can move merchandise is to understand the reality of the effort it takes to sell you inventory.
When I lived in Texas, flea markets were the best route to sell anything and everything. When I moved to California I chose eBay, Craigslist and yard sales. Now I live out in the boondocks. My venues are very limited.
Instead of relying only on eBay and Amazon, I’ve sold items on Internet forums. You would be surprised how many Internet forums have a market place.
I can personally testify I will never again sit through 90°F weather with 85% humidity in an open air flea market or yard sale in Texas.
Take a moment to consider which venue fits your personality and the time and effort you are willing to invest to sell your merchandise.
Which venue is best for you?
Please leave your creative opinions in the comment box below.