We dig into drawers and closets that are largely ignored the rest of the year and, if we're smart, we start a pile of things to be discarded. My motto: If I haven't needed it in a year, I don't need it now. And because I'm a child of the Great Depression, as many of us Goldens are, I'm loathe to let go without turning a bit of profit.
My immediate thought was always, "Yard Sale." No longer. The most profitable yard sales I've had, were the ones I didn't have!
You might have to read that statement twice but it says exactly what I mean--I make more money from my cast-offs by not having a sale. Think about it. The things we put in a yard sale fall into two categories: "sure-to-sell" and "doubtful-but-throw-it-in-anyway." There are better ways to rid yourself of all those items and still have some cash in your pocket and/or other significant savings.
"Sure-to-sell" includes still-in-style good quality clothing and jewelry; vintage clothing and accessories; decorating accessories; better quality kitchen implements, dishes, cookware; drapes, curtains, bedspreads; small working appliances and furniture. Everything must be clean and not in need of any repair; nothing should be broken or faded and colors should be contemporary. This group is destined for a consignment shop and nothing is more embarrassing than having the intake person reject your offerings because of spots and rips, or because it's avocado green.
Consignment stores vary in the percentage they charge so it pays to call first and compare the pricing procedures and other policies. In addition to the consignment charge, check for intake/outtake fees, length of time at regular price, additional intervals of markdown prices. Determine if you can reclaim your merchandise after a specified period and what's done with it if you do not reclaim it. Most shops need the space for fresher goods and will donate old inventory to charitable organizations--you still get the charitable deduction.
