It sounds like what you're doing is, essentially, a yard sale. Perhaps with very limited hours. Clearly the address needs to be included for a yard sale, although I have seen some people post "take the airport exit and look for the green signs" or something like that. But you would have to make sure you had great signs.

I don't know about including the retail price. I think instead mention that you have redecorated or remodeled and the perfectly good pieces simply no longer work in your space. In my are 80% of CL is sofas from 1992 -- nicer more recent things would be a pleasant surprise.

The no haggling is a bit more problematic. I think everyone expects to be able to haggle a bit with a CL item or a yard sale item.

I think it is a great idea. It's a targeted, focused garage sale.

I don't think it hurts to post original prices. People like knowing how much they have saved by buying second hand.

Sounds like a great idea! Just wish I lived in your town!

Just don't post your address until the day of ..
Say that the sale is sat. morning
do your whole ad a couple of days in advance
with a note at the end that the address will be posted late fri. night.
You can also say it's the 500 block of "My Street"

If you are afraid of freaks call it a moving sale.

Yes, that's essentially a yard sale. I think it's a great idea to post on CL and also consider posting in your local classifieds. I have seen listings of yard sales, auctions, and estate sales from time to time on CL in my area. Throw up a few signs in the neighborhood as well. You might even consider checking with your neighbors to see if they're interested in joining in on the yard sale as well.

Personally, knowing as many details about the product as possible encourages me to go see the product. Good pictures are critical too. I want to know who made the product and/or where you purchased the product, how old it is, exact condition (be honest), color, construction (dovetail drawers? eight way hand tied springs? etc). Without a picture, I will almost never take the time to go look at the product. Knowing the original price can be beneficial if I don't recognize the manufacturer, but most people do seem to use it as a justification for a higher price.

In general, many people expect to haggle when it comes to CL listings or garage sales or really any used goods. You certainly can post "no haggling", but some people will expect that they can haggle and may try anyway. You're pricing an item where you believe it's valued, but a buyer may value it differently. You don't have specific manufacturing costs and profit margins like a store. You're essentially selling your garbage that still has value. If you do not want to sell it under what you have listed, that's certainly your right, but you may turn away potential buyers. You decide if you'd rather take cash in hand less than you value it or risk not selling the item at all. Personally, I sometimes haggle and sometimes I recognize that the seller already has listed the item for a very fair price, and I'll pay what is asked.

Kind of a yard sale, yes. But not technically, because technically yard sales aren't encouraged in my neighborhood outside of specified "neighborhood garage sale" weekends during spring and fall. Lame, I know.

I've looked into it and a CL sale with people coming to buy their items all at once it OK. I've had to be careful about my verbiage. :)

jakabedy - interesting point on the haggling, but it's just not something I'm going to do. I absolutely loathe it. That's why I was going to state it up front and hopefully set the expectation. (I know I've never once tried to haggle a price -- if I don't like the price, I don't buy the item... guess I just expect the same courtesy from others.)

I've honestly never held a garage sale (because I really do hate them so let's just say my local thrift store gets some rea), I've just taken stuff over to my parents and let them deal with it. :) Would you have items priced indiviudally (tags/stickers), or just put up copies of the ad with all prices included?

i would think that if you specify 'no haggling' you'll have to REALLY price your stuff well (LOW)... i think for alot of people who shop cl and especially yard sales, haggling is part of the fun/thrill... based on my limited experience with having yard sales, not too many 'courteous' people show up!!! (hence, my limited experience! lol)
i wonder if there is a certain type of publication you could advertise in that might attract more of the crowd you're looking for??? (ie:your school's paper, church bulletin, community newsletter, or local college or something like that where if you state 'no haggling' you could feel more confident that people would respect that?)

Not to freak you out but just a word of caution. Always have someone else at home with you when you are open for business.

I went to high school with a girl who was selling a pool table in a classified ad. The guy showed up, kidnapped her, raped her, used her credit cards to buy presents for his family and ended up killing her. It was a few days before Christmas.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/News/article.aspx?articleID=070905_1_A11_BEROC61700&allcom=1&sortcom=r

Just be safe. Sorry to be a downer.

Craigslist is a great tool and I hope you sell out quickly. Put your Linden street bedding in it and I'll be there with cash in hand.

I am a frequent CL seller and I did something like this when I was preparing to move and needed to get rid of a lot of stuff at once. I did list items individually because it seemed easier to me to deal with responses that way--I only wanted to haul stuff outside if I knew people were coming to get it. I am not interested in haggling either. I always put "Cash only, prices firm" in my original ad.

I've only ever had two people try to talk me down in price, out of 100+ buyers, so I think the little warning works.

I don't like it when people list what they paid for something in their CL posts, it's a turn-off to me, but that's just me.

I have bought and sold on CL, but I am not a pro. I prefer showing several pictures of an item, especially if there are flaws (mention them of course) so that there are no surprises. Also mention that the price is firm. I will hold an item for up to a specific time and keep phone numbers of others who are interested. If you decide to do so many items, at least break it down into 4-6 items per listing, or have an online photo account so that they can clearly see what you have available. First come, first served usually makes me hesitant to drive there, already expecting the item will be gone. I think yours is more of an online garage sale. Good luck with it and as mentioned, be safe.

*I suggest you advertise it in the garage sale section of CL since you may be flagged by other CLers and your post deleted.
*I see nothing wrong with stating your prices are firm and if you have proof of what you paid for an item or it's retail value than by all means post that information also.
*I would also suggest mentioning cash only though most CLers know that.
*I would add your email address (invisibly ofcourse) if you are willing to send close ups of the items to help potential buyers decide if it's worth visiting your home to purchase them. Or you could always use HTML codes to post larger pictures right in your ad. Check link below for help. It's easy to do and I've found it works better than than the regular sized photos that make even the best photos looks as though they were taken by a 1.3 mp cell phone camera in the dark.
*Size does matter so make sure to measure things or use a yard stick when taking photos so folks have an idea of how big or small something is.

Good Luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Info on using HTML in your CL ads.

It sounds like something I need to do. Great idea, and I like some of the suggestions here! One thing about "firm prices" always puzzles me. While I have definitely bought things without asking for price reductions, if you really want to sell it, are you so sure of your asking price that even $5 less is worth missing a sale? Usually CL prices are kind of a shot in the dark anyway. I especially wonder when I see a CL ad that says 'moving--must sell by tomorrow--won't fit in new house--price is firm!'. I'm thinking...so what are you planning to do with it?? store it for a couple years at $40/month?? Anyway, that always makes me feel like the person will be someone who's kind of unreasonable to be so dogmatic beforehand. Good luck with your sale!

I do not think I would call that a garage sale.
When a person is working they only have so many hours to show items, so saying I will be able to show the item on Sat. between 9 and 12 am to me is just smart.
A garage sale would have to have many many items. The way I read this post, It sounds like she might have 20-25 items at most.

I too hate to haggle, so I post a couple signs at my yard sales along these lines:

I have priced the items as low as I want to sell them. Please do not ask for a discount.

The garage sale suggestion was because of what I've seen tagged and removed from Craigslist in my area. It may not happen where avesmor lives.
I've had items flagged and removed because my ads looked "too professional". What!? That doesn't happen anymore since more and more people know how to use HTML, but it used to happen all the time. Drove me crazy because when I posted using CLs regular photo upload system I'd get emails asking for larger pictures!

I think it's a great idea! You can always make exceptions on "the day only" if someone really seems interested. I wouldn't put priced "firm" on anything. I never respond on those ads as the prices are most always steep for CL. Price to give yourself some wiggle room. I don't know about your area but in my area 90% of the time people can not get near 1/2 of what they paid retail unless it's big time collectable. Most things that sell on CL in my area sell on average at 1/4 of retail.

I do not haggle, when I attend garage sales. I too pass if I don't like the price. When I have been on the other end, however I often would rather sell an item then continue to store it so I have been frustrated when a person walks away and just says "price too high". Your items are worth what someone else will pay. That is the bottom line. Your debate is how long do you want to wait for a buyer to appear that agrees with what you think an item is worth? How much of a risk of not selling it are you willing to take? Many people have a "rule" never pay what is asked. If you went down even a few dollars they will go away WITH the item you want to sell and you both would be happy.

I understand the concept of haggling and the delight of getting a good deal on something. But I price my items so low that it is insulting to ask me for a lower price. And there is too much to do during a yard sale to get into haggling.

I helped my elderly MIL clean out her basement a few years back and we had a yard sale. The prices were fabulous and I had my signs up asking people not to ask for discounts. Most paid the price or didn't buy. One well-dressed woman was looking at a lovely cake dish, new in the box, priced at $4. The original price was $30. She kept telling me how she wanted it for her son's new home, he was a cook. Would I take $3? My response was, "Your son means so little to you that you won't pay $4?" In cases like that, people are being cheap jerks, and I was trying to make some money for an elderly woman.

Mostly, though, I just say that we are going to be selling there the next day with lower prices and to come back tomorrow to see if the item is still around. At that point, people usually buy the item because the dollar or so savings is not worth the second trip. (And we are not there the next day.)

I'm not sure how to say this without sounding like a total snoot, which I'm really not, but I find haggling to be a sort of low dignity thing. But I could say the same for football players, and there certainly are a lot of passionate football fans out there, so please don't assume there's any intention behind what I'm saying other than I tend to have highly unusual perceptions of things! :)

I think I price low. What do you guys think? The last thing I sold was a "PB Basic" sofa from Mitchell Gold. We actively sat on the sofa for about 6 months, then it went into a reading room where it was largely unused for about 4 years. I sold the sofa, and 4 slipcovers (1 linen, 1 velvet, 2 twill) for $500. The sofa and one add'l slipcover new was about $1200. Someone bought it for $500. That's fairly typical for how I price things. I'm not trying to have a quarter sale, but I think very reasonable prices are fair.

Here's my philosophy. I'm not selling the stuff to make money, I'm selling it to clear space. If I can recoop some of my cost in doing so, great. But at some point (e.g. the point I've priced something at), if it's not worth it to someone, I would rather just donate it and take the tax deduction (we typically donate enough to itemize our donations, anyway). Someone's dignity should be worth more than 25 cents. I enjoy finding a great price as much as the next guy, but I would feel that I would compromise my dignity if something were already priced low and I was begging for a lower price (e.g. if a damaged item is on clearance, I don't ask for additional reduction).

I have probably 50 items to sell alltogether, but 99% of them are householdy decor things: prints, mirrors, knick-knacks, furniture, etc. I have 2 vacuums, 2 clothing wardrobes (the portable covered rack kind) and maybe 1 or 2 baby things. The rest is home goods.

Just because you are not selling retail, many people (buyers) insist on a haggle. Go the consignment route if you don't want to haggle. To itltrot: I am not really comfortable buying or selling on craigslist. People are too creepy!

People expect to haggle for second hand purchases. That's just part of selling and buying second hand. The only way to discourage (NOT eliminate!) haggling is to price it low from the beginning. Not "fair". LOW. 10-20% of it's original value. Even priced low, some people will still try for a better deal. It's the competitive spirit that exists in us all. If it will only raise your blood pressure to have folks offering you $300 for that $500 "well priced" sofa then don't do Craigslist. Donate it or consign it.

You don't sound like a total snoot. You sound like someone that prices her things fairly and doesn't want to play the price game. There are all sorts of folks that shop CL and I'm sure your ad will attract folks that want your items at that fair price.
I bet you are wishing you hadn't asked.
Good luck I'm sure you won't need it.

Here's another idea:

You can put the items on ebay with "LOCAL PICKUP ONLY -- NO SHIPPING" specified in the ad.

You can put the big items on individually, and the smaller items on as a group.

I recently sold a house and disposed of MANY household items, using both Craigslist and Ebay.

There is more control and less fuss with Ebay, which sounds like it might work for you. You don't have to spend a lot of time dealing with irresponsible Craigslisters who don't show up. And you don't have to hagggle. You can put on an auction, or use "Buy It Now" which might appeal to you.

I also say 'Cash only' in my ads, and generally do list the original price if I have it. I research prices on eBay and CL before determining my asking prices, and I make sure my prices reflect the 'going rate', the condition, and the original quality. I've only had a few people try to haggle, but I generally respond that "This item has only been listed for (however long) and I've already had lots of interest. If it doesn't sell in a week, I'd consider lowering the price." Again, because I tend to price fairly to begin with, they generally pay it. However, I will agree to a lower price if the item's been posted for more than a few days and I haven't had many nibbles...

For holding items, what works well for me is the following: "I will hold an item for an hour, starting from the time you call me to tell me you are getting in the car to come see it." That way, if anyone else is interested, I can take their contact information and not lose that potential sale for one that never happens.

I did try your 'semi- yard sale' approach once with an item where I'd had LOTS of interest. But of the three people who "really, really wanted it" only one showed up. Thankfully he didn't haggle...

The value of any item isn't what you price it at. It's what someone is willing to pay for it. I agree with those who say that if you don't want to haggle, then a garage sale or Craigslist isn't for you.People who post "firm" or "no haggling" are generally overpriced and in love with their stuff enough that they are willing to keep it rather than sell it. No one sells anything that they want to keep, so price it accordingly. 20-30% of original retail if it's in good condition, and then down from that. I'd also suggest pricing the item 20% higher than your bottom line price, and if someone is willing to pay that without haggling, then you make a bit of extra money. If they want to haggle, you have the 20% reduction to offer them. If the item was $100 originally, and you're willing to take $20 for it, then price it at $25. It's still a good deal for someone, and you have a fallback price for those who want a "better" price.

If you are someone who is "insulted" by someone asking, "Is this your best price, or do you have some room to reduce it?" then you are in the wrong venue entirely. Get real here. It's Craigslist and you don't put super high quality stuff on Craigslist unless you price it low. If you want to price it "fairly" and get miffed when someone lowballs you, then you need to have your own upscale resale boutique and stay away from the ordinary riff-raff.

justgotabeme - still glad I posted - lots to read through and consider, though I certainly didn't mean to start a debate over haggling vs. no haggling!

itltrot - thank you for the advice. Oddly enough, I contacted someone on CL to buy something today, and told her she could consider it sold if it was as described/pictured. I then asked for her address and a good day/time to pick up. She responded she would not tell me her address until I gave her my home phone #, which I did. About 30 mins later I got an email back from her that she wasn't going to send me her address b/c no one answered at the number I gave her (I told her no one would answer until later in the day, but I could check messages remotely & respond to her via email). She then wanted my last name and said she was going to look me up on Facebook & LinkedIn, and that if I "checked out" she would send me a number I could call to get her address. Either - wow - or I'm too laid back for my own good! :)

ratherbesewing (and others who mentioned consignment) -- I would, really. But there is only one consignment place around me that sells things other than baby/kids gear & clothes, and they are in the process of going out of business. :( And by "near me" I mean that I know of, within about a 50 mile radius (have also checked online, phone book, and word-of-mouth -- nothing so far). I've lost a bunch of weight over the last few years and have (not joking) over 20 55g bags full of clothes (I know, because we moved last year, and guess what I had to lug up from the basement). Plan to go consigment all the way!

hollysprings - "...ordinary riff-raff?" Wow, I'm not sure if there's venom there, or sarcasm, or what. For now I'll assume the latter.

sweeby - good tip on the holding things. I've "held" things and lost buyers many times, so I was reticent go that route again. Holding for a set time, so I can firmly tell back-up "after X time" seems like a reasonable alternative.

mclarke and others -- ebay for loocal pickup would be OK. I really don't have time for doing all items w/ shipping as an option. I hadn't even thought of that. I've sold on ebay, always to be shipped, to so I tend to have that association.

arcy - I would probably price a bit above tax deduction. ;) Totally get the concept of economic value, tho.

I talked my dad into helping me. He loves to haggle as much as I abhor it. I can't even understand that. I figure I will price items, then go inside & let him handle it. :)

On a side note, a girlfriend of mine had a garage sale this weekend and caught 4 people trying to "shoplift" her things. Wowzer! One lady tried to pay for one shirt, but was holding it awkwardly. Ends up she had wrapped the shirt around a crystal vase, which she had stuffed full of baby clothes. My friend first noticed it was taking the lady both arms to carry a button up shirt... Another guy tried to walk out of her garage sale wearing an MP3 player she was selling, then argued with her that it was his (her initials were Sharpied onto the bottom of the case).

Hi, shop lifters are why I no longer have garage sales, plus I'm meaner than a hornet in the morning if people mess with me. When my boys were young teens they started getting picky about their clothes. I often had unused clothing with the tags still on. Granted I usually shopped at Marshals or TJmax for their stuff but I usually bought the good name brands. So, for the items with tags that were pricier I put $4.00 because if they didn't sell I gave them away free to a somewhat struggling gal I know with kids a bit younger. That's when I first learned of the "can I have a bag trick". The bag trick is where they pay for a few items of clothing and while you are getting the bag they stack the already paid for stuff on top of the pre-arranged NEW $4.00 stuff. They stick it all in the bag right in front of you. I chased em down but didn't catch them. I also got ripped off on what you call the bundlers. There is also the can I have a box trick. This didn't happen to me but I know some that it did and it involved men buying electronics and putting in more than paid for. All the above tricks are also used as a distraction for their friends to steal stuff while you are turned away getting a bag or box. I'm sure it must be worse in certain areas though, in my nearby counties we have many people that get stuff for family members to send back to Jamaica and such so they like to shop in the nicer neighborhoods. Heck after what they have been through the last few years I would give it to them for free now. However that wasn't the case then and it made me meaner than my normal morning mean. If I ever have a garage sale again I will never sell clothes or half decent electronics I tell you that.

"justgotabeme - still glad I posted - lots to read through and consider, though I certainly didn't mean to start a debate over haggling vs. no haggling!" That's what I meant. But that's expected here at good ole' GW. LOL

And I thought I was paranoid about someone coming to our home when I sell something on CL! That lady makes me look like a big risk taker.

How sad about your friends experiences at a garage sale.

A couple weeks ago, a lady in one of our nicer subdivisions in our community, did a 'Garage/Redecorating Sale' and posted it on CL about a week before the date of the sale. I really thought it was neat how she did it. The listing is still up and I'll add the link below, but in case it gets pulled, I'll post the actual wording here as well:

SEE PHOTO! Have to get rid of some big furniture items: Z Gallery, Restoration, Room & Board, Pottery Barn and "to the trade" items including Z Gallery Armoire, Restoration Hardware Cabinet, gorgeous barely used 8x11 rug (100% New Zealand 100% wool, Shaw Kashan), tall World Market book shelves, signed Missakian with papers, Babystyle child's upholstered toile chair / rocker, Martha Stewart outdoor furniture, lamps, narrow World Market kitchen island, white front porch rockers. Only putting large items out but have tons of "to the trade" fabrics and frames. If anyone is interested, please contact me.

** Will have items avail for viewing & buying Sat morning 8/20 for 2 hours ONLY, from 9a to 11a. If you are interested in any of it and can't make it then, please call and pay for items prior to sale. If items don't sell during those 2 hours, contact me via email to view. Cash only.

Then, of course, she listed her address, directions, phone number and a few pictures of items for sale.

What do y'all think of doing it this way?

~ Addy

Here is a link that might be useful: CL Garage/Redecorating Sale

Wow, that's amazing. Perfect timing for avesmor. The only thing wrong is the pictures are way too small. Again I highly recommend using HTML for larger photos on CL.

Oh, interesting (the ad it still up). I'm definitely going to screenprint that for reference. The limited hours are great. She/he was even more limited than I would be.

Do you guys know if CL keeps the anonymous email address active once a posting is removed? I'd like to email him/her after the sale, and see how it went, what they'd do differently, etc.

Avesmor,

I'm not sure if CL keeps email addresses or not. I would think they wouldn't since they have so many ads, but you never know. As far as this particular ad is concerned, I'm almost certain the sale is over and she just hasn't taken the ad down. It has been almost 3 weeks since she posted it and almost 2 weeks since the actual sale. However, since the ad is still there, you would still be able to contact her by using the CL email address (sale-vyd56-2544825317@craigslist.org) OR you could just call her at the phone number listed in the ad. I spoke with her via email the day of the sale and she was extremely friendly.

Good luck!

~ Addy