DEAR HARRIETTE: I desperately need to make a few dollars. I have been out of work for several months now, and I can’t pay my bills.
I have tons of stuff that I could possibly sell, but I’ve never had a yard sale before. Is this something that people still do? How can I price items if I stage a sale? Should I also put stuff online? I have old camera equipment, some good pots and pans, a ton of women’s clothes and some other odds and ends. Is it worth it to try? -- Yard Sale, Memphis, Tennessee
DEAR YARD SALE: The traditional yard sale is still alive and well, especially in the summer. To attract customers, you will need to post signs on major streets leading to your home. You can also promote using a neighborhood newspaper or website, and you can sell online.
Do your research to see which websites sell the types of items you have to offer. Craigslist is still popular, as is eBay. You may want to consider having someone with a good following on one of those sites sell for you. In that case, the person gets a commission. What’s good about that is you sell through a known seller who already has a track record.
In terms of pricing, go low. In order to move the “stuff” you have to sell, make it super affordable. Consider 70 percent discounts on items so that customers can understand what value they are getting for their dollar. Price items to move!