How to word garage sale ad

[jkljkl]

I am going to put my garage sale ad online. There are several sites where I will list it.

I would like people to know upfront that I am not giving stuff away. I am selling these things to make a small profit. I am happy to negotiate prices, but nothing will be free. So how would I say this in the ad? I feel its only fair to let people know. Should I say "no giveaways". Or, "I am happy to negotiate prices, but please be reasonable".

The reason I feel it needs to be stated, is that its common where I live, that people show up, say they don't have money, and ask for things. These are people driving nice cars.

[Blessed617]

I wouldn't even put anything about negotiating because then everyone will try to lower the price. If it's possible, in all caps put, "no giveaways available" and leave it at that. and they might be driving a nice vehicle because they are sinking all their money into that car and not dealing with other necessities in life. I'm not defending that kind of action at all, but some people do put things above necessities in life. People who are always looking for a handout really annoy me. I guess it might be a little much to state anyone asking for a giveaway and is driving a nice car will be asked to immediately leave the premises!

I am going to put my garage sale ad online. There are several sites where I will list it.

I would like people to know upfront that I am not giving stuff away. I am selling these things to make a small profit. I am happy to negotiate prices, but nothing will be free. So how would I say this in the ad? I feel its only fair to let people know. Should I say "no giveaways". Or, "I am happy to negotiate prices, but please be reasonable".

The reason I feel it needs to be stated, is that its common where I live, that people show up, say they don't have money, and ask for things. These are people driving nice cars.

[jkljkl]

Thanks.

[3timesoccermom]

What about: "I can't afford to give it away so don't ask." Or "Sorry, NO freebies."

That said, I am no garage sale expert but I wouldn't even bother! People will still ask because:

A) they ignore what you said
B) they think "what will it hurt, she might change her mind"
C) some may not have seen the ad in the paper(s)
D) more words in your ad may cost you more

You could have a large sign up at the sale with the above phrase (or whatever you decide on) posted in plain sight. Then if they ask, point to the sign!!!

One thing I've decided on is if I ever have another garage sale and put an ad in the paper it WILL state: EARLYBIRDS PAY TRIPLE. Galls me that people ignore the "no earlybirds" directives.

[434Teresa]

This is what I would do...

You could have a large sign up at the sale with the phrase "Sorry, NO freebies."
(or whatever you decide on) posted in plain sight. Then if they ask, point to the sign!!!

People will always try to get you to come down on prices and yes some will ask you if you dont sell the stuff can they come back and go threw it..Just keep your cool and say in a nice way say "no I can do freebies for we really need and have to have the money for our family right now" or " no sorry I already have someone buying all my left over stuff for one lump sum but if you will offer me more then maybe we can talk"..

[jluper7297]

" no sorry I already have someone buying all my left over stuff for one lump sum but if you will offer me more then maybe we can talk"..

I like this!!!

[Luv Savings]

Garage SALE all prices at the lowest I can go All FREEBIES are GONE !

[JulieDB]

I don't know where you live but here in WA I had two garage sales and never again. That was all people wanted was free stuff. We didn't sell much at all. Now I just give it away to charity. I probably wouldn't bother with putting that wording in your ad. If you do you are likely not to get anyone.

[jkljkl]

I don't know where you live but here in WA I had two garage sales and never again. That was all people wanted was free stuff. We didn't sell much at all. Now I just give it away to charity. I probably wouldn't bother with putting that wording in your ad. If you do you are likely not to get anyone.

This is a huge problem these days and garage salers need to start setting boundaries and limits with customers. If we don't, they will keep trying to take advantage.

If people don't come to the garage sale because they can't get free stuff, then I am fine with them not coming at all.

I also plan to put "no tools are being sold" in my ad, because in the past we had tons of people walk up, ask if we were selling tools, and walked away when they found out we weren't. So I think its only fair to state upfront that we aren't selling tools. That way, they can spend their time going to other garage sales where they might find tools to buy.

A friend of mine had a HUGE garage sale, sold tons of stuff but only made $40 in the end. Because of freeloaders and tightwads who didn't want to spend money. She worked really hard and got up early in the morning, worked the sale all day, and only made forty bucks. We need to start getting firm with these people!

[jkljkl]

" no sorry I already have someone buying all my left over stuff for one lump sum but if you will offer me more then maybe we can talk"..

This is a good idea, because I've had people show up and argue that "you are going to have to get rid of this stuff anyway". I can say, no I am not because someone has offered to buy it up.

I hate it when garage sale customers think I'm just doing spring cleaning. No I am not! I will gladly keep all my stuff, if I don't get the right price for it.