$100 GUARANTEE if you don't make any money backed by the company!

Beat Recession: GARAGE SALE!

Sunday, June 21, 2009


As we've been doing some house maintainance, I noticed that the rooms were starting to look a bit crowded and that space was lessening. I mean, it's not that there's piles of junk here and there but it's when closely observed, I noticed there were blankets taking up space in the closet that could be utilized for other objects. There were clothes in my closet I probably wouldn't think of even wearing again and some even brand new that I hadn't even worn but just lost the interest in keeping. That was the similar case in every room - random knick knacks and just items that could find a better home where it would be more appreciated. So how were we going to get rid of this stuff productively? A garage sale!


Not only did my friends and I decide to do a garage sale, I wanted to have three to gather some data for all of you guys. We did a three team garage sale effort to have a variety of items. 

Here are my earnings and the team's earnings and I'll also explain the technicalities.

Saturday, June 13th:
Vanessa: $95.00
Team: $345.00
Details: Notices went out on the Thursday night prior to the garage sale. Fliers went up, internet advertisements, and signs. Clothes were sold for $1.00 - $2.00, jackets and coats $3.00; Little collectibles were $1.00; electronics were anywhere from $3.00 - $6.00; books, CDs, DVDs, and other media were $1.00; generic handbags were $2.00-$3.00. Our garage sale hours were from 9:00am to 1:00pm but everyone arrived and swarmed us at 7:30am. We were thrilled!

Sunday, June 14th:
Vanessa: $46.00
Team: $220.00
Details: Signs were posted the morning of the garage sale, a couple the night before. Many items now that we wanted to get rid of were fifty cents. The most popular from the sales were clothing, books, and perfume. Our biggest sale was from the Nintendo Wii which someone from my team sold for $150.00 because it was missing the box. Men's dress shirts were the hit on this day. The weather was warm; we stayed near the garage opening most of the time to keep cool. Our hours were from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Other than the Wii, the rest of our sales didn't do too well as everyone kept bargaining with us and we were way too lenient on them, practically giving the stuff away for free.

Saturday, June 20th:
Vanessa: $40.00
Team: $130.00
Details: Advertisements were posted in the classified section of the local newspaper and on Craigslist on Tuesday night prior to the garage sale. We posted up signs at the vicinity of the neighborhood. There were approximately ten signs put up around the vicinity of the neighborhood we were holding the sale at with arrows leading to minimize the search process. The most popular item sold was cosmetics that I had and were still new but I ended up not wanting. People didn't seem to want to stay out too long as the weather was humid and warm. Most visitors stayed no longer than ten minutes. Most purchases averaged around $3.00. Our highest selling item of the day were men's and women's shoes. Our hours were from 8:00am to 1:00pm.

Post garage sale, we then went on a drive to see for ourselves how we compare to other garale sales in our city. The signs posted around the city all had different times and how long their sale was going to be held. However, the most common hour seen was 8:00am as an opening mark to sell their items. We found that our prices were slightly higher than many of the sales as shirts on their yard were sold for $.050 and many other items for just $0.25 and nothing really over $3.00 except for the really big items. Many common garage sale items are clothes, books, and toys as children grow out of these quite fast. A man actually came to our garage sale for an old but working video cassette player and we sold one to him for just a dollar.  

We found that we had the biggest selection of items, being that we were a team effort garage sale, with layers and boxes upon boxes of clothing, collectibles, and other random knick knacks so we made quite an impression and I would say 95% of the people that stopped by our sales had purchased something from us no matter how small the amount.  



Sooooo... want to know the tips now?

-People actually wake up early on weekends and shop garage sales solely, sometimes even look for specific items that usually sell for an expensive price tag such as furniture, vintage collectibles, video games, barely worn shoes, housing decor.

-You may post up a sign for 8:00am but there are always people who will drive by earlier than the posted hour to try to nab the better stuff of your sale first before you actually "open" to and sell everything to the public. If you know ahead of time this will be an inconvenience for you, remark on your advertisement that you don't want any "early birds" or "no early sales."

-If you really want a certain price for an item, try to sell it a dollar or two higher than what you're expecting because when people bargain, they really try to nail a bullseye for a deal. For instance, I had a blush compact that retails at $24.00 from a famous french makeup line. However, of course, it's a garage sale and you can't expect that from anyone especially if you didn't want the item in the first place. So, I put a sign that said $15.00 and a woman went as low as $4.00 on her offer yet that was more than I really expect as I at least wanted $3.00 for it.  

-Like I said, it doesn't matter how much your product retails for or how new it is - the bottom line is that it's a garage sale, ok? Don't ask for $100 for your Coach sneakers that were given to you as a gift last Christmas but you never wore them because they were hideous. The most you'll probably get for them would be $20.00.  

-If by the last couple hours of the sale, you hadn't earned as much as you were hoping for, then your prices either are too high or other factors are affecting your sale such as multiple garage sales going on at once - hence, that's why people shop so early so they have time to go to other sales and compare.

-BE CAREFUL. WE HAD PLENTY OF ITEMS STOLEN. Just because it's a garage sale, doesn't mean you should be loose with your goods. Think of them as dollar signs unless you really don't care about making a good sale to make the most out of your experience. We had items stolen such as cosmetics, jeans, a jacket, and a flat iron (hair straightener).

-Don't sell anything that may get you in trouble. No drugs, guns, prescription medicines, over the counter medicines, bombs, pornography, alcohol, cigars/cigarettes, media that suggests violence and unlawful behavior, raunchy lingerie, homecooked meals/food (people have allergies, sensitivities, illnesses, or digestive issues that they may accuse you of stirring up if any symptoms become prominent after eating your goods.).

-Be fair. Just because that darling old lady walks by for her morning stroll every morning and waves to you with a smile doesn't mean you can't give the same discount you gave to her to the man in a leather biker vest with an I love Becky tattoo on his arms. People go to garage sale to get the best deals, save money, have a good experience, and in return - they may leave the garage sale and spread the word about your good services and prices.

-Have lots of store bags ready to put items in when people buy them. A couple of our customers were joggers just passing by and it was a convenience for them to hold them put until they got home without having them falling all over the place.



-I can't express this enough - customer service. Have you ever walked into a department store and didn't buy something because a certain somebody was acting snobby towards you? The same goes here. This is your personal store and regardless of who stops by and how they act towards you, it should be in your best interest to give them the best sales experience ever. You might just meet a friend or two this way as well.

-Present everything in a way that people will want to buy the items. For instance, clothes that were neatly folded on the table and laid out were more sold efficiently as opposed to the ones thrown in a box on the floor. No one wants to be bending down the whole time searching or sitting on the floor either; it's uncomfortable- especially on a warm day when the cement is way too hot to touch. Don't just put your collectibles on a table and stick things in boxes wherever it lands. Arrange them as to making them look like a pretty site as how you would want them to look on a store display or in the home itself if you were rearranging. Many items will clash but you have to coordinate as best as you can to get people drawn to the garage sale. Maintain this through out the day. No one who comes mid day will want to shop at a sloppy sight where they think they're just getting what is left over but what is still there that is waiting for them to take home.

-Change. You'll need spare change. Twenty one dollar bills and a roll of quarters would be ideal to start with. In the early day, many people won't bother breaking down their bills to shop at a garage sale.

-Play some upbeat music to get people feeling good. Don't play sad songs. It will make people depressed. Don't blare it either. Keep it at a good easy listening level as if you're hearing it while walking through a store.

-Greet and welcome everyone in a courteous manner with a smile.

-Encourage family members and friends who don't want items to do sales with you so you can attract customers with a bigger display and variety of items or have them just give you the items they really don't care selling and earn a chunk of change for yourself!




Shopping at a garage sale:

-Don't show how much money you are carrying with you or dress extravagantly. This will encourage sellers to raise prices according to their own personal judgement.

-Don't be afraid to bargain. Many sellers often just want to get rid of the item or get whatever they can for it.  

-You're more likely to be cut a deal if you select a few items out instead of one or two. Instead of asking the seller how much each item is, ask how much it would be for all of the items you are holding. You may be given a very good price as the seller sees an effort of you trying to buy many of their goods.

-Don't haggle way beyond unreasonable though. Garagle sales are put on for a reason - to make money. Don't offer anyone $5.00 for a $550 Gucci bag that still has the original price tag on it. Be fair and likewise, people will be fair to you.

-If you have children or moving into a new home, this is where you will find the best deals. I found a beautiful bedroom in a bag complete set in a satin light blue and gold pattern that retails for over $300.00 at Macy's for only $20.00 with the original price tag still on it and has never been used. I found fine china dishes for $.10 each. Got kids? I bought a full tool bench playkit for only $3.00 Many board games were sold for $1.00 and even some of their pieces were sold separately so if you are missing pieces from your own games, I suggest visiting a garage sale.  

-Know that a garage sale is a great place for finds period. It's not just used item resale event type of deal. Many items that I saw were still in original shrinkwrap or packaged, new with tags, or hardly ever used. My best friend got the best deal on a pretty photo frame that was still unopened for only $0.25.

-This one is obvious - no returns or exchange. Inspect the items you're interested in before you fork over the cash. It's the worst inconvenience to go through the hassle finding the location of the seller three days later because that singing duck wasn't right for you and it just wouldn't shut up. If you paid a dollar for it, just toss it away or give it away. You'll spend your energy and money driving back to the place to get that dollar you spent that you just spent again getting there. Plus, you never know if the party holding the garage sale was in dire need of money to pay something off. Don't be greedy.





5 Relationship Mistakes That Influence Financial Decisions

Sunday, June 7, 2009

How we spend money is often affected by our moods and our moods are often affected by people. Often times, we generate our actions based on how we feel at the moment and forget that it may have long term repercussions.



Mistake #1: Your best friend just put a down on a brand new Lexus after he received a promotion. You've got money in the bank saved up and you know you can afford a better car than what he just bought. Now, you're surfing the internet for the best dealership markdowns and you want to show off that you're doing just as well as he is.

The real deal: Not only will your friend see that you've taken the time to buy a new car after him but he might just take your friendship to a different perspective that you look at him as competitor. He'll also see that you feel threatened by his actions and have insecurities about yourself of being unable to go with the flow of his lavish lifestyle. Save your money instead and save your friendship. If it wasn't your intention in the first place to upgrade your vehicle, then pause that thought until you're lucid about what you want and are positive that you know you need a new car. You never know, especially with the market fluctuating, he may admire you later on when you get an even newer model and make of a vehicle when you know for certain you'll be satisfied with your purchase and your own self.


Mistake #2: Your significant other dumps you. The next week at the classy restaurant three cities from you, you just happen to spot them with a new date. All of the sudden, you want to step up your appearance and drastically change what you look like to make the envious.

The real deal: You're ready to hit up the mall and feel that if you buy that one outfit or change your hair that you'll definitely get them to notice you again and make them feel sorry for ever letting you go. At the end of the day, you realize that you've blown a week's paycheck on the seven bags of clothes, accessories, shoes, and whatever else is on those receipts when you get home. If you're a female, you can add another $150.00 for getting your nails, hair, pedicure, and facial done. They see you again and notices how ravishing you look a couple weeks later yet now, they're introducing you to their fiancé. It turns out they were just taking a break, they dated you, and they went back to them. On top of that, the outfits you bought just went on sale and now you've missed the opportunity to save $50.00. Then, you might just be secretive and call them or text to ask what went wrong in your last relationship. Their answer just happens to be your personality and in the end it had nothing to do with how attractive you were.


Mistake #3: Everyone is going to Europe this summer and you've always wanted to go. They'll think you're broke if you don't go - at least that's what you believe. You're looking at the bank account and only $2,000 is sitting there. You know that if you bought a ticket and went on your way, you can survive on it.

The real deal: Tickets are not cheap, especially to Europe. Then, you'll have to estimate travel costs outside of the airport in order to get around. So now you've purchased the ticket, went on your way to Europe, paid for a hotel and realized that you're down to your last cent. You told your friend the situation and now you just look plain foolish for ever going because it was never in your budget. Now, not only do you look broke but look outstandingly dumb for spending your last dime and everyone has to pitch in for you to get back home eventually yet that trip date isn't until a week from now. Your meal ticket is your friend's budget. That's certainly inconvenient and a burden to other people. Make sure that you have enough money to go on vacation even if you think you seriously deserve one, it's the worst thing to be trying to relax and stress out about something else instead. Tip: Buy tickets at least eleven months in advance to a location you've really wanted to go for sometime and only when you have reserved money to splurge on it. Then, create a savings account where you put something in every time you get a paycheck or extra money. In about eleven months, you should be smiling to cultural music and buying souvenirs for people back home, taking pictures along exotic coastlines, or mailing back a pictures of foreign landmarks. Use your best judgement.


Mistake#4: You've got mutual friends with your partner and it just so happens an anniversary came up and they bought their significant other an extravagant gift. You're ecstatic waiting for a special occassion to happen because you want something similar.

The real deal: The last thing on their mind is to get you an extravagant gift. To be completely honest, you shouldn't be expecting any type of gift unless they've mentioned it because it's one thing to be given a gift, it's another to expect a grand gesture. Just because your friend or sibling received a $1,000 gift card or a Rolex doesn't mean you should expect the same for your mate. Even if you've bought your partner a car, a ring, and all the other fancies - it doesn't mean that they're required to give the extravance you've been able to afford. First of all, an occassion should be meaningful and whatever is given to you is a sign of acknowledgement that they care about you. Second, even a card should be enough to signify the importance of that date. Avoid phrases such as, "You know what you can get me for ..." or "For my birthday, I want you to get me a ..." Phrases such as these turn people off and feel obligated to get you something along these lines even if they can't afford it. Avoid these situations and be grateful for someone who loves you enough to let you know somehow. Besides, money can't buy love.


Mistake#5: It's been tough lately to find a job and you've been searching all day. The bills are due and you're panicking. You've got an idea to call some friends out for a loan. That should bail you out for a while.

The real deal: Don't borrow money from friends because not all friendships are secure. There's a phrase that goes borrow from a friend and collect from an enemy which is many times true. Some friends like to gossip or accuse you of taking advantage of them. Some friends want their money back immediately and as already mentioned, you're struggling to find a job so two months down the line, you're still financially hurting and now you owe them money too. My suggestion is to go to your city's human services office of welfare for help. If you have shut off notices, you may be entitled to immediate cash aid and utility services. If you need food, they provide services where they can fund your needs as well as enroll you in a government health care program. This includes any dependents if you have any such as a spouse or children. They'll help you in every way possible to get by. Also, call your creditors and let them know the situation so they can extend your due dates or waive/minimize payments. These people are more than willing to work with you.

The Cheaply Chic Young Adult



Being twenty-two and still self seeking, I sat down one day and decided to reflect upon what has got to be the worst ways to blow money on a single outing with friends or colleagues. I thought to myself I'm still young and I want to have fun. But how far can having fun get until it is expensive and financially abusive? Here are a few scenarios that young adults can enjoy yet be able to live on a small budget without crying about living independently.


The Movie Buff

Let's see, a night at the movies shouldn't be too expensive right? The ticket will cost about $10.00, then we'll grab some popcorn at about $5.00. Of course, we'll need some gas to get there so let's say the neighborhood theater is about a few miles away from home so $2.00 would be the approximate cost of a round trip. Oh wait, the popcorn is making me thirsty mid movie and I need to satisfy my thirst and what is this? $3.00 for a large carbonated beverage?! Really? Ok, well I guess I'll have to splurge this time since I'm in need of a drink and of course, purchasing one outside of the theater and bringing it back in would be out of the question. Tonight, I spent about $20.00 on a movie alone for myself. Darn.

What alternative could I have possibly had?

Redbox movies are rented for only $1.00 plus tax a night. Popcorn at a grocery store for a small pack is around $2.00 (or hit up your local Target for a bag of fresh popcorn for a $1.00.) Now, let's grab a soda at the store while we're in line at the register and count change adding up to another $1.00 + tax. I'm sure these trips can be done at around the same distance as the theatre so $2.00 goes into my gas tank again. What? A movie night had only cost me $5.00 at the most?


The Risk Taker


Everyone's going to the new casino out of town and they've invited you to come along. You've decided to go and they've even offered you to ride with them. Sure, why not? Five hours later, you find yourself sitting down and feeling like a complete idiot calculating how much is due of your bills and realizing you're just not going to make it this month. You're now even burying your hands in your pockets looking for change to supposedly win the money back you've lost.

No. My suggestion is that if you know you're going to a place like a casino or even just poker night at friend's house, know your limit. If you know that you're already in the red at the bank, don't even bother and be confident when you say to your friend that you'll pass this time because you have other things to do. If you have money that you can afford to lose, stick to that limit and don't go past it. My recommendation is to take money out before the trip and leave your ATM at home or hidden in the car where you know you can't access it if you've already lost so much money gambling. Also, set a limit that is very doable and not out of desperation or a crazy notion that the million dollar jackpot will be yours eventually if you just keep playing and sacrifice all your money. Stick to a budget such as the amount you would pay for eating out during the week. For example, if it's $50 you usually spend eating out per week, stick to that $50. If you lose it, then all you'll really have to give up is eating out for that week.


Midnight Crisis


Around your early twenties or thirties, we all know that one person or a few people that can't seem to stop living it up by partying too much. If you have someone close to you that frequents nightclubs, you may want to be cautious of being lured to be the sidekick. Drinks at a bar are not cheap. A bottle of Grey Goose at the grocery store will range around $20.00 while at the club, you're bound to pay over a hundred. That's ridiculous. Want a shot of Patron? That'll be $10.00. Admission at the door was $20.00 and you're here still wandering why it was so much when everyone in the venue is doing almost exactly what everyone else does at a high school dance, except for the fact that well - there are strangers everywhere and alcoholic drinks. Then some nights, the drunk friend will need a ride home and you're the smart one who knows you can take care of yourself, however, she lives about thirty minutes way. By the end of the night, you've probably shelled out $60.00 from gas, booze, admission, parking fees, and perhaps a bite to eat after. And you also smell like cheap cologne/perfume and Hennessy from that creepy guy or girl that just wouldn't stop leaving you alone that kept calling you 'Fiesty' all night.

Once in a while, this can be fun but clubbing can be rather expensive and some nights are just not worth the price especially if a fight breaks out and the club evacuates people then you're out what you've spent that night and your fun ends early.

Your best bet is to stick to cozy home get togethers with people you know that can also bring people they know as well as trust. Purchase a few drinks and ingredients to make cocktails or beers, put on some music, grab a few board games or cook dinner - whichever tickles your fancy and voila! Instant party. The best benefit of it all is that if anyone isn't sober enough to go home, they can stay as long as they need to so you don't feel responsible for them driving home. You can even make it a potluck and have everyone bring something so you're not whipping out the cards out of your wallet for everything.



"Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like." - Will Smith