Selling Clothing
Understand the economics of the marketplace, which in this case, happens to be your front lawn. You may have spent $78 on that Bananna Republic blazer, but that has absolutely no bearing on what it might be worth to your buyer. Like cars, clothing depreciates the minute you wear it off the lot. This is especially true of items that can’t be tried on or something being purchased for someone else. Your buyer might be willing to gamble a few dollars that the pair of Abercrombie pants will fit her teenage son, but not much more. Chances are if she could afford to spend $10 on pants that might not work, she wouldn’t be shopping in your garage.
Women’s Clothing
Women’s clothig as a rule does not do well. This has to do with women’s eternal optimism; the hope that those last five pounds will melt away and make this bargain outfit look truly spectacular. By the time its owner has given up, shoulder pads the size of pizza boxes are long out of date. In short women tend to keep their clothing long past its expiration date. Possibly someone will want your 10 year old cocktail dress, but they won’t want to spend very much to get it. On the other hand, maternity clothes do sell because most expectant mothers don’t want to spend a lot of money on something they’ll only wear for a few months, and won’t look that good in, find more!
Vintage Clothing
In the right market (particularly college towns) older clothing can do well, but it needs to be true vintage, and has to have been stylish. The polyester pantsuits that Grannie wore in the 1970’s are not going to sell. The 60’s silk sheath or the fringed jacket from the 70’s might, especially if you provide an area to try things on with a full length mirror. College girls especially like funky vintage shoes, but remember that peoples’ feet seem to be a lot bigger these days.
Kids’ and Baby Clothes
Baby items always do well, especially the sort of things that a new mother needs lots of, like onesies and sleepers. As with other clothing, the designer outfit your baby wore to your cousins wedding will not bring anything close to what you paid for it at Nordstroms. Designer labels mean little to those of us who shop for clothing in someone’s driveway. Kids clothing for the upcoming season sells best. You’ll get more for school clothes at an end of summer sale. However, outerwear such as boots, ski jackets, coats and snow pants sell well just about any time.
Merchandising Clothes
It is the rare expectant mother who would buy a stained and soiled sleeper for her bundle of joy. ALL CLOTHING SHOULD BE CLEAN, fresh smelling, and free of stains. Launder outgrown clothing, and put it in large plastic bags with a dryer sheet. Tie the bag shut and put it aside for your sale. This will save lots of time on Friday when you’re frantically preparing for a Saturday sale. To save even more time price things as they go into the bag. Many people use colored dots, but they do not stick well, especially if you price in advance. Masking tape works the best except on very delicate fabrics. Keep in mind that the easier it is to buy, the more you will sell. A buyer that can pick up a shirt and instantly see that it’s size 2T and 75 cents is more apt to buy it than one who has to search for the information. Group like sizes and styles together. Separate boys and girls and adult men & women’s. Sell clothing from tables or hanging racks. Clothing piled on a tarp on the diveway looks like junk, and is uncomfortable to sort through. On hanging clothes, put a bit of masking tape on the right hand shoulder with the size and price. The easier it is to shop, the more your customers will buy!