What Not To Sell At Garage Sale: Items To Avoid

In this article, I go over what not to sell at a garage sale so you can sidestep pitfalls. Although decluttering has its rewards, there are some items that would be best off simply tossed, donated, or recycled.

Offers for certain items may even pose safety concerns. Now, let’s take a look at the things that you should not display at your garage sale.

Overview

Hosting a garage sale is an excellent strategy to declutter your home while even making a little bit of extra money. A garage sale can also make for a fun interaction with neighbors while giving old belongings a new home.

Despite the possibilities of cash and interaction, not all items located in your attic, garage, or basement are appropriate to sell.

There are items which could be deemed unsellable, pose legal or safety concerns, or could damage your reputation as a seller. Here are some items which you could potentially regret selling that would be best left off the list.

Garment and Hygiene Products

Underwear, bras, and swimwear should not be sold at garage sales even if freshly washed. Most people consider such itemsbar unsanitary and do not purchase them, regardless of their presentation. Similarly, opened or used personal care products like lotions, razors, and toothbrushes fall under this category and are better left untouched. Such items will go unsold, as they are harmful to people’s health.

Kitchen and Home Appliances

Garage sale shoppers expect bargains and that items will work properly, as is the polite practice. Selling outdated and non-working electronics like TV sets, microwaves, and DVD players only frustrate buyers. It’s best to recycle items, as without labeling them as “for parts” or “not working”, passing off faulty electronics will damage your credibility with potential buyers.

Bedding and Mattresses

Used mattresses can be hard to offload thanks to the lingering associations of allergens, bedbugs, and general unsanitary concerns. Buyers may feel skeptical even if the mattress looks clean. Older pillows and bedding are similarly suspicious as they could contain dust mites or odors. Worn out bedding is better discarded, while items in good condition should be donated to animal shelters.

Baby Seats And Cribs That Are Outdated

Baby products such as car seats and cribs often appear to be best-selling items, but there is always danger in selling outdated versions. Older model baby gear are prone to not meeting current safety standards as there are continuous updates done to the gear.

Additionally, expired or damaged car seats are not safe to use. It is better to look up the safety information of the products before deciding to sell them—or avoid selling them altogether.

Food and drink that is past its expiration date

Occasionally, individuals try to sell old spices, canned goods and even unopened snacks. Selling goods that are of no use to you personally can be highly dangerous. The same applies to wines and other consumables that are marked past their best-before date. Unless lemonade or cookies, which are freshly made, and offered in sales as a treat, food should not be included.

Cassettes, VHS Tapes, and Other Media From the Past

It’s likely no one cares for your collection of VHS tapes and audio cassettes unless it’s a rare vintage. Most people don’t have the machinery to use these anymore. They take up a lot of value-less space and instead of hoping for a return, consider donating them or recycling them.

Clutter From a Junk Drawer and Free Promotions

Old branded tote bags from sponsored events or even toys from fast food restaurants don’t hold any value to people. These items brandish junk and can take away the feel of your sale. Instead of trying to sell these away, simply throw these away or give them away for free.

Shoes With Worn Out Soles, Clothes With Scuffs To Torn Edges

Clothes and shoes can be popular at garage sales, but only if they’re in good, wearable condition. Shoes that are missing soles and scuffed, worn out dresses or garments won’t find purchasers. Stick to gently used, clean, and seasonal apparel.

Final Thoughts

Along with what is sold, what is not sold also makes an impact on a successful garage sale. Dangerous items, items that don’t meet the safety and health standards, or things that are worn out are better off not included.

You can increase the chances of having a successful sale that motivates people to buy, browse, or even promote your sale to their friends by thinking like a customer when deciding what to sell. If you wouldn’t purchase it from someone else, then do not display it on your garage sale table.

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