5+ Ways to Make $$ at a Resale Event

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Fall is here and I've been clearing out a lot of clutter before the holidays. I donate items to Goodwill but I also sell items at my local resale event in a few months.

If you have tons of baby clothes, toys and more that you no longer need, you have to keep reading! Many PTA’s around the country sponsor “resale” events, where for a fee, you can rent a table and sell your items.

Tip 1: Gather everything you want to sell

Here are some items that sell well at resale events:

-         baby and children’s clothing
-         brand new items
-         toys (new or barely used)
-         diapers
-         Little Tikes toys
-         Outdoor play equipment
-         Car seats
-         Strollers
-         Books

Items that don’t sell very well (or at all):

-         stained or torn clothing
-         toys with missing or broken parts
-         stuffed animals
-         fast food toys


Tip 2: Price competitively

You’ll want to price your items so you make a profit and still offer a great deal. Typically, here is how I price items:

  • Baby clothing: $1 each
  • Children’s clothing: $1-2 each, coats: $5 each, nice outfits $5 each
  • Brand new items: Depending on what it is, I take about 50% off what I paid
  • Toys: I charge more for new, in package toys. Used toys I charge less.
  • Diapers: $4 per bag
  • Little Tikes: Because Little Tikes is so expensive brand new, people are willing to pay a little more. So if your item was originally $150, try to get at least $50 for it.
  • Outdoor play equipment: Another popular category, price about 30-50% less than what you paid.
  • Car seats: You probably won’t get close to what you paid originally. Also, the car seat should be in perfect condition, never in an accident, etc.
  • Strollers: Depending on condition, 30-50% off what you paid.
  • Books: Typically, $1-2 per book
  • School packs. If you have extra, brand new school supplies, divide them up into Ziplocs and sell for $1 a bag.



Tip 3: Clean everything and price everything

It’s important to have great presentation when it comes to selling items. For example, bag up clothing and put into Ziploc bags, with the size and price on the outside of the bag. Toys are cleaned (baby wipes are great for this). Having great presentation at your table is essential for making sales.

Tip 4: Stuff to bring to the sale

-         tape
-         black marker
-         pens
-         change ($20-$30 in ones, $10 in quarters, some 5’s and 10’s)
-         snacks and drinks
-         a helper, to help sell and run the table, if you need to step out for a moment
-         A smile and a helpful attitude. Typically people who are coming to the sale are looking for specific items
-         Plastic bags to bag up their purchases
-         Box to keep money in

Tip 5: Have fun!

Resale events are great for not only