Any Garage Sale experts out there?! | ExpatWoman.com
 

Any Garage Sale experts out there?!

32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 17:08

Hi there, I really need to sell a lot of stuff before I move at the end of the month, and I've not been to any garage sales in Dubai let alone held one. I could really do with some advice!

- Are people still holding them outside? Maybe early in the morning?
- I really have no idea where to start with pricing stuff - for example, how much should I be charging for something like a pair of topshop jeans, in good condition
- Where should I advertise - Spinneys? Dubizzle?
- Any other tips?

Thanks in advance, I would really appreciate any advice.

511
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 22:59
Have done a fair amount of selling things to raise money for charity by various means and I found the most successful way was to set up a Picasa account, take pics of everything - each pair of jeans, dresses, ornament, canvas etc - and individually price then you don't have to upload hundreds of ads to classifieds sites like Dubizzle, do it once post the link to your 'Garage Sale album' and remove items as they are sold. This way with smaller items, people can flick through and might see a few things they like and come along and take them all, whereas someone might not make the effort to come to your home just come for just one pair of jeans or a picture frame. Flea markets are great to get rid of odds and ends you don't expect much for but in my experience I have found it to be mostly maids who attend and expect you to be giving it away, which is quite frustrating when you know you could get more with the right 'market'. It is a bit of work but if there are things you can't be bothered to sell, I still help out with fundraising sales for JAV Cats so any donations are welcome. :)
94
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 22:48
Jum college are having trash for cash on Friday this week, supposed to be v popular with maids etc. there is also a charity shop in karama that you can take your stuff to.in addition to this there are guys tht will come to your house and take your unwanted things.
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 22:29
Thanks so much for your replies. It is kind of what I expected but I am wondering whether it is all worth it. If I was at home I would just take it all to the charity shop but I don't know what to do with it here. World girl - sorry, I am taking my washing machine with me.
1234
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 21:06
I would say advertise in classifieds here and Dubizzle to sell most of stuff and later, few weeks before your move, do a garage sale on leftover things.
99
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 19:40
Hi vickikate Do you by any chance have a washing machine for sale I am interesed email me on incred four five three at hotmail . com. TIA
970
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 17:20
I'm not an expert but have had a few over the years. You need a lot of stuff to make it worthwhile. You will get a rush of people before opening time and scavengers at the end. Most clothing went for 5 dhs, even branded things in good condition. They grab a bundle then whatever you say they will argue for less. Be prepared to stick to your price if you think it is reasonable. They are expert bargainers. Anything electrical or mobile phones are top sellers. I think anything priced at 20 dhs or above is too expensive for the buyers you attract at home garage sales. In the end, someone is getting some use for it and you might make enough for a nice dinner out. Just enjoy the banter and smile! Advertise on dubizzle and spread the word through the maid mafia.
911
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 17:17
* Fridays are better as that's the day off for most workers - they're the ones most likely to turn up. * Advertise locally or on Dubizzle * Try and restrict people coming in - keep the garage door down and let everyone in through the gate. * Stand at the gate so people pay on the way out. * Price as cheaply as you can - they will pile huge amounts in bags and the like so expect to just give a broad price for everything * Don't expect to make a fortune, you won't * Electronics SELL so have plenty of those if possible! * Jeans in good condition? Seriously, 5 or 10dhs - you will struggle to get more.
 
 

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