Sell with success

With summer fast approaching, it is the perfect time to purge the house of unused or unwanted items. Cleaning out closets cannot only create more space but can also create more cash.

Clothes

It seems everyone has a few too many clothes in closets, boxes and drawers. If getting back into those size 2 jeans doesn't look like a probability, maybe it is time to consider selling them.

There are numerous resale and consignment shops in the area. A resale shop is one that purchases items up front. After reviewing potential clothing items, the owner makes an offer. It is up to the individual whether to accept it. A consignment shop, however, accepts a customer's clothes to sell in their store. The customer will earn a percentage, typically 50 percent, of an item's final sale price. If an item does not sell by a specified date, the customer does not receive any money and is allowed to reclaim the item.

Whether taking clothes to resale or consignment shops, Sharon Ebersohl, owner of Kid Biz resale shop in Cape Girardeau, said there are a few things to keep in mind to maximize earning potential.

She said the most important thing she looks at when reviewing items is condition. If an item has a spot or smear, she will not accept it.

"Treat stains on clothes before washing them. Stains are the No. 1 reason we cannot purchase items," she said.

Ebersohl said in the world of resale, presentation matters. Clothes should be wrinkle-free and orderly.

"Bring clothing neatly folded in plastic tubs or baskets. Fold outfits together and pin accessory pieces to the clothing," she said. Ebersohl added that people should sort through their clothing carefully, removing worn or outdated items.

Electronics

With technology constantly evolving, deciding what to do with old records and games can be confusing. Paul MacDougall, owner of PMac Music in Cape Girardeau, said his store specializes in purchasing used compact discs, DVDs, video games and records.

"If we are open, we buy," he said. "Even if there are a few scratches, that is OK. We repair them."

He added that if a customer has a particularly large load of items, or more specialized items like old albums, it is best to leave them at the store for review. He said this allows the employees to devote more time to assess the items, and often results in a better offer for the customer.

MacDougall said his store offers cash or store credit for used items. Unlike some resale entertainment stores, he said the cash amount and the store credit amount are the same. There is no penalty, he said, for accepting cash.

Because his store has two locations in the area, most items that come in are salable, unless they are "very, very overloaded" on a particular item.

The amount he pays varies from item to item. He said some records, like The Beatles' "Abbey Road," are timeless and continue to receive top dollar at secondhand music stores. Video games, however, fall from grace quickly and tend to garner a wide range of resale prices.

He said customers typically receive $1 to $3 for a compact disc, $1.50 to $10 for a DVD and $1 to $25 for a video game. Albums and DVDs that are a set will generate more than singles.

Books/odds and ends

Avid readers can quickly accumulate books in every corner of the house; however, it can seem wasteful to pitch books into the trash can.

Locally, Hastings in Cape Girardeau will purchase some books. Books accepted tend to be hardbacks and larger paperbacks and are subject to the store's current needs and inventory. A customer receives an offer for the collection in either cash or store credit; however, if the customer accepts cash payment the amount is less than the store credit.

For books that are not able to be sold, local libraries and schools accept donations for their shelves and book sales. While they do not provide cash for these items, they do offer tax receipts for donations.

In addition to books, it can be hard to part with other items. Family members often pass along items that may be perfect for them, but maybe not so perfect for others. Sometimes, however, it is often a matter of space that prohibits keeping an item.

Before selling or donating items with sentimental value, take a picture of the item and write a detailed description of it. A scrapbook page memorializing that large piece of artwork or furniture will ensure that it remains a part of the family for some time to come.

Many charities will gladly accept books and other items that may not be able to be sold in a resale shop. Goodwill, the Salvation Army Store and other local thrift shops may not be able to offer cash, but they do offer a tax receipt.

Yard sales

For those who wish to go it alone, a yard sale is an option. While it is more work, it can generate cash without the middle man.

Pricing items can often be confusing. Ebersohl from Kid Biz said, a good rule of thumb for yard sales is to price an item 25 percent to 33 percent of what it originally cost.

Draw in customers with advertising. An advertisement in the local paper should inform customers not only of when and where a sale is, but items featured, according to the sale website www.yardsalequeen.com.

Roadside signs are also a great way to let people know about the sale. Signs should be large, neat and readable. Be sure to include dates, times and locations. The yard sale section of e-how.com recommends after creating and placing signs, drive by and see if it can be read from the road. Before posting any signs, however, check with local officials to find out regulations regarding sign placement.

Make sure it is easy for customers to shop the sale. Leave plenty of room for crowds to walk through the merchandise. Place "big ticket" items close to the road to attract drive by shoppers.

The websites also recommend prices should be easy to read, but be prepared for hagglers. Books, compact discs, VHS tapes and DVDs should be lined up neatly with titles facing the customer. Clothes should be neatly folded on a table, or hung. Make sure everything is freshly washed or cleaned. Toys and electronics should contain all parts. If necessary, place fresh batteries in toys and electronics to show they are in working order.

After the sale, do not allow leftover items back in the house. Local charities like Goodwill and the Salvation Army accept these items and may offer pick up for larger items.