Sell clothes, household items in a variety of ways

Dear Action Line: I've been laid off from my job of 20 years and now we're planning to sell some of the stuff we accumulated back when we had money. What are the best ways to sell quality possessions without having to just give it away? — R.H., Tulsa.

The July issue of Consumer Reports Money Adviser says the best ways to turn unwanted possessions into wanted cash is through daily newspaper classified ads, yard sales, resale shops and online selling services.

Classified ads: The Tulsa World and its Web site tulsaworld.com reach more buyers and job seekers than any other advertising medium in Oklahoma, with a weekly readership of 533,055 (based on 2009 Scarborough Research of Tulsa's 22-county market area), and more than 8 million online page views each month (based on Omniture SiteCatalyst, averages taken July 2008 through December 2008). See tulsaworld.com/classifieds or call 583-2121 to inquire about placing merchandise sales ads in the Tulsa World classifieds. For other Tulsa World advertising options, see tulsaworld.com/mediakit.

Yard sales: Shoppers are more likely to buy clothing and small household goods at bargain prices, so make the most money by offering many inexpensive and portable items. Anything cumbersome or pricey won't sell well in this market — people want to buy small for a little. Publicize your sale through a classified ad in the Tulsa World. Mention any collectibles you're selling. Make large-print fliers to post on local business and supermarket bulletin boards. Tulsa requires no yard or garage sale permits, as some cities do.

Resale shops: See "clothes vintage, collectible and period," "clothing resale," "consignment services" and "resale shops" in the Tulsa Yellow Pages. Resale shop owners usually don't bother with poor-quality furniture, and some take only antiques. Clothing and household goods should be in like-new shape (no missing buttons or power cords). After finding a shop, take a few sample items to it or photos of things you'd like to consign. The shop owners will suggest a price and split the proceeds 50-50 if it sells. The owner might also reduce the asking price if the item doesn't sell in 30, 60, or 90 days, and after that he might ask you to retrieve your item. Get a written agreement.

Online sales: Before electing to sell something on eBay or Amazon.com, check to see if it's too big or heavy to ship. Get on those two sites to see what items like yours are selling for and check similar items on eBay's "completed listings." See if those sites issue guidelines on what is "too big." You first have to register, but that is free. Click on "advanced search" and check "show completed listings only." Write descriptions and take photographs of everything you intend to sell, post listings, answer e-mail from potential bidders and ship what sells to the highest bidders. The Advisor estimates you'll pay fees of 10 percent on your earnings from items sold on eBay.

Submit Action Line questions by calling 699-8888 or by e-mailing phil.mulkins@TulsaWorld.com or by mailing it to Tulsa World Action Line, PO Box 1770, Tulsa OK 74102-1770.


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Sell clothes, household items in a variety of ways

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