TIPS FOR MOM2MOM SALE SELLERS OF USED ITEMS

• Make sure your items are clean, without odors or wrinkles and in good condition. A good rule of thumb is to look at something with the question, would I buy this and if so what would I be willing to pay. If it is an item that needs to be pressed, pressing it will bring a higher price than displaying it wrinkled. If you look at the item from what you paid for it, often times you may price the item based on the emotional attachment. You can also price based on what the item is valued at and how worn it is. Brand new items with tags obviously will bring a higher price.

• If possible, organize your items by gender, size and season.

• A sign designating sizes can be helpful.

• Use painter's tape or a tape that is easily removable from the tables to post up signs.

• Clearly price your items, if they are individually tagged, or create a sign stating the price.
  

• There are various ways to price your items: pin on tags, tie on tags, tagging guns, stickers on hangars, stickers on the clothes themselves (make sure the sticker will not leave a residue or discolor the garment), placing the item in a clear plastic bag and placing the price sticker on or marking the bag.
  

• Pin or attach set items together so they do not get separated during the sale; large safety pins, diaper pins or plastic zipper bags, and rubber bands are great for this.

• Shoe pairs can be displayed in zippered baggies with size on them or tied together with zip ties, string, twine or tags.  It is helpful to have the size labeled on the tags or bag.

• You may find it useful to set up your items on a table at home prior to the sale to decide how to display everything.

• Allowing as much time as possible for your set up the evening before or the morning of will help you to display your items in an organized fashion and help you feel better about your display.

• Have confidence that what you have has a buyer waiting to buy it. Display this confidence with a smile. Don't worry.  This is a time for you to relax, connect with other moms, and enjoy the selling and shopping experience.

• Look over your items once you get to the sale to make sure that you do not have any stained items. Florescent lights can highlight stains on items that didn't appear to have stains in other lighting. 

• Make sure that any stained items are placed in a bargain bin or clearly identified. One stained item on a table can deter buyers from looking further.

• Make sure your items do not have any rips, tears, zipper issues, buttons missing, etc. and if they do, attach a note to the item or state this fact. Items that do have issues need to be priced reflecting that it needs work.

• Place small or multiple pieces into a zippered plastic bag and attach to the toy in a place that will not cause glue damage to the toy so they do not get lost in the sale. Zip ties also work well for attaching bags of accessories to toys.

• When placing an item in the large item area that has accessories, firmly secure the items to the large item so they can not be removed or keep them at the large item cashier table (if allowed) or at your table with a note on the large item that the accessories are at your table #. This keeps children from playing with loose items and keeps those items from accidentally being placed with an item that they do not belong with.

• Electronic toys should have working batteries in them to show that they work.

• If pieces are missing to a toy or game, this should be noted on that item clearly so that the buyer knows.

• Bring lots of ones, some fives and some coins, as often moms come right from an ATM. You may want to bring a test pen to check any large bills you receive for counterfeit. While it is rare that we have seen this, it has happened.

• Make sure to bring bags for your customer's purchases.

• If you are using a money box, you should make sure that the box is in a place where no one else can get in to it without you noticing. Many sellers find aprons like those you can get at a local hardware store work well to keep the money close at hand.

• It is also nice to have a helper available so that you can take a break, shop or stretch a bit. If you don't have a helper, ask the organizer or a neighboring seller if they can help you by watching your table. It is a good idea to always have your money and personal effects on you, so that if you need to leave you can take it with you. Most sale organizers have clauses in the contracts that state they are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

• While we would like theft to never happen, unfortunately sometimes it does. Make sure you have your purse either on your person or in a designated place where others can not get to it.
  

• Some moms are very social and will make eye contact, others are focused on what they are looking for and some may even appear brisk. It is a good rule of thumb that if someone pauses at your table they see something of interest.  Asking a question, such as if they are looking for a particular size or item, or explaining what a specific toy can do can break the ice and may result in a sale. It is important to treat your customer congenially, so that you do not appear pushy.

• Avoid being on your phone, talking to your neighbor or otherwise distracted when customers come to your table.

• If someone offers you a price lower than what you have marked, it is your choice to accept it. You should not ever feel bullied by a customer and it is okay to stand firm on your price. Sometimes if you are unsure of what price the item may sell for, an aggressive customer can create a doubt. You do not have to sell an item to anyone. Stay confident that your price is reasonable (at least what you would pay) and nicely state that you are unwilling to accept their offer.

• If you have set up on Friday night, bring a table cover or sheet to drape over your table and any racks.

• Table coverings are usually not provided. It can be a good choice to bring a tablecloth to brighten up your display.
  

• Most organizers, for fire safety reasons, do not allow items behind your table such as racks or large items, so it is important to ask permission before putting anything behind your table.

• Racks can easily be overloaded or if more than one customer is looking at your rack can be knocked off balance or even fall apart. It is important to secure and balance your rack with weight to keep this from happening. Some have found using small sand bags work (make sure that they do not leak) or a bin that has weight in it. Make sure to lock your wheels if you can so that the rack has more stability.

• If you place items under your table, make sure they are easy to see.

• As you sell your items, move new items into that area to keep your display fresh. Many times a mom may not have seen something at your table and as they walk by a second time it could catch their eye.

• Stay the whole length of the sale. Even if the sale is slower than expected, it is important to respect the sale and the organizer by staying open the hours of the sale. Often times when sellers pack up early they give last minute customers the impression that it wasn't a profitable sale (even if it was) and can deter customers from buying items from their tables. Our experience has shown that many customers are still deciding on what they want to buy at the end of a sale and sellers who are packing up and rushing to leave often miss out on last minute sales. If there are people wandering around, do your organizer and yourself a favor, wait to the end of the sale time to pack up.

• Sale organizers usually have a time limit on when they need to be out of a venue. Having a method to streamline packing your items, and even having extra help to get it to your car can make a difference.
  

• Most sales have an organization or someone that is taking donations. Know in advance what you are willing to donate and set that aside right away so that the organization can pack up quickly as well.

• Most important tip -- Smile and enjoy your day!