Facebook Garage Sale Group Know-how

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Facebook garage sale groups are becoming all the rage lately. So much so that local consignment and resale shops are feeling the pinch on their business because of it.

These private, sometimes secret groups are great places for snagging an awesome lightly used name brand item for a fraction of the new price. Usually it is a community of Mom's, looking to be thrifty and frugal for their family.

It can be overwhelming when first selling or buying an item.  So I have put together a few of my own personal tips based off my experience so far.  I have sold and bought off of one of these sites and currently I am a member of about three. I'd love to hear anything you've learned from your experiences that may not be on this list!  Comment and share away!!

1. JOIN 
Most sites are private.  If you haven't joined one you will need another member or admin to accept or add you.  It helps if you know others in the group though not a requirement. Don't be discouraged though if you aren't accepted as some sites are getting higher memberships than admins can keep up with. To find sites type in keywords in the search bar such as "Wichita Yard Sale",  "East Side Yardsale", etc, it should pull up under the group section many choices.

2.  READ THE RULES
Each group page should have a set of guidelines posted for buying and selling requirements.  Most of these are common courtesy, common sense stuff, but get familiar with it so you do not do something in error.

3. "ME PLEASE"
Understand when buying that the first person who comments is the one who gets first dibs or first opportunity to buy the item.  Due to the way the internet speeds differ across personal networks, it is possible that you could comment on an item thinking you are first, to only find out someone else got ahead of you by a few seconds that didn't show up when you commented.  Refreshing the page can help if you are unsure.  The next person in line then has the next right to the item pending if the first person follows through with the transaction, and then so on and so on.

4. MESSAGE ME
Once you have gotten top place for an item the standard rule is to private message the person to begin the transaction.  This is sometimes notated as PM'ing the person. At that point you will work out details such as where to meet, etc. Do NOT post private information on the wall such as phone numbers, home address, etc.  Though groups are private, you do not know who may be looking at the page through another persons log in.  It's the same as if you were posting on Craigslist.  Then arrange to meet in a fairly public place neutral to both parties.  Parking lots of an open business, gas stations, etc.  Parks are ok, but I would only meet there if you have bought from this person before.

5. PASS OR NO THANK YOU 
Common courtesy is to comment as soon as possible if you have spoken for an item and then change your mind.  A simple "pass" is sufficient.

6. CASH ONLY
Bring cash and exact change for the amount you purchased.  These are not retail businesses, they do not have a cash register with which to give you change.  If you need bills broken visit your bank. All Quiktrips will give you change for bills.

7. YOU BOUGHT IT YOU GOT IT
Follow through with sales and purchases.  There is cause to kick a member out of a group for negligent behavior.  Don't be one of those.

8. BE PRICE KNOWLEDGEABLE
Price your items and represent them accurately and fairly.  10-40% of retail is accurate resale value of items.  Don't overprice.  Usually you won't sell it.  Most of those who shop used know the value of the items you are selling. If you know what you paid or what the item is worth new, you can justify your price by including that in your listing. If an item is like new or Excellent Used Condition (EUC), list it as so, and if the item has a slight stain or wear or needs repair, accurately depict it as so, and even go as far as including an extra picture of where or what the damage is.  Don't be afraid to disclose this as many are not afraid to make a minor repair for a good deal. Include a clear and concise description not leaving out anything a potential buyer would need to know to make a decision.

9. DO YOUR HOUSEWORK
 If you know you have sold an item, mark it immediately either Pending Pickup (PPU), or SOLD.  Delete the photo from the page as soon as the transaction is closed.  Most groups have strict rules regarding deleting of photos.  Too many photos clogs up the feed and is a hassle for administrators to take care of.  Remember, these people aren't getting paid for this.  It is simply a hobby and a way for them to share the joy of buying and selling good quality used items.

10. LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
When listing an item, if you have pickup location preferences, such as East side, West side, Andover, etc, it is helpful to those buying to include that in your description of the item. Sometimes it is not worth the time and money for an item to drive across town for an item that is only a few dollars. If you are negotiable, notate that.

11. ALBUMS
Consider making albums for multiple items.  Not only does this make it easier for one person to buy several items from you at once, but makes deleting sold or stagnant items easier, and keeps the wall feed cleaner and from being just all your items on a feed. Watch a youtube tutorial on making albums on group pages here.

12. *BUMPING*
Bump an item that hasn't sold by commenting under the photo. This makes the post show up in current feed activity.  But put a time limit on how long you will list an item and how many times you will bump it.  I think two weeks is plenty of time to try to sell an item.  Nothing is more annoying to see the same item again and again, especially at the same price, get bumped to the top of the page for a month straight.  If it hasn't sold within the first week, you probably aren't going to sell it on that page.  Consider cross posting on another group sale site, lower the price, or give up and take it to your local consignment or resale shop.

13. ON THE GO 
Posting, commenting and deleting posts from a mobile device is a bit different.  It is more difficult to delete photos from your phone or tablet, and unfortunately is one of those quirks of Facebook. Hopefully in the future Facebook will work on making this more user friendly as so many use mobile devices vs desktop computers.

I hope these tips take some of the confusion out of Facebook Group garage sales. It is a fun way to find great things, and can be rather addicting. The thrill of getting a great item at a great price makes it well worth your time, and the ability to bless someone else with something they need at a price they can afford is what keeps these pages going strong.
Remember to use common sense, treat others the way you want to be treated, and have fun!

Comment on anything else you have learned by shopping on Facebook Garage Sale pages!!