Can you believe I made $140 from two old, beat-up bikes that were just sitting in my mum’s storage last week? It took some elbow grease to fix them up, though. One bike had a broken brake, and the other needed a few minor repairs.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure anyone would want to buy them. I figured if they didn’t sell, I’d donate one to charity and give the other to my brother. While working on them, I thought about what a buyer might want. No one wants to buy a dirty bike thinking about all the previous owners, so I cleaned them up and oiled the chains. It didn’t cost much but made a big difference in the appeal.
Next, I checked online to see what similar bikes were selling for on eBay and Craigslist. Prices weren’t great, so I thought I’d ask for around $40 each. Then, my mum mentioned a local fair happening on Saturday where the cycling association was hosting a used bike sale. They’d help set the price and keep 10% of the sale, which seemed like a great deal.
At the fair, the association’s expert suggested I price each bike at $70, and people trusted their honest reviews. They listed any issues, like the weak brake or faulty light, so buyers knew exactly what they were getting.
By the end of the day, both bikes were sold! I wished I’d brought more things to sell, like books or clothes, because the shoppers were buying like crazy. Next time I declutter, I’ll definitely try to sell things first before donating them. The extra cash is nice. Selling things online has been a headache for me, and face-to-face sales, although time-consuming, can be more profitable.
REMEMBER TO:
– Check community calendars for garage sales, fairs, and other events where you can set up a stand and sell your stuff.
– Look online for a fair price or your items might not sell.
– Make your stuff look its best! Clean clothes, remove stains from items and furniture, oil your bicycle, etc. Your efforts can pay off with extra money!
– Bring some change so you don’t have to round down your prices.
– Have a charity in mind in case your items don’t sell, and drop them off right after the sale to avoid re-cluttering your house. Freecycle is also a good option.
GOOD LUCK!