Garage Sale Advice

atcwag · June 2013

So this weekend, I started going to garage sales in my area that have advertised in the newspaper specifically noting baby items. I think I did pretty well, but I'm just wondering whether anyone has any tips.

I spent about $26 and got a bunch of sleepers/onesies/creepers/pants in various sizes newborn up to 6-9 months (about 2 grocery bags full), 6 flannel receiving blankets, a few "drool bibs" and hats. I also picked up this bouncer for $3 - it's missing the toy bar and infant insert, but it's in super good shape - looks virtually new!

https://www.amazon.com/Bright-Starts-Comfort-Cradling-Sandstone/dp/B008R6KG7G/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1370719933&sr=1-2&keywords=boppy+bouncer#productDetails

I live in a low cost of living area, so I'm sure that comes into play with pricing. What are your price points for garage sales on nearly new/gently used items?

Thus far, I've been paying about .25-.75 for sleepers/outfits and .25-.50 for onesies. I think the flannel receiving blankets I got for .50 each. I've been picky with quality and also because we're team green. I'm not going overboard because I'm sure we will get some clothes as gifts, but I can't turn away from good quality items for next to nothing!

I'm also wondering about sizing - I've noticed that there seems to be quite a disparity in sizing between brands. When I'm organizing and putting larger sizes away for later, it's hard when some of the 0-3 and 3-6 are exactly the same when I put them next to one another. Do you find that certain brands run larger/smaller?

Thanks in advance for any garage sale advice!

ellewoodsSC · June 2013

I really wouldn't worry about getting the best price point on small things like clothing but less than a $1.00 for an everyday outfit in great shape is a good deal. Keep an eye out for quality brands like Janie&Jack, Gap, Robeez, Gymboree and I am also a fan of original Carter's and Osh Kosh Bgosh. I find that those brands run fairly true to size for my DD who's been pretty much in the 50% percentile for growth. Gerber (runs very small), Old Navy and Circo tend to be more variable in their sizing. When organizing the closet, I try to ballpark size more than going by the age recommendations.

As far as bigger things, I personally would not buy random gear I came across because you wouldn't really know if it was recalled or really old and outdated, but search out specific models that are still being sold in stores and that you've researched and are familiar with the retail value. I usually find that a lot of people choose to sell quality baby gear on CL rather than garage sales to attract a specific customer and get better $ for their gear.

Also in our town we have a big regional consignment fair that is put on several times a year where you have a big selection of used baby items at decent prices and steep markdowns on the last day.

If there is a Freecycle group near you, check often for freebies and miscellaneous items.

pb_bride · June 2013

I think you did pretty well with the clothes in terms of pricing. Yes, the clothing sizes are all over the place. I like Carters and Old Navy - true to size. Gerbers are super tiny.

I bought most of my baby's gear via craigslist. I prefer CL over garage sale. On CL, I can tell exactly what product I'm getting beforehand, and I can research to see if it's been recalled (as PP said). Also, I can check reviews on Amazon to make sure it's something that most people like... I feel like I am better informed when i buy on CL, whereas if I show up at a garage sale, I have no idea if that product is good or not, or if the pricing is reasonable. Plus, I simply don't have time to go to garage sales in hopes of finding something that I need. On CL, you know exactly what you're getting and you can set up a time for pick up that's convenient to you and the seller.

michelle_1221 · June 2013

I buy used clothes t consignment and find size will vary based on care, ie if someone routinely used to water to wash clothes. Also, if you haven't had baby showers, go easy on newborn and 0-3 months. We got a ton of that as gifts. Finally, size is hard is your stuff is seasonal. My 16 month old is in 24 mo to 2T right now, and neither DH or myself are tall! GL!

carrotsoup70 · June 2013

There are also FB groups that sell used baby and kids stuff. I found the ones near me by searching my town name and then "baby". It's like Craigslist only for locals and they are normally private so you have to ask to join. I have sold a bunch of stuff that way that didn't sell at my garage sale.

artistgal · June 2013

I've been picking up sleepers for around $1 (carters, etc..)

Snagged a baby trend expedition stroller for $15 and a solid wood rocking chair for $10 so I was quite pleased there.

It's been like a feeding frenzy at garage sales here. People grabbing pack n plays, and bouncers like sharks after blood. My mother and I got practically mauled by grandmas grabbing stuff up. Twice we were picking up stuff and the grammies were hollering "I already bought that" I wanted to say then pick it up and put it in your darn car.

We did hit a huge consignment sale not too long ago. Those are nice when they are big as you have so much more selection.

We tend to try to find neighborhood/community sales on craigslist so we can hit several at once without a lot of driving around.

MrsJetSet · June 2013

My experience has been different on buying used gear. I have a smart phone and will stand there and google a product for info. It isn't usually that hard to figure our recalls and reviews. It also gives you a good idea on original price.

For clothing I stay away from gerber, Circo and BRU brand. Their sizing is off and the clothes are low quality. As pp mentioned, it is hard to buy too far ahead. Dd has never been in the clothes for her age. She started out too long for the sizes and now she has gotten behind. My approach in buying things more than a size ahead is to stick to things that can be layered unless it is so cheap that I'm ok with her not wearing it.

Want a personalized experience?

Garage Sale Advice

Re: Garage Sale Advice

Choose Another Board

Search Boards