Stories from a Garage Sale Groupie

I’m sure at this point in your internet wanderings, you’ve stumbled upon Craigslist & Ebay. You’ve probably even viewed the classifieds on a newspaper site. But if you haven’t joined a Facebook garage sale site, you are missing out.  I thought I’d take some time to “classify” (see what I did there?) what I find to be some interesting things I’ve noticed on these sites:

1. Rubbermaid-ers. 

These are the people who look like they’ve taken a random box of junk treasures from their garage and are now listing each item one by one. Foam stickers, stuffed rabbits, mismatched socks, they are selling it all. And for only $9.99 it can be YOURS!

2. The Bumpers

You know who you are. You know who THEY are. They “bump” their items once every 45 minutes. When that gets old, they then use a period or a letter to make sure that their junk stays at the top of the heap. Bumping once a day? Fine. Bumping and grinding so much it’s like a high-school prom? Not so much.

3. The Admins who think they are God’s gift to Garage Sale sites

If you’re an admin of one of these, kudos to you. It’s a tough job admittedly, but don’t let it get to your head. If half of my notifications are about the new rules you created, just because you can? No thanks. If it’s about how you have a zero tolerance policy for no-show-ers and you threaten to excommunicate them if they don’t pick up the item they said they would? Relax a little. If a person doesn’t remove their item’s picture the instant money is exchanged, the world will still turn.

4. The “Yikes” Item offenders

You’re posting bras. Or underwear. That you’ve worn a boob-ful of times. I hate to break it to you, but we’re not interested. Like at all. Don’t bump it, delete it, so I don’t have to pour bleach in my eyes.

5. My stuff is so awesome because I owned it so it costs $$$ (READ :: exorbitant amount of dollars)

Once again, you’ve listed items that arguably have some value, but you’ve priced it so high that I can’t even begin to negotiate with you because your price is FIRM. p.s. you’re selling crap. On a FACEBOOK GARAGE SALE SITE. Price to sell or call the Antiques Roadshow. Either way, get real.

6. The low-ballers

I just listed a $600 brand new television and I’m selling it for $300. You are the first commenter and say, “Will you take $5?” OR “How low are you willing to go?” P.S. If I was willing to go lower WHEN I FIRST LISTED IT, I would put that price. Yes? Yes.

Just a few more helpful hints for those of you who are perusing, buying, selling:

a. Check your Other folder. There are messages in there.

b. Turn notifications OFF.

c. Join as many groups as you can. And get sucked in.

Have you found success on these sites? What are your biggest pet peeves?