How to price items at your garage sale
Pricing your items can be one of the trickiest parts of hosting a garage sale. You don’t want to scare off buyers by asking too much, but you also don’t want to give away good stuff for nothing.
The goal? Find that sweet spot where your treasures sell fast and you make a tidy profit. Here’s how to get it right.
1. Think like a shopper
Step into your buyers’ shoes. They’re on the hunt for a bargain — that’s part of the fun. If something’s new or in perfect condition, price it around 30%–50% of its original retail price. If it’s well-loved but still usable, 10%–20% is more realistic.
2. Do a little research
Jump online to see what similar items are selling for secondhand. Check Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or eBay for a quick guide. This can also help you spot what’s actually moving — and what’s been sitting there for weeks.
3. Bundle it up
Selling lots of small things? Group them together. Think “3 for $5” or “fill a bag for $10”. It helps clear space and gives shoppers that “score!” feeling.
4. Be clear and consistent
Use big, easy-to-read price lists. Stick to round numbers — $2, $5, $10 — so you don’t have to fumble with change - and consider displaying items of the same price together e.g. a $5 rack.
5. Leave room to haggle
Half the joy of a garage sale is a friendly bit of back-and-forth. If you’re open to negotiation, mark prices slightly higher than your rock-bottom limit. Smile, have fun and remember — the goal is to re-home things, not hang onto them.
6. Offer freebies
Create a “free box” for little odds and ends — think cords, old magazines or half-used craft supplies. It attracts shoppers to your sale and often leads them to buy something else.
7. Use signs to highlight value
If something’s a bit special, tell people why. Add notes like:
“Hardly used – bought last year for $80”
“Local artist – handmade piece”
Stories make items feel more valuable and personal. You can download story cards to print and display with your items in the Garage Sale Trail Party Pack.
8. Slash prices late in the say
Want to shift what’s left? Offer discounts after lunchtime. Try “half price after 2 pm” or “everything must go!” It’s a great way to end on a high and clear your tables.
The bottom line
Price with purpose, stay flexible and focus on giving good stuff a new life. At the end of the day, every item sold means less waste, more space and a happy shopper — that’s what the Garage Sale Trail is all about.
Ready to join?
Garage Sale Trail 2025 is happening on 8-9 & 15-16 November, Australia-wide.
👉 Register your sale today.
