Price too high and nothing sells. Price too low and you leave money on the table. Here's the sweet spot for every category.
Garage sale prices should be 10-30% of the original retail price for items in good condition. But some items are worth more than you think, and those should go on eBay instead of on your lawn.
Adult clothing: $1-5 per piece. Brand name items $3-5. Generic/fast fashion $1-2. Coats and jackets $5-15.
Kids clothing: $0.50-2 per piece. Bundle deals work well: "Fill a bag for $5."
Shoes: $2-10 depending on brand and condition. Designer shoes and boots should go online.
Working electronics: 20-30% of current retail price. Test everything before the sale.
Phone chargers, cables: $1-2 each or bundle: "All cables $5."
Vintage electronics: Check these online first — vintage stereos, turntables, and speakers can be worth $50-500+ and shouldn't be garage-sale priced.
Basic furniture: $10-50 for tables, chairs, dressers. Price to move — you don't want to haul it back inside.
Quality/designer furniture: List on Facebook Marketplace instead. You'll get 3-5x what you'd get at a garage sale. Check our furniture guide.
Dishes, glasses, mugs: $0.25-1 each. Bundle deals: "All dishes $5."
Small appliances: $3-10 if working. Keurig, Instant Pot, air fryers.
Vintage kitchen: Pyrex, cast iron, Le Creuset — check online first. A $2 Pyrex bowl at your garage sale could be $50+ on eBay.
Paperbacks: $0.25-0.50 each.
Hardcovers: $0.50-2 each.
First editions, signed, vintage: Check online first. Some books are worth $50-500+.
Common toys: $0.50-3 each.
Board games (complete): $2-5 each.
Vintage toys, LEGO, retro games: Check online first. Retro games can be worth hundreds.
Scan any item before you garage-sale price it. If it's worth $30+ online, list it on eBay instead.
Try finna — it's freePrice everything. Stickers on every item. People are less likely to ask and more likely to buy when prices are visible.
Make change. Have $50+ in small bills and coins ready. Don't lose a $3 sale because you can't break a $20.
Accept digital payments. Venmo, Cash App, or a Square reader. Younger buyers often don't carry cash.
Put high-value items up front. Your best stuff should be the first thing people see from the street.
Discount after lunch. Drop prices 50% after 1pm. Anything left over goes to donation.