And I had actual cute stuff.
I mean, my items were priced from $1 to $5. Why are we scared to shop?
Let’s Get Into It
The yard sale
So, once a year, to honor my grandma’s legacy, I pull out and do a yard sale.
I did one last year at my aunt’s house; everything was $2. Yeah, I said nothing.
It’s year two, outside my house, and I sold nothing.
Not surprised.
Last summer, no one glared, slowed down, or batted an eye. This summer, some did “glare” but kept driving.
Bringing it back to my neighborhood was a nod at my grandma. She was a frequent yard sale seller. Some days she made money, and sometimes she didn’t.
What we were selling
For the past couple of years, I’ve been collecting vintage finds. Women’s clothes from the 80s and 90s, like blouses, windbreakers, jerseys, graphic jeans, and denim. Disney VHS tapes, Mariah Carey CDs, and groovy knick-knacks. In addition to modern-day finds.
My aunt brought her table, filled it with purses, boots, toys, and dresses.
Some of our items still had the tags.
Are we scared to shop
In our own neighborhoods?
We shop all day long at grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants owned by someone else who doesn’t look like us, but we shift our eyes when it’s “us” trying to build the same thing.
You don’t have to buy, but can you at least look?
We can visit your garage sale, but you can ignore ours?
No, we shouldn’t expect you to pay us the same respect, but when someone spends over $100 at yours. Can we at least get a look?
Why are we like that with our own?
There is no sense of community.
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Observations from my lawn chair
In contrast, I did notice more men were driving around on a Friday at 1 p.m. than women. Maybe all the women were at work?
And we mainly had women’s clothing. My uncle told me he had an abundance of clothing, so maybe one day I’ll visit his house and grab them to sell.
Variety could’ve played a factor in our yard sale. If mostly men are riding by, why would they stop for a denim mini skirt and little black handbag?
Possibly the location
My neighborhood is pretty chill for the most part. I know the majority of the neighbors around me. That’s a blessing.
They’re just not my target audience. Maybe it was too many men riding by.
My grandma experienced that when she hosted her sales, and that was over 12 years ago. Same location, just a different setup.
People watched from their cars; it was as if they were afraid to find something they actually liked.
Imma shop
When I see something that catches my eye, I have no problem stopping.
That’s me.
I know not everyone is wired to be like that.
You can’t expect everyone to be wired like that.
Looking within
Maybe we needed more signs, maybe the mannequin was in the way, maybe it was too many cars parked outside the house.
Saturday possibly would’ve worked better. Maybe we really needed those men’s clothes.
That’s just a few suggestions to consider.
The next time
I plan on trying one more time.
Just one more time to see if I can make a few bucks. Maybe I need to sell my items at an actual vintage event.
I am used to vendor fees; I can handle them, but I really wanted to keep it old school and pop up in front of my house.
Not giving up
I got a few more yard sales in me; I got tons of items to sell.
Next time, I’ll have a bolder flyer for better signage. I am going to try to go to my neighborhood at least one more time.
Never give up, pivot.