How to Sell White Elephants
A White Elephant sale can be referred to a yard sale or garage sale, with the main differences being that it is carried by large group of individuals for the purpose of raising funds. It is basically organized by non-profit making organizations that include churches or schools.
The sale usually last more than a day, with volunteers working to sell the items at relatively low prices. The event has become increasingly popular where everything from sporting goods to books, furniture, electronics, arts, shoes, clothes, electric appliances and children toys are donated by the community and then sold in bulk.
At first, it was merely seen as a church-related affair but with growing acceptance, the event has become a common practice in most towns and communities.
Instructions
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1
The first task is to gather all the items which one deems surplus to requirements. This will be done on an individual basis. Go around your house, and identify things which you have not used in a while and don’t intend to consume. That includes your old outfits, school uniforms etc, along with your old bicycle and all other items which you want to dump. Collect them.
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2
Assemble the inventory. With hundreds of households giving their things away, you must make a list of all items so that you can put a price tag on it. Though it is time consuming, it will certainly help you on the eventual sale-day, where people will be lining up to buy the desired product. Don’t confuse yourself by separating each item, as some will have relatively same prices - the sale of different books will more or less have identical pricing.
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3
After assembling, review your inventory one last time and assign individuals their respective tasks. Some will have extra know-how about a certain item so they must oversee the sale of that particular thing on that day to answer any queries. Attach a visible price tag on every good and keep it in a holding room.
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4
Obtain a permit for the exhibition. Contact your community officer and discuss with him the purpose of carrying out the fund-raiser. You will be required to pay some fee.
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5
Pick a date and place for your sale. It will help you set a deadline. Prefer holding it on a weekend which encourages more families to come. Check the weather forecast to avoid rain and make sure that you have chosen a larger area for the display of your items.
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6
Advertisement is an essential element and one must be thorough about it. Newspaper, magazines, online are all options which you should take into consideration but given that the sale is a community affair, one must consider suitable shopping areas where one can advertise the sale.
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7
Secure the area by hiring guards so that families feel safe while shopping. Beware of shoplifters.
