If you live in a military town, you’re probably aware of at least 10-15 different online sites, to sell, swap, or freely give items you have no use for. However, many of these sites have users who have are not familiar with any form of “etiquette”.
To help with the process, here is a list that everyone should begin to implement. Following these simple guidelines will make the process much easier for everyone.
Military Yard Sale Etiquette
- Trade contact info from the seller/buyer. That way if you have to reschedule, you can get in touch. Don’t rely on just email or Facebook.
- If you commit to buying something show up. This means show up at the designated time. If you are running late, please let the person know you are running late in advance. Don’t make them wait for 30 minutes and then call them.
- If you are trying to negotiate on a price that says FIRM. Don’t. If the seller wanted to negotiate, they would have specified OBO.
- If someone is selling an expensive item, please do not smack them in the face by offering 15% of what the price listed is. If they wanted to give it away, they would have put FREE.
- If you are no longer interested in an item, tell the seller. That way they can move on to the next potential buyer.
- If you are selling something, keep your computer/phone/tablet near. If someone is trying to set up a place and time to meet, make it a little easier on them to get in touch with you.
- Do a confirmation call. There is a reason why the hospital calls the day before. To make sure the buyer/seller will show up, call the morning of. Many people don’t check their Facebook every day but they almost always have their phone.
- Be considerate, if you live far from the seller, ask if they can meet half way. If they don’t then move on. It is their item. If you want it bad enough, you can go to them.
- Clean your items. Unless you specify that the item is dirty, you need to clean things before you sell them. Even if you think the person will wash or sanitize the item anyway, it is gross to have to clean something of someone else’s.
- Be honest. Scamming fellow military members to make a quick buck is just wrong.
- Sread the word! Make online selling that much easier! Do you have any other rules that should be added to the list?
Please remember, keep it classy!
