Since I joined Facebook, my routine has consisted of wishing friends a happy birthday, doing my daily spin in Bejeweled Blitz and playing some Words With Friends — then I usually log off.
All of this changed recently when someone told me about a Facebook group called “Buffalo Grove, IL Virtual Garage Sale
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.” I found the Facebook page, and applied to be accepted into this closed group. The next day, I was admitted, and found a whole new world that I didn’t know existed; a world currently filled with 2,838 members to be exact.I love perusing a good garage sale to see what treasures I could find, and this virtual site did not disappoint. The first day on the page, I was pleasantly surprised to see the amount of quality items that were for sale. Many of them were new (with the tags still on) or newish, and in very good condition. There was a wide variety of items for sale including: small electronics, household items, baby items, jewelry, clothes and furniture. I asked members to contact me with their opinions about the site and any advice they would like to give about buying or selling items. Some responses were anonymous, but others were willing to share their name.
One member commented “…this is a great place to buy and sell items, as long as you price them right. And only use cash.”
Another said “I love virtual garage sales because I live in an apartment and don’t have a driveway to sell my things on.”
One person warned about using common sense for safety. “Don’t give out your address, phone number or any other personal information.”
Teri Rossi belongs to a few different virtual garage sale sites in other nearby suburbs as well, and she provided some feedback about the Buffalo Grove page. “The site should be for SALE of items like a garage sale- not a free for all. There should not be the sale of pets, as well as allowing people to advertise their companies. Arlington Heights has one (a virtual garage sale) and the rules are put in place and enforced which makes for great transactions. One safety tip is to meet the person nearby and not allow strangers coming to your home. Also, some people leave things on their porch and trust the person picking up to leave the money. (This is not a good idea) because there have been some bad situations where people grab and go.”
I contacted Dawn Finnegan, who has been the administrator of the Arlington Heights Illinois Online Garage Sale Facebook page for two years. This group contains over 5,300 members and has a clear rule page which states the do’s and don’ts. Any member violating these rules will be deleted from the group. Finnegan was gracious enough to answer a few questions.
What are some of the greatest items posted so far?
“That’s hard to say because there have been such a wide variety of things for sale. It really is all about personal preference.”
What are some of the most unusual items you’ve had?
“Unfortunately, I had to delete it from the website, but someone tried to sell unused colostomy bags.”
Have there been any challenges or problems with the site?
“No, it’s been very smooth.”
Is there a limit to the kind of merchandise that can be posted?
“No cars or real estate can be listed.” (Also, the rules don’t allow the selling or giving away of pets or baby formula. In addition, no business posts are allowed and tickets to an event cannot be sold over face value.)
How do you feel about this group and its effect on the community?
“I love these garage sale pages! I love being able to recycle stuff and that someone else finds value in it…we’ll keep it out of landfills. Also, I’ve met a lot of lovely people through buying and selling. Next time you know it, you’ll have a new friend.”
My take on virtual sale sites is that they are a great way to buy and sell things from your home, as long as you follow the simple, common sense rules. Safety is key; if you want a buyer to come to your home, set up a meeting time when someone else will be home with you. Or else, meet in a public location.
Also, all personal information should be given within a private Facebook message between the buyer and seller. If you are interested in joining a group, just type the city name and “virtual garage sale” into Facebook. And if you’re in the Buffalo Grove or Arlington Heights group, be sure to say “hi” to me!
That’s all for now; please keep in touch and send neighborhood news to Aileen Simons at [email protected]
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