Saturday, April 26, 2008

Stretching it Farther

My frugal buddy, Tisha, and I pulled the card tables and some bigger household items out into the driveway this morning. We filled the card tables with our excess CVS stash from this winter and waited to see what would happen next.

Our only advertisement was a few signs. We were not part of a neighborhood sale. As far as garage sales go we weren't busy (likely due to the frigid temperature). But most everyone that got out of their car to browse walked away with a few items. Who can resist toothpaste or deodorant for $.75 or pain reliever for $1-2? Our stock also included a few household goods like Glade candles and scented sprays, makeup, vitamins and cereal. Our only strategy was to only have a few of each type of item on the table and to restock when needed.

In three hours my stash was pretty well cleared out with about $40 in my pocket. Considering that these items were free and/or earned me CVS extra care bucks to buy the things we have needed and used, I am quite pleased.

Surprisingly, only one customer wanted to haggle, but she was buying a good amount. We cut her some slack.

Neither one of us has purposely been stockpiling to sell. Today was just a test run to see if it would be worth it to do so in the future. The verdict for me is a resounding, "Yes". With a bit more intention and some advertising, this could be a worthwhile venture I'd say. I think we could multiply our earnings several times over.

What will we do with our $40? It will go towards getting a pre-paid cell phone for our summer travels.

8 comments:

Tisha Alexander said...

You are so good. While you were writing this I was napping. :) I walked away making almost $80... I am happy with that. I am looking forward to doing it again! Have a great rest of the weekend.

Monica said...

I was happy to hear that you both did so well. I have thought about selling some of my CVS stuff too. I have quite a bit that we won't use. I have shared a lot also!

Heather L. said...

Good for you!

Unknown said...

Monica, I stand in awe of your frugality. Seriously. When I read this, I am filled with admiration, but also a sense that I am doing way too little to save money for my family. I know that you DO NOT want me to feel that way though, so please don't feel bad that I feel that way. I get inspired reading about all your awesome ideas and file them away to do myself. So thank you and keep it coming!

Unknown said...

You haven't posted since Saturday? Isn't that a record for you, Monica? I don't post as much these days because I'm enjoying the weather more...maybe you are too!

TTYS - Sniz

Monica said...

I tagged you to share your 5 budget busters, I hope you will play:0)

Sarah said...

You really are amazing. I started shopping at CVS, but it seems to me that there are fewer and fewer opportunities to earn Extra Care bucks on products that I actually use. Maybe I just don't get it.

Mary@notbefore7 said...

Wow! What a great way to use the extras. Glad it worked out.