Though Fewer Sellers, Money Still Flows at Community Yard Sale

Maybe it's grandma's antique hutch or an old VHS tape of Animal House, but for spring cleaning the annual Community Yard Sale last Saturday was just the place to get rid of some things—and pick up some new ones.

A little more than 80 vendors paid $20 to sell their wares at for several hours this May 11. While that's when the price to rent a spot was only $15, the vendors who attended made back their money and had a good time.

"It was great," said Franci Davidson, a Mountain View resident who has participated in the yard sale for seven years. She sold books and clothes. "It was a good day because you get great shoppers—people who are willing to shop because it's all in the same location. We definitely made our $20 back."

Davidson explained that she likes the idea of cleaning out her house and recycling those items. This was her second sale in a week because on May 9th she participated in the City Wide Garage sale and made about $700 hundred dollars. This Saturday she made several hundred.

"If you don't sell, than you are selling the wrong stuff for too high," she said.

Another experienced seller Dana Iller, also of Mountain View, did better this year because she got a better spot with more foot traffic closer to Rengstorff Avenue. She sold decorative household things and clothing, and made $120 after expenses.

"I sell things, cheaper than in other places," said Iller, who explained that at De Anza South Bay Flea Market items are usually more expensive. "If you want to do better you need to sell good stuff."

The annual event is presented by the Community Services Department.