Don’t sell recalled products, cribs made before mid-2011 (including any drop-side crib), kids’ jackets and hoodies with neck drawstrings, used car seats, or anything that’s broken in a way that makes it unsafe. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says these rules apply to “individuals holding yard sales and flea markets,” not just stores. Some other things are legal but simply don’t belong at a garage sale, like underwear, open cosmetics, medicine and valuables you could sell for far more elsewhere.
Items you shouldn’t sell at a garage sale
| Item | Why not |
|---|---|
| Recalled products | Illegal to sell unless repaired under the recall |
| Cribs made before June 2011, and all drop-side cribs | Can’t be resold if they don’t meet the current federal crib standard |
| Kids’ jackets and sweatshirts with hood or neck drawstrings (sizes 2T to 12) | A strangulation hazard the CPSC says resellers must not sell |
| Used car seats | You can’t prove it hasn’t been in a crash, and seats expire |
| Bike helmets that have taken a hit | Damage may not be visible |
| Baby gear with missing parts or wobbly frames | Play yards, walkers, bath seats and bed rails are covered by safety rules |
| Old hair dryers without a big rectangular safety plug | No protection if dropped in water |
| Toy chests with heavy lids that can slam shut | A trapping and head injury hazard |
| Medicine, vitamins, open cosmetics, food | Safety and hygiene issues, and some are regulated |
| Weapons and ammunition | State and local laws vary; skip them at a public sale |
| Used underwear and swimsuits | Nobody wants them |
Selling a recalled product is illegal
Under federal law, it’s illegal to sell any recalled consumer product unless it’s been fixed under the recall. The CPSC’s guide for resellers says plainly that this covers yard sales and flea markets as well as thrift and consignment stores. You can be liable even if you didn’t know about the recall, as Consumer Reports explains.
Before your sale, look up anything for kids or anything with a motor, heating element or battery at CPSC.gov/Recalls. Search by brand and model number. For car seats and other vehicle equipment, check NHTSA’s recall lookup.
Be extra careful with baby and kids’ items
- Cribs. Federal crib standards changed in June 2011. According to the CPSC, cribs that don’t meet them can’t be sold or resold, and drop-side cribs can’t be sold even if the side is fixed in place. If in doubt, take the crib apart and throw it out.
- Drawstrings. Children’s upper outerwear in sizes 2T to 12 can’t have hood or neck drawstrings. Waist drawstrings on sizes 2T to 16 need to be removed or shortened. Pull them out before the sale.
- Car seats. Most experts say not to buy or sell used car seats unless you know their full history. Seats have expiration dates and must be replaced after most crashes.
- Durable baby gear. Play yards, high chairs, walkers, bath seats and toddler bed rails should be complete, sturdy and not recalled.
- Small parts and magnets. Toys with loose small magnets are dangerous if swallowed. Toss them.
Things that will sell better somewhere else
Some items are fine to sell, just not at a garage sale where shoppers expect $1 prices:
- Fine jewelry, sterling silver, antiques and art. Get them appraised and sell through a dealer, auction or online.
- Designer and like-new clothing. Try consignment or online resale first. For everyday clothes, see how to price clothes for a garage sale.
- Big furniture and anything over about $100. List it online with photos, and mention it in your garage sale ad.
- Collectibles. Check sold listings online first. Resellers shop garage sales for underpriced items. Here’s what resellers look for.
What to do with items you can’t sell
Recalled products should go back to the manufacturer for the repair, refund or replacement in the recall notice. Unsafe cribs and car seats should be taken apart and thrown away so no one pulls them from the trash. For everything else that doesn’t sell, here’s how to donate your leftovers.
Related guides: what to sell at a garage sale and selling stuffed animals.
FAQ
Is it illegal to sell a recalled item at a garage sale?
Yes. The CPSC says it’s illegal to sell any recalled product, and that includes individuals holding yard sales.
Can I sell a used crib at a yard sale?
Only if it meets the current federal crib standard, which generally means it was made after June 2011, isn’t a drop-side crib and has never been recalled. Otherwise, don’t sell it.
Can I sell used car seats at a garage sale?
It isn’t recommended. A buyer can’t know if the seat has been in a crash, and many seats are expired. Recycle it instead.
Can I sell kids’ hoodies with drawstrings?
Not with neck or hood drawstrings in sizes 2T to 12. Remove the drawstring first.
Planning your sale? Use our garage sale checklist so nothing gets missed.