The end of March and beginning of April always seem to bring a period of transition to Japan. The new corporate fiscal year starts, bringing with it a flock of fresh new faces and transfers. The new school year begins, and students with sparkling new ‘randosel’ backpacks and school uniforms just a little bit too big for them can be seen on the streets. Add the cherry blossoms, and you can’t help but feel a little celebratory yourself.
The end of March is also a wonderful time for finding great deals on home furnishings and other goodies from “sayonara sales” and general spring cleaning. But this time of year also finds many people becoming extremely motivated sellers. There is a panicky feeling that descends as the movers start wondering how on earth they will empty their entire apartments in a week’s time. Carefully orchestrated plans to sell off furniture to the highest bidder become a wild scramble to unload anything on anyone who will take it. The two takers of last resort – recycle shops and the ’sodai gomi’
(large refuse) collection agencies – are often found to be less help than one might expect. Recycle shops can refuse to take belongings if they are overstocked, or might even charge you to dispose of your items. The large refuse collection agencies at local city or ward offices also often only make stops once every week, which is inconvenient if you plan on moving before then. In the midst of a busy international move, disposing of items can certainly be a challenge.
Selling or giving your items away to other foreigners living in Japan is a great way to empty your apartment. Planning several months in advance as to what you will sell, and how and when you will sell it, will also be a help. There are several community resources around Tokyo that can help you.
A well-known place to start is by placing an ad in Metropolis, advertising a “sayonara sale”. Posting a notice at a public board (such as the bulletin boards at the National Azabu grocery store in Hiroo) is also a great way to get the word out. Are you a member of any online communities or ex-pat focused organizations in Japan? Advertise your for-sale items on mailing lists or in publications for these groups if it’s allowed — expanding your target audience is bound to improve the chances of your items getting noticed.
Here are a few tips for organizing an effective sayonara sale. Many people find that creating a simple web page, including photos and prices of the items you wish to sell, can expedite the selling process. Another important factor is pricing items to sell. While some unique or expensive items (such as luxury goods, collectors’ items, brand new electronics, or antiques) might be worth close to their original price, most average household goods and electronics should be priced low enough to move. My general rule of thumb is 20-40% of the original sale price, and I’ve never had a problem quickly selling items. Really – is the goal of the sayonara sale to make money, or to get rid of your stuff in time for your move? Finally, be honest in your item descriptions – note if there is any wear or damage to the item. It is unlikely that curtains used for three years in a Tokyo apartment are “as new!”
© 2004 Wendy J. Imura.
Ed’s note: The Tell and Sell Japan mailing list is a perfect place to stage your sayonara sales these days. And if you aren’t planning on leaving anytime soon, you can benefit from some nice bargains through the group.