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SELLING AT THE UCS

Sell your used homeschool materials in Colorado’s largest Used Curriculum Sale! It’s hosted onsite and immediately prior to the Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference (on Wednesday, June 14th). CHEC provides the space, tables, marketing, buyers, and finally delivers you a check for your sold materials (6-8 weeks post-event).

Your part? Simply gather your gently used and near-new curriculum and homeschool supplies, enter items into our user-friendly database, print & attach bar code labels, then drop them off at the designated time. (We’d love to have you be part of the onsite volunteer team too! Learn more here.) After the sale, pick up any unsold items, or donate them to the gleaning area.

  • Deadline to register curriculum for sale (assign barcodes, etc.) is Monday, June 12th.
  • Curriculum Drop-off is on Wednesday, June 14th between 7-11am.
    • Donations for the gleaning area (free materials for single parents) are welcome! Simply drop them off anytime.
  • Open shopping is Wednesday, June 14th from 12-4pm.
  • Gleaning Area is open (for single parents, unless otherwise noted):
    • Thursday, 12:30-3:30pm
    • Friday, 12:30-3:30pm
    • Saturday, 10:00-12:30pm
    • Saturday, 11:00-2:00pm
  • Unsold Curriculum Pick-up is available:
    • Thursday, 12pm-1pm
    • Friday, 12pm-1pm
    • Saturday, 12pm-1pm

Instructions

Please follow the steps below to prepare your items for sale. Be sure to note the Terms of Service.

Deadline: Monday, June 12th is the last day to enter items into the bar code site and print bar codes.  (You can print master sheets and labels anytime.) You can still donate onsite, just not enter for resell. (Curious about donating? Click here to learn more and scroll down.)

Terms of Service

In order to better serve both buyers and sellers, all sellers are required to agree to the following terms of service:

  • Seller Proceeds: Seller receives the agreed percentage of the sale prices for items sold, printed on Sales Contract at time of drop-off. Seller will receive a check for the sale proceeds approximately six to eight weeks after the conference. The check will be mailed in the self-addressed, stamped envelope which each seller provides at drop-off. Direct payments to each seller will not be made at the conference.
  • Donations: Items for sale are limited to like-new and gently used curriculum, fiction and non-fiction books (please see ratings below), and materials including CDs, DVDs, VHS, manipulatives, games, computer software, art supplies, maps, kits, equipment, etc. No clothing, vitamins, health products, animals, solicitations, magazines, or encyclopedia sets over five years old may be sold. CHEC has the right to refuse any submitted items without stating a reason.
  • Gleaning Donations: You may donate items specifically for the gleaning area for single parents. Please place all items in a sturdy box labeled “Gleaning” and bring to the drop-off location during the designated drop-off times. ALL items donated in this way become the property of CHEC. All items donated are subject to the Terms of Service.
  • Item Condition: All items submitted for sale shall be intact and in good repair (i.e., books shall have their covers, tapes and videos shall be in cases, DVDs and CDs match the cover title, etc.).
  • Minimum Prices: Minimum item price is $0.25. Any items priced $25.00 and over will need to be inspected by a UCS volunteer before being accepted. Please keep these items separate in order to expedite this process.
  • Non-Sellable Items: Any items not properly labeled and bar-coded will not be placed out for sale and will be returned to you at pick-up.
  • Ratings: Use discretion with materials rated PG-13. Materials rated R and above will not be accepted for sale. CHEC reserves the right to refuse any materials without having to state a reason.
  • Unclaimed Items: ANY items remaining after 11:00 AM on Saturday become the property of CHEC and will be disposed of at CHEC’s discretion.
  • CHEC is not responsible for lost, missing, or stolen items.

Step 1: Create your sale account

Go to the Sellers Account / Barcode Page and create an account.  (Everyone must create a new account each year.) Read through the instructions on the site before entering items.

Step 2: Enter your sale items

For each item to be sold, enter or select:

  • Title
  • Type of item
  • Category/Subject: Choose a subject for the item.  The list contains sub-categories only to aid you in choosing the main subject of your item.
  • Grade level: listed individually pre-k through 8th grade. Grades 9-12 are listed under High School. There are also levels for “any,” “adult,” and “multiple.”
  • Selling price: You are responsible for determining the price of the material. You know what you paid for resources and what you would like to get for them. Be discerning, ask a fair price, and your items will sell. Here are some pricing suggestions:
    • Bought new and current edition in good condition: 30%-50% off original price
    • Bought new and never used: 25%-35% off original price
    • Bought used: 35%-50% off used price
    • Earlier editions that are still usable and in good condition: 65% -75% off original price
    • Minimum price is $0.25
    • If you have an item that you feel does not meet the minimum pricing, you may either donate it for gleaning or gather several like items together in a bundle and price accordingly.
    • If you would like there is a space on the label where you can write in the price you paid for the item, or you could indicate the price you paid for the item inside the front cover, in pencil.
    • Ultimately, the pricing decision is yours. CHEC makes no claims or guarantees about the sale of your items.

Donations: If the item is unsold, whether you will pick it up or leave it as a donation for CHEC.  (However, any items left after the pick-up time, even those marked for pick up, will become the property of CHEC and will be disposed of by CHEC at their discretion.)

Sales Tax: Please note that the UCS is required to charge sale tax. DO NOT add this into your pricing; just be aware how tax may affect the total price to the customer.

See the list of what to sell (below on this page) for ideas.

Special instructions for labeling items with multiple pieces (such as a test booklet + an answer key): Items that come in a set or have multiple pieces MUST all have the SAME label (that means you will have to print multiples of SAME labels) and be bound together. (More instructions on binding together below in Step 4.)

Step 3: Print your labels, master sheet, and contract

Don’t miss the deadline for this!!

  1. Print your labels (from the Sellers Account / Barcode Page) when you are sure that you have all of your data entered correctly. Each label will print twice. Both labels will be needed for each item.
    • Paper: White paper (please no sticky labels as they tend to ruin the books for future users)
    • Ink: Black
    • We recommend you use a new ink cartridge for best results, as the scanners will NOT pick up lightly printed or colored bar codes.
    • Improperly labeled items (light bar codes, colored paper, or handwritten labels) WILL NOT be accepted.
  2. Print your Master Sheet (from the Bar Code site) and double check all entries AFTER printing your labels. If items need to be changed, added, or deleted, please do so on the database site. If you need to remove or modify an item from the list, be sure to discard any previously printed labels for that item. Then reprint the labels for the item (and also reprint your updated Master Sheet).
  3. Print the UCS Sales Contract and Waiver and complete. Click here to download now.

Step 4: Prepare items for sale

Attach the labels:

  • Attach one label securely to the FRONT-TOP-RIGHT-CORNER cover of your item. You may attach your plain white paper label with clear tape.
  • Attach the second label to the inside front cover if possible. Labels for games, CDs, DVDs, and manipulatives may go on the back or bottom of item. It is important to attach the second bar code in case the first label becomes lost or damaged during the selling process
  • Please do not devalue an item by using sticky labels. Labels should be easy to remove after the sale.

Keep packages together:

  • Please try to keep kits or packaged items (including textbooks/answer keys/teacher guides) together with Ziploc bags or plastic/shrink wrap. (Rubber bands or string will also work.) Text and test booklets must be secured together in the manner you think easiest for customers to see your merchandise and yet be properly labeled.
  • There is a space on the label to input the number of total items in your set.
  • Feel free to add any additional information on your label using RED INK: such as “item 1 of 3,” “set of 5 books” or “missing one workbook,” etc. Your printed barcode label and any additional label with information should be securely on the FRONT-TOP-RIGHT-CORNER of your package.
  • You are also welcome to place things in a plastic tote, but the tote will be sold with the item.

Box up:

  • Pack all labeled items, by subject, into boxes that you don’t wish to have returned.

Have your paperwork ready:

  • Bring your Sales Contract and Waiver AND Master Inventory List to the UCS.  They will be signed in front of a UCS volunteer before you leave your items.
  • Bring a legal size or size 10 self-addressed, stamped envelope (or purchase one from the UCS for $1.00) so payment can be mailed to you after the Conference.

What you can sell

Items for sale are limited to like-new and gently used curriculum, fiction and non-fiction books and other materials including CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, manipulatives, games, computer software, art supplies, music supplies, globes, science equipment, maps, kits, equipment, etc. Bound copied material will not be accepted unless the original copyright information is provided on each item.

Click here to view the list of categories to sell (and download a printable version).

Not permitted: No clothing, vitamins, health products, animals, perishable items, stuffed animals, dolls, solicitations, or magazines may be sold. CHEC reserves the right to refuse any submitted items without stating a reason.

Step 5: Drop off items on Wednesday, June 14th (7-11am)

Drop off your items on Wednesday, June 14th from 7-11am at the Crowne Plaza Convention Center at the south side near the big roll-up doors.

Items you need to bring:

  • Your properly labeled items, boxed in non-returnable containers, and sorted by subject when possible
  • Your Master sheet
  • Your Sales Contract and Waiver
  • A legal size or size 10 self-addressed, stamped envelope (or purchase one from the UCS for $1.00) so payment can be mailed to you

Please be prepared to spend a few minutes with a UCS volunteer to verify that your items are present and properly labeled. Once verified, you will be asked to sign your Master Sheet and Sales Contract and Waiver to complete the check-in process.

You CAN bring your own dollies, wagons or carts, but we will also have some available for your use, and we can help you move items.

Unable to make the drop-off time? You may send your items with someone else to drop off. Simply ensure you include all items (listed above) and note if you prefer to pick up or donate unsold items. in instances of long-distance travel or time conflicts, please contact us.  We will try to accommodate you in any way we can.

You may pick up your leftover/unsold items at the times listed above in the schedule (for Unsold Curriculum Pickup).

Any items not picked up when pick-up time ends on Saturday become the property of CHEC and will be disposed of at CHEC’s discretion.

UCS volunteers may or may not be available to help you carry out your materials. Please bring your own helper to transport your materials from the pick-up location to your vehicle.

Step 7: Receive your check with payment

A check for your sale proceeds will be mailed to you approximately 6-8 weeks after the conference. As a seller, you receive 60% of your total sales. (CHEC receives 40%.) Volunteers who serve 4+ hours receive an additional 5%. (Learn more here about volunteering.)

The check will be mailed in the self-addressed, stamped envelope which you provided at drop off. Payments will not be made directly to you at the conference.

Step 6: Pick up leftover/unsold items

A check for your sale proceeds will be mailed to you approximately 6-8 weeks after the conference. As a seller, you receive 60% of your total sales. (CHEC receives 40%.) Volunteers who serve 4+ hours receive an additional 5%. (Learn more here about volunteering.)

The check will be mailed in the self-addressed, stamped envelope which you provided at drop off. Payments will not be made directly to you at the conference.

Do I have to register for the conference to shop at the UCS?

No; you may purchase a $5 ticket to enter onsite. (However, it IS included in your conference registration, so no additional fee if you are already registered for the conference.)

Do I have to sell items in order to shop at the UCS?

Nope — just come & shop.

How many items may I buy?

As many as you want!

Do I have to register for the conference to sell items?

No.  You are welcome to sell your items whether you attend the conference or not.  But we sure hope you’ll come and even consider volunteering!

May I bring unregistered items to sell at the UCS on Wednesday?

No; the last day to register items to be sold and print barcode labels is Monday, June 12th at midnight. Item labels must be computer-generated to contain the barcode; therefore unregistered items or handwritten labels will not be accepted for sale. You’re welcome to bring items and drop them off as donations.

What you can sell

Items for sale are limited to like-new and gently used curriculum, fiction and non-fiction books and other materials including CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, manipulatives, games, computer software, art supplies, music supplies, globes, science equipment, maps, kits, equipment, etc. Bound copied material will not be accepted unless the original copyright information is provided on each item.

Click here to view the list of categories to sell (and download a printable version).

Not permitted: No clothing, vitamins, health products, animals, perishable items, stuffed animals, dolls, solicitations, or magazines may be sold. CHEC reserves the right to refuse any submitted items without stating a reason.

Why can’t I just label my items with my own system?

Sellers must use our barcode system (see Selling Instructions above). It helps us keep the huge number of items streamlined so we can pull it off with a tremendous sale for everyone’s benefit! Our online barcoding system seeks to make the labeling process as simple as possible.  This system includes comprehensive directions on how to categorize, label, and document the items you want to sell.

May I place items out for free?

Yes! Place items in a box labeled “FREE” or “GLEANING”, and we will be happy to place it out for gleaning.

Why do I have to pack my items by subject?

Our team handles up to 20,000 items; that’s a lot of variety! To make your experience (shopping & selling) the quickest and easiest possible, we need to be able to get the books on the proper tables in the shortest amount of time. Plus, you know your products better than anyone else; if you are trying to sell a book about the inventions of Benjamin Franklin, you know best if it should be Science or Biography. And don’t worry — the barcode site makes it easy. Input your items in any order, then print labels. By placing your label in the FRONT-TOP-RIGHT-CORNER of each item and packing those items by subject (when possible), it greatly reduces the amount of time it takes volunteers to place items out correctly.

What are the benefits of selling at the UCS?

Sellers have no cost for space and table rental, advertising, and transaction costs like bounced checks or fees for debit and credit cards. We take all the risk for you! The potential for selling your items is greatly increased with a large number of attendees perusing the sale. You can also set your price as you deem to be fair and there will be no haggling or bargaining.  Finally, we have done side-by-side comparisons to Amazon.com, ebay.com and half.com and profit margins for all, including, the UCS, are all in a comparable range. We’d love for you to participate!

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