Garage/Yard Sale ABC'S For Success~

HAVE THE BEST GARAGE/YARD SALE AND FUN AT THE SAME TIME!

Advertise Your Sale:

• Be sure your sale gets a mention in the local newspaper, pin notices on grocery store bulletin boards, staple to poles and even handout to friends and neighbors, co-workers. If time allows have your church include it in their weekly bulletin.


• Mention the date, time, place and any key items for sale, special note as to whether strictly household miscellaneous or specifics.

Make Signs:

• Place signs in your front yard(make them visible from the street), at street corners and at busy town intersections. Mark the sign with arrows pointing in the direction of sale. Tack down securely to avoid the wind blowing them away.


• Buy garage sale signs or make your own out of poster board(attach it to a wooden stake). Use stencil letters or print in permanent marker. Make letters large enough to be seen from the street.


• Hang helium balloons from the sign to attract more attention.

IMPORTANT TIP: Remember to remove all signs after sale is over!

Display Your Items:

• Be sure all your items have been checked over first. Have clothing clean and other items reasonably free of dust and dirt. Anything that has an unpleasant odor will not be a desirable item to have out.


• Once you have checked everything carefully, set your items up at least the day before the sale. It's always smart to be prepared for early birds who want first crack at your treasures. Another thing to remember, is to treat your sale like a store making it easy for shoppers to sort through items.


• Group items together same as department stores. Anything to make it easier for the buyers.


• Set up tables or sawhorses with a plywood top to display items.


• Hang clothes on racks or on a rope between two trees. Save dry cleaner hangars to display clothes. Mark sizes.


• Attach price label. Use plain or colored labels, hang tags or pre-priced stickers(save you time) to mark your items. Use different colored labels if you are having a multi-family sale(helps keep track of the sales).


• Have instructions and owner's manuals taped to items. Also, plug in electronics and have batteries in battery operated items so people know they work.


• Package small items that are alike(i.e., a bag of craft supplies; a bag of hair accessories). Then give the package a single price(i.e., each bag, $1.00).


• Put large ticket items, such as furniture, near the street to peak the interest of passersby.


• Take photos of large items and display on poster board(i.e. a bed or a mattress). This helps you from having to bring certain large items to the garage or the driveway. Of course you can physically show items to interested parties, but make sure to have a helper to oversee the sale when this is necessary.

GET YOUR CHECK-OUT STATION READY:

• Have a cash box or fanny pack to keep money in one safe place. Also make sure to have small bills and lots of change on hand.


• Be ready to negotiate! Shoppers are always looking for a better deal.


• Have help on day of the sale.


• Finally, donate leftover items to charity.

Have fun! Garage/yard sales are a great way to meet neighbors and better yet, it's a great way to get rid of the junk and follow those dollars right into your wallet.