Planning a yard sale is like planning anything else: it all boils down to organization. There is a lot of work in the days leading up to the event, but it is rewarding and can put money in your wallet. Here are American Veteran Garage’s 10 tips for a successful garage sale.
Top 10 Tips for a Successful Garage Sale
1. General Preparation
Plan ahead by several weeks to get a garage sale together. Set aside time for planning, preparation, and find help so you don’t have to do it alone.
2. Set a Date
Once you have set a day and time, get a permit if your city requires it. Make sure to write out or print a garage sale checklist and timeline. It makes it easier to check off your tasks as you go.
3. Get Everything Ready
Summon your inner Marie Kondo and gather everything you want to sell in one large pile. Separate the larger items from the smaller ones, which will help you with an organization and set up.
4. Price It
Buy neon-colored price stickers and price everything. Write clearly and make it easy for your customers to buy. Don’t overprice your items because the point is to get rid of it.
5. Advertise Your Garage Sale
Place ads in your local newspaper or in yard sale groups on social media. Include your address, the dates, and the starting time. Make signs on brightly-colored poster board and use thick black lettering. Place signs at main intersections near your neighborhood, making it easy to find your home.
6. Setting It Up
Start setting up a few days in advance. Don’t display merchandise on anything you don’t want to sell such as shelving or dining room tables.
7. Start Early
Instead of starting your sale on a Saturday morning, consider starting on a Friday. If anything is left, hold it again on Saturday. Remember that bargain-seekers WILL show up at the crack of dawn, so be prepared.
8. Money Matters
Have plenty of one dollar bills, several five dollar bills, a roll of quarters, and a handful of dimes and nickels. Keep all the money on you and wear a fanny pack or apron with pockets.
9. Shoppers Convenience
Make sure to greet shoppers as they arrive so they know who’s running the sale, but then leave them alone and let them shop. Keep plastic bags handy for shoppers and old newspapers for those who might purchase fragile items.
10. Donate Leftovers
When your sale ends, box up anything leftover and donate it. Do not bring unused items back into your home or garage… it’s time to let it go.