How to Have a Successful Garage Sale
I am looking forward to warmer days...finally! I am contemplating having a garage sale this year, so I did a little research on how to do it! So here are a few pointers.
What to sell…
Shoppers like to see a little bit of everything. When prospective customers drive by, they’ll more likely stop for full tables.
Never underestimate the value of absolute junk. If you haven’t used something in the past year, sell it.
Dealers and antique collectors frequent garage sales, so clearly display one-of-a-kind items.
Dressers, bookcases, baskets, tables, toys, and tools attract traffic.
Make sure appliances work. Have an outlet handy so items can be tested.
How to price…
Tag all items. Customers may assume that unmarked items are out of their price range.
Be prepared to haggle. Most garage sale experts say 10 to 30 percent of retail is a fair price.
How to display…
Clean everything. Dirty dishes fetch a far lower price than their clean counterparts.
Large items bring the most foot traffic. If you sell a couch or table early in the day, ask to keep the item with a “sold” sign on it until the end of the day.
Clothing on racks sells higher than similar items thrown on a blanket, so hang a line in your garage or buy a portable rack.
Clearly mark your sales area. If you have a sale in your garage, cover anything you want to keep.
How to advertise…
Place an ad in a newspaper. If you partner with neighbors, you can usually split the cost.
Make bold, bright, neatly lettered signs. Place them in order to direct traffic to your house. (Don’t forget to take them down when the sale is over!)
When to sell…
Check the weather when planning your sale. Even if your sale is indoors, bad weather keeps customers at home.
Saturday is often the best day for a sale, but in some places, people favor Thursday and Friday sales. If you are new to an area, ask around.
What to do with leftovers…
Store them for another day. What didn’t sell now may be in high demand next year.
Give them away.
Have them picked up by a charitable organization. Keep a list of donated items for your accountant at tax time.
So in short:
Preparing for a garage sale involves several steps to ensure a successful event. Here are some steps you can follow to prepare for a garage sale:
-
Set a Date: Choose a date and time for your garage sale that is convenient for you and your potential customers.
-
Gather Items: Collect items you no longer need or use. Go through your home, attic, basement, and garage, and set aside items to sell.
-
Clean and Organize: Clean and organize the items you are planning to sell. Make sure they are presentable and in good condition.
-
Price Items: Determine the prices for your items. You can use stickers or tags to price the items.
-
Advertise: Advertise your garage sale in your local newspaper, on community bulletin boards, and on social media platforms. You can also make signs to place in your neighborhood directing people to your sale.
-
Organize the Sale: On the day of the garage sale, arrange your items in an organized manner, such as by category or price. Make sure your signs are visible and that your prices are clearly marked.
-
Be Ready to Negotiate: Be prepared to negotiate prices with customers. You may want to offer discounts for items that don't sell.
-
Be Safe: Keep your home and belongings safe by keeping the garage sale area separate from your living space. Have someone else with you during the garage sale, and keep any valuable items inside your home.
By following these steps, you can prepare for a successful garage sale and make some extra money while decluttering your home.