From attending many Garage Sales, I have come to learn the difference between a well-planned and organized sale and one in which people have absolutely no clue what they are doing (which can sometimes be to the benefit of the buyer).
Here are a few suggestions to follow when hosting a Garage Sale:
(1) Gather:
Gathering items to sell can be a hard or easy process. There are many ways to decide what to get rid of. Some include:
- 6 Month Rule--If you haven't worn or used it in 6 months it's time to let go.
- Clothes--If they are outgrown, missing buttons, has holes, or not being worn then they are Garage Sale items.
- Toys--Children get new toys at least twice a year (Birthday & Christmas) if not more. These can add up quick! Involve your children. Have them choose which toys to get rid of and let them have the profits on their share. Toys to include may be outgrown, missing pieces, or any at the bottom of the toy box not being used.
- Books & Movies--These are my "hot" items that I look for when I am at Garage Sales. Go through your collection. Take out duplicates, ones not watched or read, damaged ones, etc. If these items are fairly new, they will go FAST!
- Closet Annoyances--Anything that is taking up great storage room that is not going to be used. This could include: Blankets, Bedding, Towels, Appliances, Christmas Decorations, Mistake Purchases, or Presents Never Used. Get rid of them and enjoy the space!!
(2) Store:
Designating a certain area to store items for a Garage Sale will help you to be organized when the "day" rolls around. This area could be a closet, a room, or garage; wherever is easiest for you.
Once you have set aside a space, you can store your "clean" Garage Sale items in plastic containers or boxes that are easy to stack.
Depending on your pricing strategies, you may want to pre-price your items before you pack them in the plastic containers or boxes. This will save you time and add to your organization.
(3) Plan:
Pick a day in which you will have the greater part of the day off. The best days for Garage Sales are Saturdays when most people do not work. Most Sales start at 7 or 8 am and run through the late afternoon. You know your neighborhood best, so feel free to accommodate.
Group or Neighborhood Garage Sales work best because they draw in a crowd. Talk with your neighbors and friends! Everyone has items to get rid of!
(4) Advertise:
The more people who know about your sale, the more will come! Here are some suggestions on how to successfully advertise:
- Local Newspaper--Ads are usually cheap or free! Include your address and some of your "hot" items to sell. If you live in a smaller or rural community, including your last name will better help them locate your place.
- Online--Most people are connected 24/7, so what better way to advertise? Check out the following websites where you can post information about your sale:
- www.craigslist.org--A site that provides local classifieds!
- www.facebook.com--The fastest growing social network! You can post your Garage Sale as an event and invite all of your friends!
- www.yardsalesearch.com--A site where you can list and check out Garage Sales! The best thing is that it shows buyers a printable map of where to find your sale!
(5) SIGNS:
Signs are very important!!! Remember the following when creating and posting signs:
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| http://asoftplace.net/ |
- Easy To Read--Remember the 3 B's: BIG, BOLD, BLACK! Your signs need to be read from a moving car! Big, Bold, Black letters are easy to read and more people will follow what stands out to them!
- Arrows--Big Black Arrows will help to direct buyers to your house! Addresses are great to include but arrows are better!
- Bright Paper--Use yellow, neon pink or green paper or poster board for your signs! This will attract people's attention! Add in the black font and you're set!
- Posting--Post your signs at major intersections and then follow them up with matching ones that direct people to your house.
- Balloons--Balloons are an eye-catcher! Plus if you have toys, they attract children!
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| The perfect example of an arrow that I found! |
Pricing in $0.25 increments will make things easy on both you and your buyers. Making tables of certain prices will make things simple (if you can remember what is on each table). For example, books could be either $0.25 or $0.50 each. I have seen books placed on tables or in cardboard boxes.
Some Garage Sales that I have been to run specials. For example, $0.25 per item or $2.00 for a bag. This makes shopping fun and easy for your buyers!
Avoid pricing items too low. A $0.10 item may not be worth your time. Most buyers feel that $0.10 and $0.25 are the same thing...couch change!
(7) Sale Day:
Card Tables work best to present your items. Items thrown in a box may get passed by. You can hang clothes up or fold them on a table.
If your items look attractive, people will stop!
Get your children involved! Some other "hot" items to sell at your sale could include: Cookies, Bottled Water, Lemonade, etc. This will give your kids an easy job and they will love every minute of it!
(8) After:
You can either pack up your unsold items for next time or donate them to charity!
I hope my advice will prove beneficial for all of you! Good luck and happy earning!
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