To have a successful garage sale you should first establish a plan. We have put together some helpful tips to assist you in having a fun and profitable garage sale.

1. Make sure to select a sale date well in advance. 4 - 6 weeks are recommended.

2. It's best to avoid holidays and special event days in your city or community. Weekends are generally the best.

3. Check with your neighborhood or community for multi-family and/or group sales being held. These generally attract more customers and generate more $$$.

4. Talk with relatives, neighbors, and friends about having a joint garage sale.

5. Take a walk through your home, room by room, to prepare a list of items you may sell.

6. Keep in mind what you consider junk others may consider a treasure.

7. Remember to check your garage, attic, basement, and closets for hidden treasures.

8. Items such as furniture, books, kitchen utensils, toys, baby clothes, and antiques sell very well.

1. Make sure you use your "talk to me" stickers for items.

2. Label and price everything.

3. Place your tags on the top or front of each item.

4. You may want to visit other garage sales to get a feel for prices.

5. Remember when setting your prices it's easy to go down on the price but you can rarely go up.

6. You can also make up signs. Example: "All books $.50 each."

7. Keep a log of your sales when having a joint sale with an inventory sheet.

8. Don't be scared to bargain. That is part of the fun. Almost everyone expects it.

9. Be prepared to come down on price if you really want to get rid of an item.

 

1. If you hold your sale in your garage, make sure to mark items in the garage "not for sale".

2. Sweep and wash the garage. Make sure it looks and smells clean.

3. Make sure to clean dirty items and display them in categories similar to the way stores do.

4. Make sure to have enough table space. You may rent or borrow from neighbors or a church.

5. Display tables and garage for easy access and viewing.

6. If you have the original box or instructions for a sale item, you may be able to charge more for that item.

7. When selling electrical appliances have an electrical outlet handy or a long extension cord.

8. Set up temporary racks or clotheslines for displaying clothes. Separate by size if possible.

9. Keep your jewelry and more expensive items close by so you can keep your eye on them. Unfortunately, there are some people who like to shop for free.

1. Don't skimp on your sale. Advertise your high dollar ticket items to attract more buyers. If unsure what to say, look at other ads for ideas.

2. Local newspapers may have garage sale sections. Post notices on bulletin boards. Advertise in small shopper papers.

3. Post your signs in visible places the day of your sale. Check city and neighborhood ordinances regarding signage.

1. Be aware you may have people knocking on your door before your sale time. If you are not completely set up, ask them to give you a minute. This way you stay in control of your sale.

2. Watch your money. Keep it with you if possible. Wear a fanny pack. Have lots of coins (change) and small bills available for change.

3. Ask neighbors in advance not to park in front of your home on the day of your sale.

4. Have old grocery bags available to put sold items into. Also, have newspaper available to wrap fragile items in.

5. A calculator will come in handy also.

6. You may want to ask a friend to help collect money, wait on customers, or just to give you a break.

 

1. Make sure your signs are neat and easy to read. Use large letters. Utilize balloons and arrows to direct customers to your sale.

2. Our first impressions are lasting impressions. Remember you want to display your treasures not your junk. Display them well.

3. It helps to have a little history about items that are antiques and/or collectibles. Items with a history may be worth more.

4. Mow the grass before placing items on your lawn. Line everything up in an orderly manner.

5. Have fun and enjoy your garage sale!