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via: Depositphotos / gilitukha
Throwing a garage sale is the best way to get rid of all your old stuff and make some extra cash at the same time.
Anyone can put their old stuff on the lawn and call it a garage sale...
...but if you want to have a successful, profitable garage sale, one that actually gets rid of your old stuff and makes you a ton of money, you need to know how to have a garage sale like the pros.
Why?
There are countless things first timers mess up:
When you mess these things up, you're not only going to be left with a bunch of items at the end of the day... you're going to be throwing away money you could have easily made.
This post put together the ultimate guide to garage sales. It's packed with 39 easy-to-follow garage sale tips and is guaranteed to turn any garage sale beginner into an expert.
These expert garage sale tips are broken down into chronological order (based on how far away your sale is). Read through the whole article, then bookmark it and revisit it as you get closer to hosting your garage sale.
Garage sale and yard sale are synonymous... the main difference being the location where the sale is hosted (the garage vs the yard).
A tag sale, a term often used on the East Coast, is a garage or yard sale where each item has a “tag” displaying a price on it.
A community sale is a garage sale/yard sale when neighbors and/or friends get together and pool their items to host a larger, more substantial sale.
This guide is specifically talking about garage/yard sale tips, but this advice can be applied to any of the above sale types.
Here's the thing:
Whatever you call it, there are a lot of them and they make a lot of money:
According to research done by StatisticBrain.com:
Here's something a lot of first-time garage sellers don't realize:
A garage sale isn't necessarily the best, most profitable way to sell your items.
There are certain types of items that if you sell them at a yard sale, you'll be throwing away money. For example...
Things like an original issue of Fantastic Four #1 or a baseball signed by Babe Ruth.
Sell these items on eBay, Craigslist, or via an auction house. While it might be a little more work...
...you’ll get considerably more money than you would selling them at a garage sale.
via: Depositphotos / cookelma
Do you own furniture that’s been handed down through generations or older, more unique items?
Sell these items at a consignment shop or on Craigslist... again, you'll make substantially more.
Anything you think is worth more than $100 should be sold elsewhere (again, Craigslist or eBay).
Think about it:
When you go to a yard sale, do you even bring $100 in cash?
People go to yard sales looking for discounted treasures... not nicer, more expensive items.
The more planning you do before your garage sale, the smoother everything will go the day of.
What's more, certain things (like #2 below), should be done over an extended period of time. So... three months before you plan to host your garage sale, it’s important to take care of these 6 garage sale tips:
Local cities and homeowners associations often have laws and rules surrounding garage and yard sales.
For example:
There are two places you need to check for garage sale rules, laws and regulations:
via: Bigstockphotos / Yastremska
In a dedicated area of your living space, start a pile of the items you want to sell at your yard sale.
By having all your items in one place, it will be considerably easier to examine your items, group them, price them, etc.
Now:
I’ve found the best place to use is the garage for three main reasons...
Remember:
Throwing a garage sale is much more than just getting rid of your junk...
...when you host a garage sale, you become the temporary owner of a store. Just like any store owner would, you need to be sure that each item in your store is something people will be willing to spend money on.
So... when you’re considering selling an item at your yard sale, ask yourself these questions:
If you think an item should go in the trash, then throw it away now because you won’t sell it.
Be objective, but understand that this is going to be a tough call... what you may regard as junk…
…might be someone else’s treasure.
The better your items look, the better they’ll sell.
Here’s why:
Pro Tip: No one will buy clothes that are dirty or in poor condition. Wash all clothes and throw out any garments with permanent stains or rips and holes!
Would you buy a TV that doesn’t turn on or a DVD that doesn’t play?
Of course not, and neither will your customers.
So... be sure that all your items are in good working condition. Here are some items to check:
One of the most important sales tactics you can employ at your garage sale is bundling.
Bundling is Marketing 101. If you want to sell something...
...bundle it with an item that’s related to it.
For example, if you have a DVD player, package it with all of your old DVDs. While you might only get a few bucks for the DVDs, they’ll help you sell the more expensive DVD player.
Pro Tip: Find the original instruction manual for as many items as you can, and display them with the item. It makes the product feel more complete and, gives the customer confidence that you were a careful owner.
via: Bigstockphoto / Yastremska
So... you have your items in one place, you’ve bundled them into groups and you’re ready to add a price to everything.
Now:
Knowing how to price items at a garage sale is probably the most important step to garage sale preparation, so closely follow these three steps:
For your list, I highly suggest you create an Excel Spreadsheet or a Google Sheet. Not only will this keep things organized, it creates a searchable database of all your items.
Make three columns:
The most important thing with yard sale pricing is to be realistic. Customers go to garage sales expecting to find bargains. If you don’t give them any, they’ll quickly leave.
Keep in mind:
While you’re hosting this garage sale to make to make money...
...you also want to get rid of this stuff. Anything you don’t sell has to be taken somewhere like Goodwill or packed back up and taken into your house.
So... be objective and set a price you think someone will realistically pay.
Now:
While you want to keep your prices realistic, it’s also important to remember that people will undoubtedly haggle at your sale.
In my experience with garage sale pricing:
Sticker price should be 10% - 20% higher to offset the price drop you'll take from haggling.
Estimating how much you stand to make at your yard sale will help you set a budget for your expenses (promotion, set-up materials, etc.) To estimate your revenue, follow these two simple steps:
Step #1: Using your Excel or Google spreadsheet, sum all the prices you set for your items (see this page if you’re unsure how to do this).
Step #2: To give yourself a conservative estimate, reduce the number from step #1 above by 40%. While this percentage seems high, it accounts for things like items that don’t sell and prices that were unconsciously, unrealistically set.
via: Depositphotos / Alex Smith
By clearly marking prices, you won’t have customers continually asking you how much each item costs. Not only will this make running your garage sale considerably easier, it creates a much better shopping experience for your customers.
First, invest in labels that come pre-printed with prices from your local office supply store or online ($ @ Amazon.com). This will make your sale look more polished and professional.
Now, aside from adding prices, there are a few other labels you’ll want to add or have on hand:
The day of the garage sale, you’re going to have a lot of things to do:
Now:
If there was only one person at your sale at a time...
...you’d probably be able to handle all of these on your own... but imagine if there are three or four people all there at the same time. It'd be a chaotic mess.
One of my best garage sale tips:
You need at least three people to help you on the day of your sale. This will help things run smoothly and will ensure that all of your customers are taken care.
Look:
You’re not going to sell everything at your garage sale.
Remember:
One of the main reasons to host a garage sale is to get rid of your extra stuff. If you don’t sell everything, you don’t want to stuff them back in the garage... you want to get rid of them. Here are a few good options:
PS: Below, I’ll give you some strategies to help maximize sales as your garage sale is winding down.
You have you've finished your garage sale pricing, you’ve signed up a few potential helpers, and you’re ready to start finalizing your yard sale plans.
via: Depositphotos / BrianAJackson
Here’s the deal:
While picking the date is an important decision, it shouldn't be stressful or difficult. Here are a few general guidelines:
Here's the bottom line:
Don’t overthink it. You’re looking for a sunny Saturday that’s not on a holiday weekend and doesn’t conflict with any of your neighbor’s events.
Garage sales start early, 7 AM or 8 AM, and stay open late, often until 6 PM.
Now:
In my experience... you will have “Early Birds.” These are customers who ignore your set start time...
...and arrive early, often during you're set up.
Here’s the thing:
Early Birds are usually your best, most enthusiastic buyers. Think about it... they’re there early, hoping to snap up bargains before everyone else.
So... capitalize on this prime opportunity with a little planning:
Set the official opening at 8 AM, but start setting up the sale at 6 AM. That way, you and your helpers can set up, relax with coffee, and be ready at 7 AM when your first customers, the Early Birds, arrive.
Where you host your garage sale is hugely important.
Again, think of yourself like a store owner... would you rather your store be on a busy street with easy parking, or on a remote alley with nowhere to park?
When you choose your location, try to find a place with these characteristics:
Once you pick a location, discuss it with your helpers... they might know a better spot or a reason why yours won’t work.
Only a week before the big day... it’s time to get the word out:
To find garage sales online, most people will do a Google search like, “garage sale + [their location]”.
First realize:
Very few people look past the first page of results.
Knowing this, do the same Google search your potential customers would, “garage sale + [your location]”, and focus your time advertising your sale on the websites you see listed on this page.
You’ll usually see sites like Craigslist at the top of the list, but there’ll also be some smaller and more specific garage sale sites like gsalr.com and YardSaleSearch.com.
The ad format will change slightly for each different site (Craigslist versus gsalr), but I recommend you create one “master” ad and adjust it as needed.
Now:
Creating an effective online garage sale ad is easy...
...you just need to know is what information people are looking for:
To maximize your ad’s exposure, post it on all the websites you found in step #1 above both seven and again three days before your garage sale.
When you repost your ad, to keep things fresh, it’s a good idea to add a few new photos and slightly mix up the order.
To reach the largest possible audience, post your garage sale ad on as many social media sites as you belong to (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
As your friends “like” your post, your ad will also reach their friends and family.
via: Depositphotos / BrianAJackson
Pick a smaller, more local newspaper to advertise with.
With this, not only will advertising be more affordable, but these papers will also sent to your target garage sale customers: your neighbors and the people living closest to where you’re hosting your sale.
Pro tip: The cost of advertising can be high if you get too wordy or add images. Stick to the main details like the location, time and a few of your big-ticket items.
Even though you know your neighborhood like the back of your hand, take a drive and look for the busiest routes and the best places to set signs.
Print a map of your area and mark the locations where you want your garage sale signs to be.
Not only will this will tell you how many signs you need to make, but it will also be a great reminder of where to post your signs the day of your sale.
Your signs are the most important physical piece of the advertising you have. Not only do they actually advertise your sale, but they also help your customers find its location.
Now:
Garage sale signs don’t need to be anything fancy... but there are a few guidelines you should follow:
PS: It’s tempting, but don't let young kids help you make your signs. Remember, these are the most important piece of your physical advertising.
Construct a large sign (that looks similar to the signs you created above) to tell customers that they’ve arrived at the right place.
Make it simple, friendly and inviting... something like, “Welcome to our Garage Sale!”
Keep in mind:
This is the sign that actually gets people out of their cars. It’s the most important sign you’ll make... so take your time.
Pro Tip: Buy a few colorful balloons to place on your mailbox to draw attention and help people find your garage sale.
The week before your garage sale, take some time to inspect the location and imagine how you want it to look the day of.
Ask yourself these two questions:
A good overall appearance shows customers that you take good care of your home... and that’ll give them confidence to buy from you.
Plan to do the following:
First, I highly recommend you use waist-high tables to display your items. They’re easy, look professional and allow people to see the items on both the front and back of the table.
Depending on the size of your garage sale, you’re going to need quite a few tables.
Ask friends and relatives if you can borrow their tables or rent tables from a party store.
via: Depositphotos / rukawajung
Even though you priced your items in easier increments, you’re still going to need to give change
Not only is it going to be a long day, but people will also frequently hand you a $20 and expect you to have change.
Here's an important garage sale tip:
It’s best to start the day with at least $100 in singles and fives and $10 in quarters.
Keep an eye on your cash levels throughout the day...
...and make sure one of your helpers has their car close in case you need them to make a quick run to an ATM.
Rather than using a cash box, I suggest you get a few inexpensive money belts ($ @ Amazon.com). This way, you won’t have to worry about someone snatching the cash box while you’re helping customers.
The big day is finally here!
There are just a few final preparations to set your yard sale up for success:
If you used my start-time recommendation, your garage sale setup is starting early (around 6 AM.) At this early hour, your helpers will be tired and may not have even eaten.
So... have some coffee and something to eat ready for them.
Next, make a to-do list for each of your helpers so they can hit the ground running when they arrive (it’s a good idea to send one to hang the signs, while the rest help you with different parts of the setup).
Now... remember:
Your garage sale might last 8-10 hours... be sure to have some food and refreshments ready to keep your helpers going (you can also order delivery).
As early as possible, give one of your helpers the sign-location map you created here, and ask them to carefully and securely hang your garage sale signs.
Once they've hung the signs, ask them to a to do a final drive-by check to be sure all the signs are visible and guiding arrows are easy to follow.
Put your big sign up at the entrance of your garage sale and add your balloons to your mailbox.
Remember:
Your garage sale is your temporary store... and if your store doesn’t look clean, organized, and highly professional, your customers will be turned off and less likely to buy.
So... pay close attention to these 1 garage sale set-up tips...
...they will make or break your garage sale:
This will help create a path that funnels customers from one section of your sale to the next.
These will help make your sale (and items) look more attractive and professional. Use the same color sheets/tablecloths if possible.
For example... garden tools with garden tools, household goods with household goods, technology with technology, etc.
Like I mentioned above, bundling is one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase sales.
Sell items that match together (CD's and a CD player, tennis balls and a racket, ties and a suit) as a package deal.
Arrange your different sections to create a logical journey from one section to the next (for example: car parts, next to tools, next to gardening supplies). Just like your U-shape setup, this will help move customers from one section of your sale to the next.
Use large, easy-to-read signs to tell people what you’re selling in different locations.
Pro tip: Create some fast signage with a mason jar. Simply write your message on a piece of paper with a Sharpie, thread it through the prongs of a fork, and place it in the jar.
Put taller/larger items towards the back of the table and shorter/smaller items towards the front. This will ensure all your items are visible and easy to see.
Don’t put too much on each table. If you do, customers will miss items, and it makes for an unattractive display.
via: Bigstockphoto / Lipnicki
Put “breakables” near the center of a table, with space around them, so they can be picked up and put down easily, without falling off.
Locate big-ticket items (like furniture or exercise equipment) near the front of the sales area. They provide curb appeal and will attract buyers who are driving by.
Don't just throw your clothes in a box for people to rummage through... it’ll be a mess, and you won’t sell a single thing.
Instead, create a makeshift garment rack to hang your clothes on by running some rope between two trees.
Keep in mind:
Your customers will expect to get the hanger as part of their purchase, so use cheap wire hangers.
Most people won't buy electronics without first seeing them work.
So... to prove that your electronics are in good working condition:
Set up any item that compresses or folds up. For example... pitch a tent so customers can look inside, or open up chairs so people can sit down on them.
Show people what you have and they’ll be more likely to buy it.
If you don’t do this, your customers will want to buy your tables, your chairs, and anything else that’s not nailed down.
Have one of your helpers stand near the entrance of your garage sale. They’ll welcome newcomers and say farewell to those leaving, but will also be a presence to discourage thieves.
Fill your iPod or phone with some classic pop hits to play in the background (just like a real store).
The right music will relax your customers and make them feel more comfortable.
Not everyone (especially those with small children) loves dogs... no matter how awesome, friendly and fun they are.
Your garage sale is underway... your customers are starting to arrive... things are going well.
If you want to maximize your sales...
...closely follow these 8 garage sale selling tips:
Your customers should know you're there, and that you're available for questions...
...but shouldn't feel like they're being followed and pressured to buy.
via: Depositphotos / IlayaShapovalov
During your sale, people will pick up your items and move them around.
After all that setup, I know it's frustrating...
...but it's important to let people go through your stuff, even if they’re making a mess of everything.
If you treat your garage sale like a museum, you won't sell a thing.
Pro Tip: Periodically reorganize things to keep your display looking its best.
Here's one of the most important things you and your helpers can do can do to maximize sales:
Be friendly:
If someone is relaxed and comfortable, they'll be more likely to buy.
Even though you may no longer want an item... it may well be the perfect purchase for your customer.
With that, here's one of the most commonly overlooked garage sale tips:
Be positive about what you’re selling...
...and if they ask you why you’re selling something... a good standard response is that you were given a new one for your birthday.
People go to garage sales assuming prices are negotiable.
Now:
A customer may make an offer that's perfectly acceptable... or they might make one that's unreasonably low. Just know that you can always:
If you're looking for a way to tactfully, but firmly say no, I suggest something like, "I can’t drop the price that low, I’m selling it for a friend."
Would you buy something from a store with mostly empty shelves?
No... and neither will your garage sale customers.
As your items sell, move things around to keep your tables looking full. If you need to... consolidate the items from two or three tables onto one table.
Around 11 AM, ask one of your helpers to drive around the neighborhood again and check to make sure your signs are still up.
Have them take a couple of extra signs in case any have blown away or been moved.
Inevitably, at any garage sale, there will be items that aren't selling well.
Most first-time garage sellers do nothing to increase sales of these items...
...but the experts use a simple, yet incredibly effective strategy to sell them like hotcakes:
Impromptu discounts.
This strategy is even incredibly easy to do:
Customers love it, it adds some excitement to your yard sale, and it will jump-start the sales of items that weren't selling well.
You did it! You hosted a fun, successful and profitable garage sale!
There are two remaining things to do: clean up and get rid of whatever didn't sell.
PS: As a rule of thumb, I like to start closing down about an hour before it gets dark.
Aside from cleaning up your yard or your driveway, the biggest thing to take care of is the signs.
Give one of your helpers the garage sale sign-location map you made and ask them to take down and collect your signs.
With whatever didn't sell, you have four options:
I suggest you first give away and donate what you can, and then throw away anything you don't want to keep.
Remember:
If you want to throw a garage sale like a pro, you have to avoid the common first timer mistakes. Follow these 39 garage sale tips and you'll have a successful, profitable sale.
Have any other great tips? Help fellow garage sellers and share them in the comments section below.
One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn’t do.
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