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How to Make Your Garage Sale a Success

April 21st, 2008 · 3 Comments

Have you been hit with the urge to do a little spring cleaning around your house? Would you like to earn some extra cash? If you said, “yes,” to these suggestions, a garage sale is the project for you. In one day you’ll be able to rid your house of all the things you no longer want or need and earn enough money to buy something you do want or need.

You’ve probably driven by plenty of garage sales before. You may have noticed that some are teeming with crowds and activity. Other garage sales, however, look rather sad and dilapidated. How did the successful garage sale hosts manage to do so much better than their counterparts? Following tips like these is a great start.

Advertise your garage sale. Take out an ad in your local paper advertising your sale. You can even mention reasons that your garage sale is worthy of making their list of sale destinations. If you’re selling an old set of living room furniture, say so in your ad. If you have tons of children’s items, tell potential customers about that. Buyers at garage sales can be motivated by lots of different kinds of merchandise; you just need to get the word out about your sale to the buyers who will like the stuff you are selling.

Put up lots of signage in your neighborhood. You don’t want potential buyers to have to work to find your sale. Put signs around the neighborhood that show buyers where you’re located. Mention the major items you’re selling again, too.

Place in-demand items where they can be seen from the road. Veteran garage sale buyers often make a list of the places they want to check out before they venture out for a day of bargain-hunting. If they don’t see anything interesting when they drive past your house, they may deem your sale unworthy and continue to the next house on their list. Furniture, appliances, and nursery equipment are always popular items at garage sales.

Sell refreshments at your garage sale. You don’t have to get carried away with anything extravagant. Stock up on some types of drinks that your family likes and ice them down in a cooler. You can sell these to add to your garage sale proceeds and keep the leftovers for your family to drink. Likewise, you might consider purchasing small packages of chips or trail mix to add to your refreshment offering.

Arrange your sale items neatly and attractively. You know you don’t like to shop in a messy store; your garage sale customers don’t want to pick through all of your items, either. Place similar items together. Place books and cd’s in a position so the titles can be viewed. Hang clothes up on cheap hangers.

Although garage sales are wonderful sources of extra cash, running a successful garage sale requires some hard work. Commit right now to doing the things that will make your garage sale stand out from the neighbor’s. You’ll reap the rewards of your hard work when you’re counting your proceeds at the end of the day.

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3 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Rachel @ Master Your Card // Apr 21, 2008 at 8:33 am

    I would add that it is useful to have more than one person doing the selling. If it gets busy it is good if there are several of you on hand to answer questions and to take money.

  • 2 Meg from FruWiki and All About Appearances // Apr 21, 2008 at 11:13 am

    Great tips — especially about advertising! I have some more advice on yardsaling at FruWiki.com if you’re interested. It’s one of the featured pages on the main page.

    Right now I’m in the middle of decluttering the house and making what is already a huge yard sale pile. If all goes well, it’ll all be out of here, one way or another, on May 3rd. I’m looking forward to it — and I hope I can make a little money while getting rid of the clutter.

  • 3 nobrainerdeals // Apr 28, 2008 at 2:12 pm

    I like the idea of the refreshments I will have to try it at the next GS. I also recommend that you start early. I find great success when you start selling at 7AM or so.

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