Organize a Successful Garage Sale

How to Make Yard Sales Succeed

Jul 6, 2009 Sandra Williams

Having a garage sale is a great way to make money, get rid of unwanted items and socialize with neighbours.

Since yard sales are a lot of work, it’s important to plan them carefully. It’s no fun having to drag everything back into the house or arrange pick-ups with thrift stores.

Price Garage Sale Items

Take the time to price things. This doesn’t mean there isn’t room to haggle, but it saves people time and gives them a good idea of the pricing scheme.

Keep in mind these are unwanted and used items, so price accordingly. It doesn’t matter to customers if a pair of jeans cost over a hundred dollars last year. Now, they might not move unless they’re under three dollars.

More people are likely to buy garage sale items if they’re priced clearly and reasonably. If they have to ask the price, they might not be bothered, or will assume it’s too much.

If nothing is priced, there could be a line up of people inquiring and it just wastes everyone’s time. It’s also annoying if the person hosting the garage sale simply shrugs, leaving the customer to guess the prices. Even hagglers probably prefer a starting point.

Advertise

If the garage sale isn’t advertised, the only customers might be the kids playing next door or the occasional passing car. Contact the penny saver or newspaper at least one week in advance so bargain scanners can put it on their morning yard sale hunt.

Get signs made up on bright sturdy cardboard, and put them up in a high traffic area a day or two in advance. Include several signs with the exact address and arrows pointing the way.

Organize

Display the merchandise neatly into categories. Nobody wants to dig through boy’s clothes if they’re looking for girl’s clothing. Arrange tables, boxes and/or shelves so that they showcase certain groups of merchandise. One might be for knick-knacks, another for toys.

Attracting Customers

A popular and effective trend for attracting customers is to display a box full of freebies at the front of the driveway or garage. If there are things at the end of the yard sale that aren’t moving, place them in the freebie box.

Another fun family activity is to set up a lemonade stand and/or sell homemade muffins at the garage sale. It’s a perfect breakfast for busy yard sale hoppers. The yard sale customers will appreciate it and children can help while making money and having fun at the same time.

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Yard Sale