Garage Sale
GARAGE SALE TIPS FOR SELLERS
WHEN TO HAVE A GARAGE SALE: 3. Have some extra plastic bags for small or fragile items, it isn't
• Moving to a new home is the most common reason, but general house necessary but will make it more convenient and conducive for buyers
cleaning or reorganization can lead homeowners into rethinking about to buy your stuff.
either selling or keeping old or unused items.
• Only have a garage sale when there are enough items to be disposed 4. Have a power outlet, extension cords or batteries ready in case you
off, otherwise it will just be a waste of your time and energy. the have items that may require testing prior to selling (ie. toys, radios,
exception though is joining another garage sale with a neighbor or power tools, etc.)
friend.
• Do have a garage sale whenever you feel the need to get rid of 5. Have a calculator handy to easily account for item totals or change.
amassed unwanted stuff and make a little extra on the side
6. Have all your items tagged with price labels and keep your prices to a
nice round number. also don't forget, this is a sale not a hard-sale so
BEST TIME TO HAVE A GARAGE SALE: be ready (and price flexible) for people low-balling your items -- you
• Weekends are the best, especially saturdays since most bargain can always say no thanks.
hunters have this day set just for such occasions.
• Although setting your sale date on a holiday may sound ideal, most 7. Presentation always has a hand to a successful sale, arrange items
people that would normally be out bargain hunting might be out of in a logical order, keeping smaller things in containers on table tops
town vacationing instead. while having larger or bulkier items at ground level. place your best
• Set a time frame for your sale, ideally, longer hours means more items or items that sell easily towards the back to force your buyers to
potential customer, but be realistic with yourself (do you really want to walk through your stuff.
have a sale from 7am to 7pm?).
• State your allotted time and include this info on your flyers and ads to 8. For small items, it easier to sell them bundled with similar or with
avoid unnecessary conflicts with early birds and late comers (you dont other small items too ( stapler with a pack of staples or trinkets
really want people knocking on your door at 6AM or during dinner do bundled in fours)
you?)
9. When selling high priced items, it is best to keep a printed product
BEFORE THE SALE: listing or a magazine depicting the original value to justify your price
• It may sound obvious, but most people forget the key ingredient to a and also let your potential buyer know that they are getting a good
succesful garage sale: ADVERTISE. Make it easy for people to find your deal.
sale rather than relying on luck. A simple ad with the location, day and
date of the sale would be tremendous help in getting more bargain 10. Keep the location where you intend to have your sale clean and
hunters find you. isolated from other things in your house that are not for sale. the
• Use signs and banners to advertise your garage sale, post them where front yard or garage is the best (hence garage sale). park your
allowed (check with your local authority) throughout your surrounding vehicles clear off the driveway and position your items to be clearly
neighborhood. visible. not only will this prevent confusion, but it will be conducive
• Use flyers for your garage sale to passing lookers to stop by and check out your sale.
• Make a checklist of your items for sale (including description and
asking price) 11. Although it is easier to sell things as-is, doing some cleaning and
• Clearly mark your items with price labels to avoid redundant price polishing beforehand will probably net you the price you want for
questions and confusion during the actual sale. the item as opposed to selling just junk.
DURING THE SALE: AFTER THE GARAGE SALE:
We can't stress this enough. but preparedness is key to everything. Have • Be sure to remove all the signs you have posted.
all the little details ready to avoid hassles and lost sales such as having • Instead of throwing out unsold items, donate them to your local
the following items ready charity.
1. Have plenty of change (coins, dollar bills)
2. Decide early on if you want to accept cash only or checks too (prefer
the later)
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