Garage Sale

Spread the News Ahead

As always – advertising is the key to a good turn out. The word of mouth will definitely contribute but more so if you advertise in the local community paper. This paper does charge a nominal fee and sometimes none at all as a service to the public. But before posting and ad or telling friends and loved ones about your plan to hold a garage sale, call your city or town hall and ask about any ordinances concerning garage sales. Some communities require a permit or specify a certain sales hours.

Now when you advertise through whatever means – be specific with your house address including cross streets and landmarks. Make it clear also about the items you’re selling and price range. Make your garage sale attractive my placing few balloons and attractive posters and streamers.

Prices that Sell

To get a glimpse of the going rate for second hand items, visit stores that sell used items that way you will not charge more on items you think you could get a bigger buck.

Make sure you tag each garage item with very visible and clear price. This would keep you from answering their questions every now and then about the prices of individual items. Most of the people who will come by will not bargain for the price specially if the prices are reasonable.

Items that Sell

Accept that fact that some items really do not sell well no matter how good the presentation is or how reasonable the price is. The following items are sure bets:

• Picture frames (for the wives and kids)
• Tools in good condition
• Power tools (especially for the husbands)
• Children’s shoes, clothes and few toys
• Sporting gears
• Hardcover books
• Used pots and pans

The following are the list of items less saleable:

• Cassette tapes
• Television
• Toasters or Ovens
• Used sheets and blankets
• Computer peripherals (but you can give it a try)
• Small containers
• Plastic wares

Presentation Does a Lot

Place the most attractive items in the front rows and even better if you sort them by categories. Appliances should be cleaned and be ready if they require testing of the products. Hang and separate clothes according to gender and sizes. Arrange accessories depending on the age brackets of prospective buyers. You do not mix the toys with the earrings of course. Same way you do not mix adornments with garden tools.

Dollar and Cents

Be sure you have enough of these for change. Some may have smaller bills with them but you always expect the worst. Give a little token of appreciation like candies to those who will pay in exact bill.

Get Everyone in the Family Be Involved

A day or two before the Garage Sale, ask the kids for their unwanted toys or items they do not value much anymore. In return they would get a share of that item once sold. For the old ones, time to dispose those old stuff that stored in the cabinet for so long. Convert the items into instant cash and buy a newer version.

Be Sure All is Set Up

As much as possible have the items placed in tables with wheels so you could easily move them whenever necessary like unexpected rain, downpour of people, etc. Have your mobile phone handy all the time. Assign one or two people to keep an eye for possible pickpockets and anyone who would attempt to steal any items.