Garage sale tips

by coureurdebois

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First of all, decide whether you just want to rid of some stuff and are charging a token fee for hauling it away – or is it that you are only willing to part with some of your treasures for a good price.

Customers are less likely to be interested in an
item if there is no price tag
In other words, are you having fun cleaning out the clutter, or are you running a small business? It can be some of both, but be clear about it in your mind before you open.

Here are some tips to make your garage sale day a happier day for both you and your customers.

Pool with friends and neighbors to create a big sale. More buyers mean faster sales at higher prices. And advertising and signing costs are shared.

Clearly mark the trail to your sale. Use balloons and bright colored garage sale signs with large arrows pointing the way at every intersection and at every turn en route to your sale.

Don’t clutter your signs with small-lettered details that passing motorists do not have time to read. Local street addresses mean nothing to through traffic. Instead, just use BIG arrows.

Monitor your signs throughout the day. Wind, rain, and gravity can make your signs useless.

Don’t over-hype a small garage sale. Be honest, and make sure your “Huge Sale!” is actually huge.

Put a clear price on every item. Customers are less likely to be interested in an item if there is no price tag, and they may think the item is not really for sale.

If you are willing to dicker on prices, still put a price on each item so customers know your starting bid. Don’t force customers to guess at what price you are willing to start negotiations; one of you may be embarrassed or insulted.

Only accept cash, and have plenty of change on hand. Expect to get several large bills.

Except for large items, put all items on a table, on a hanger, or at least at table height.

Cover with a tarp all items that are not for sale. Covering walls, motorcycles, tool benches, etc. that are not part of the sale not only sets off your garage sale items, it also avoids embarrassing your customers who may start to express interest in a not-for-sale item.

Crowds attract crowds. So invite your friends over to hang out for breakfast-brunch time to make your sale look like a happening place.

When your sale is over, take down your signs – starting with the sign farthest from the sale.

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Garage sale tips

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