Garage sales have a lot going for them.
They motivate you to streamline your possessions. They represent the very essence of entrepreneurialism and thrift. They give you an excuse to meet your neighbors.
Heck, they’re even environmentally friendly. Just think of all that stuff you’re recycling.
But successful garage sales don’t just happen. To make the bucks, you have to make the effort.
We gathered tips from the experts for making the most of your next garage sale (or yard sale, basement sale, rummage sale or whatever you want to call it). So get selling. Your profits are waiting.
Advertising is the best way to get people to your sale. A classified ad in the newspaper is an obvious choice, but don’t stop there.
Consider free advertising sources such as Craigslist (craigslist.org) and WeekendTreasure.com, suggests Chris Heiska, a yard-sale fanatic who runs the Web site YardSaleQueen.com. Maybe a local library, community center, grocery story or church has a bulletin board where you can post a flier. (It’s good form to ask first.)
And of course, post signs on sale day — good signs, Heiska said. Bad signs are a pet peeve of hers. She even posts pictures of them on her Web site.
A good sign is one that can be read fast and easily. Include just the basics — the words “Garage Sale,” maybe the date and start time, and a big, fat arrow pointing the way to your house.
One more thing: Take the signs down at the end of the sale, please. Promptly.
Remember that the main reason for having a garage sale is to get rid of your stuff. And the best way to get other people to buy that stuff is to price it to sell, said Randy Lyman, who with his sister, Anita Chagaris, wrote the book “Garage Sale Gourmet.”
“What’s the price of something you don’t want anyway?” he asked rhetorically.
If you’re emotionally attached to something, or if it’s a valuable item such as an antique or collectible, a garage sale isn’t the place to unload it, Heiska said. Garage sale shoppers are bargain hunters, and high prices on even a few items might turn them off to your whole sale. Better to sell the pricier items through a classified ad, an auction house or a consignment shop, she said.
Not sure what your stuff is worth? Visit a few garage sales in your area, or browse a thrift shop, Heiska suggested. You’ll probably want to price your things a bit lower than the thrift shop does, she said.
Be sure prices are well-marked so shoppers don’t have to ask, both Heiska and Lyman said. And expect them to haggle. That’s part of the fun.
“Merchandising” — displaying items in an enticing manner — can also boost sales, Lyman said. Display entire outfits together, for example, or set a dining table as you would for an elegant dinner.
Experienced garage sellers usually recommend you never let shoppers into your house, even to use the toilet. Some con artists target garage sales and use distraction methods to clean out their victims.
At even the best garage sale, some things just won’t sell. If you’re serious about getting rid of stuff, make arrangements beforehand to donate the leftovers to charity. Remember, your unwanted goods could be a blessing to someone in need. That just might be the best profit you get from your sale.
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Set-up checklist
Put large items at the curb to catch the eyes of passers-by.
Display things on tables rather than the ground so people can see and and reach them easily.
Hang clothes to make it easier for people to look at them.
Consider using a shower curtain or sheet to create a changing area, perhaps in the garage.
Display electrical items near an outlet or extension cord so shoppers can test them.
Display books in boxes with the titles up.
Keep valuables where you can keep an eye on them.