2006-08-01 10:02:03 · 23 answers · asked by Christy 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
I've had a lot of garage sales. We tend to collect junk so we do it twice a year to keep sane. He is out strategy:
I have one of those office-type urn coffee makers, so I make coffee and have donuts, like 2 dozen.
Take an ad in the local paper that advertises sales. It's $15 here. Well worth it. List everything....FREE COFFEE AND DONUTS FOR EARLYBIRDS. Name your neighborhood or part of town or nearby big intersection. Like "Near Broad and Oak streets" or "Riverbend Estates". Many more people show up!
One day only, Saturday. 7 am till 3 pm or so.
Get started at 5:30, expect all the old farts, earlybirds and thrift shop owners to be there by 6:30.
No matter what time you put, nuts show up early!!!! Just start it early and get ready for them.
Price cheap but don't budge unless they buy 3 or more items.
Have lots of change and $1 bills
Get those little label dots and price everything the day before.
Don't let relatives know.......they get really hurt when they see some crap they gave you four years ago on sale.
If you see the "Sanford & Son" junk dealers in the morning, tell them to come back at 3 and they can have everything that's not sold. DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING BACK INTO THE HOUSE!
Everything goes......get rid of it!
Hope this helps! Have fun.
2006-08-01 10:17:55 · answer #1 · answered by DJ 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Be prepared -- early. If you put up signs to the yard sale, folks will arrive within minutes. Don't put the signs up until you're ready for the onslaught. Do as much as you can beforehand. Price everything you can. Clean up your things so they look as good as possible (they'll be more likely to sell). Have a change box and lots of change (bills and coins). Have grocery bags ready for people who will be buying multiple items. Decide ahead of time if you'll accept checks or how much you're willing to come down on your prices. People will haggle over the silliest amounts, trying to get you to come down 25 cents on a 50 cent item.
If you can get friends to help, ask them. Make sure someone is watching the money box and don't put small items out of your sight (I've had some small items stolen during my yard sales).
Warn your neighbors about the yard sale and ask them if they want to sell anything. The more items, the better, especially large items like furniture.
The way you display items can help them sell. Borrow tables or use sawhorses and plain doors to make tables. Don't just leave your items laying on the driveway. If you're selling clothes, try to find a way to hang them up and make them look attractive.
For small items, have a box of 25 cent items -- anything in the box for a quarter.
Finally, if it's a hot day, have lots of cold drinks available in a cooler so you don't have to go in the house more than necessary. Make sure you have a place to sit in the shade and be prepared for some time of inactivity.
Good luck! A yard sale is a lot of work, but it's really fun and you'll be cleaning out your stuff and helping others who are trying to stretch a buck.
2006-08-01 10:07:51 · answer #2 · answered by Fall Down Laughing 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get out and ready to sell EARLY. If your yard sale is advertised in the paper as starting at 9, be ready for people to show up as early as 730 while you're still putting things out. The rabid, habitual yard sale shoppers start very early to get the best deals. You may move most of your merchandise within the first hour.
2006-08-01 10:06:55 · answer #3 · answered by LisaT 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only get rid of things you don't want. Then sell them cheap. Maybe a box for the $1 items to save labeling them.
Suze Orman says its best to just haul the stuff to a thrift store and take the tax credit. If you earn enough, she's probably right.
Its a good way to meet the neighbors though. Have fun.
2006-08-01 10:07:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put price tags on everything because a lot of people don't like to ask what the price is. Make large clear signs with arrows showing the way. Make your prices a little higher than what you really want for it so that you can come down on your prices and make them feel like they are getting it for less. Most importantly have fun!
2006-08-01 10:10:31 · answer #5 · answered by Joe-slim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Advertise your sale at http://www.YardHopper.com
This is one of the very few quality websites devoted to Garage and Yard Sale ads.
Plus, its FREE!
2006-08-01 12:35:49 · answer #6 · answered by Jimmy K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i know he cant sell u as u are priceless
but yes make it on a not so hot day in the shade or the garage and have lots of water if u can get it plus label everything clear so ppl arent coming to ask u all the time how much it is
2006-08-01 22:28:54 · answer #7 · answered by ozcall2006 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put a price tag on everything. Some folks will buy it...some will bargin. Good luck and stay in the shade!
2006-08-01 10:06:17 · answer #8 · answered by Bear Naked 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I would say have a gun ready for all the idiots that will try to get you to take a nickel for something you have a dime marked on
2006-08-01 10:05:17 · answer #9 · answered by jumpinjackflash 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep your prices low...you will sell lots...if you have high prices you will only sell a little...take offers...be friendly...do not operate it as a business but do it as a fun thing...offer free lemonade or something and create an atmosphere of fun....
2006-08-01 10:06:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋