Yard Sale Question?

Question

This question is for those who love to shop yard sales, or have had successful yard sales in the past. As a shopper, what do you like/not like to see at a yard sale? Describe what it is that you think makes a really great yard sale. For those who have had successful yard sales, what do you think makes it a success? Is there anything that you do differently that you think makes the sale more successful? Any creative ideas?

Answer 1

I like sales with clear pricing. I hate to have to make offers. I also appreciate it when people sell their clothing by the bag or by the each (like 25 cents each or $2 per bag). It's also much nicer when a neighborhood either gets together lots of separate yard sales on one day or combines their sales into one. It makes it worth my time to stop.

Let your kids sell cookies and juice or something. I'm a sucker for kids' goodie stands and I usually need something by midmorning to keep me going.

If you are firm on your prices, then consider telling people who want to haggle that you'll be selling everything for half price after noon on the last day of the sale. That way you'll get rid of more stuff (and you're likely to have them pay you the full amount on the spot because they don't want to miss out or come back again).

Put up LOTS of signs. Make very clear large signs with bold letters. Include the dates of the sale (I hate following old signs) and a BIG ARROW on each sign indicating the direction to go. I'll follow arrows but if I have to stop and read an address, I'm likely to ignore the sign altogether. No need for lots of details just "Sale", an arrow, the dates, and address.

Answer 2

Girl, you can get the best deals at a yard sale when the people
running the sales are getting sick and tired of it! When that
happens they'll think:" Go on, take it!" We don't care!"
Then, buy it. If you have a pre-mature baby and you can't
find the clothes you want for it @ a yard sale, check Wal*Mart,
or any other super store, even GoodWill! They always have
fabulous deals! I shop there a lot whenever I'm out of school
and I find wonderful clothes and shoes for my 7 month old
daughter. - Mrs. Sarah Lynn Mathis Nickels

Answer 3

Make sure you have a lot of stuff if you want to attract people driving by. A single blanket thrown out i nthe middle of the yard with a few clothes is not likely to draw many people. Have at least 3 big tables. I usually drive by unless at least 2 tables...not worth my time to stop. Have big colorful signs with easy to read numbers on them. PUT THE DATE! I hate it when people forget to take signs down and there is no date and reallly irritating to find out that there is no yard sale

Answer 4

Bad rummage sales: Clothes that are stained. Stuff piled in boxes that people have to sift through. Things without prices - gives them leeway to ask for a high price just because they know you want it. I also tell my children they are not allowed to ask for stuffed animals - you never know if they had lice or not (no matter how clean their place appears to be). People who live on a busy street with "no parking" signs in front of their house, yet block their driveway. I don't go to these places, don't think it's worth the risk of walking my children 2 blocks for maybe a good deal on a sweater. People who have bake sales on hot days - believe it or not, I've seen plenty where they've made jello mud pies and left them out in the sun...

Stuffed animals never sell. They should be donated, or thrown out. Shoes should not be resold - it's bad for someone's feet to wear someone else's shoes. Especially walking toddlers. You want your children's shoes to mold with their feet, not someone else's. Things that are stained, ripped, not reuseable, should be thrown out. If you couldn't get it out, chances are we won't be able to either. Name brand or not - once it's stained, it's still garbage.

Good rummage sales: Tables are marked, clothes are in reuseable condition and grouped together by gender/size. Prices are clearly marked - either by stickers or a sign somewhere. Signs are clearly posted with arrows of how to get to location. A good ad posted in the paper is always best - tell them what you have, and name the big items. Most newspapers also give you the opportunity to post on their website, in the classified section. I did - had more visitors because people were looking for my specific large items. Give people room to walk, and make sure that everything is in a safe, reachable spot. Sell water bottles instead of lemonade. Go ahead and have a bake sale, but don't leave them out in the sun where they can spoil all day. Keep everything reasonably priced, and priced to sell. Keep in mind, that rude people will always come very early. I had people come at 7am, when I clearly posted 9. I opened up at 8:30, by just opening the garage door and putting a few larger things outside. I had set up the day before, so it only took a minute.

Answer 5

My daughters name is Ashley F.!I have had many successful sales,the number one things are the signs,make them easily readable and list times and a few things that will lure people in,like tools,collectiables,Dvds,Cds.most people will not buy clothes,if you do sell clothes bag them up by size and make grab bags for say 3-4 dollars.second price everything,better yet,have a 5o cent box,a dollar table and so on,I also always put out a huge box of stuffed animals or little toys and let the kids pick a free one,parents love that and it helps them shop,and have lots of bags,and change.Good Luck!!

Answer 6

First of all, keep the tables in a u shape, this keeps people moving. Be as direct as can be in your advertisement, i.e., what is for sale, times of sale and if early birds are welcome, and if prices are neg. Then when your sale gets going be friendly, even at the end of the sale when you are worn out, trust me this will pay off big time. Good Luck!

Answer 7

Make sure there are a lot af directional signs, and they are big print and ledgable and they stand out. Make sure you put evrything on tables people do not like to bend over. Have different priced tables like a dollar table 50cent table etc. Have lots of good stuff and do not over price. I love garage sales i've gotten lots of good stuff.

Answer 8

In the ad have tools, fishing equipment, guns, or other sports equipment.
This gets the guys to come to the sale.

Answer 9

i like to see

books
movies
furniture
games (that have all the pieces)
electronics (that are working)

i dont wanna see
baby items
used carseats etc
clothes
shoes
beds
bedsheets
blankets etc


what makes it a sucess

good advertising
low prices
organization
being friendly
having GOOD stuff

Answer 10

and just what does this have to do with pregnancy and parenting?
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