SmartHomeOwners

Planning on a garage sale soon?  Don't settle for the atypical garage sale routine.  There are ways to attract more shoppers and make more money.  Here are some tips to have a successful garage sale.

Tip #1:  Offer Plenty

Don't even think of having a garage sale until you have plenty to offer your shoppers.  Yard sale goers enjoy sifting through lots of stuff to find their hidden treasures.  Clean out your home, attic, garage, storage building, etc. to find items you don't plan to use anymore.  Also, avoid selling items that are broken or junkie unless they can be purchased for parts (TVs, electronics, etc.).  If you lack items to sell, ask a friend or two to join in with you.  You can then share the advertising expenses.

Tip #2:  Use Strategy in Advertising

The best way to attract lots of shoppers is to use the right advertising strategy.  Place an ad in your local paper stating when and where the garage sale will take place.  List a few of the larger items as well as clothing and shoe sizes if possible.  Pay a little more if you must so you can add more wording in your ad.  More details in your ad may attract more shoppers seeking specific items.  Also, create large poster signs with bold marker writing to place at road intersections near your home.  The signs should be clearly written with a large arrow and the address to avoid confusion.

You should also consider creating flyers about your garage sale with more details about the products that are available.  Include your address and phone number (you might sell items for several days beforehand).  Include a special cut-out coupon on the flyer (e.g. Take an additional $3 off for every $10 spent!).  Ask local beauty shops and stores to display your flyers for a few days.

*Hint:  Find out if there are restrictions in your area about placing signage on poles or posts.  Laws can vary from one community to the next.

Tip #3:  Offer Refreshments

While refreshments can be a hassle, they may also keep your shoppers lingering around a little longer.  To keep things simple, offer lemonade or coke and cookies.  Use this as an opportunity to talk with shoppers and find out if they need help finding an item.

Tip #4:  Get an Early Start

Many garage sale fans start at 5:00 or 6:00 am to get all the best deals.  If you want to catch their business, you'll have to start early too.  Have all your items priced and ready to put out on display the evening before.  This will make it easier to start your sale early.

Tip #5:  Time It Right

Schedule your garage sale for the time of the month when most workers in your area get paid (such as first of the month or middle of the month).  Avoid having garage sales on a holiday weekend, except maybe Mother's Day, Father's Day or Valentine's Day.  Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Labor Day and July 4th are no-no's because a lot of people are busy or out of town.

Tip #6:  Smart Arrangements

Arrange your tables and products so they are easy to access.  Use bright-colored plastic tablecloths to attract attention.  Organize clothing and shoes by size if possible.  If you are selling outfits or dresses, it's best to hang these on a line between trees or on a rack.  Try to place all items on tables or somewhere within easy reach.  Many elderly folks visit garage sales and might have a difficult time bending down to view items on the ground.  Also, be sure to price everything with signs and stickers.  This makes it much easier to handle a large volume of shoppers at once.  You won't have to worry about folks constantly asking "how much is this item!"

Tip #7:  Weather Plans

Prepare for high winds, rain or other potential weather problems.  Have a backup plan in case the weather doesn't cooperate.  State in your ad if your sale will go on "rain, snow or shine" or if you plan to "cancel if rains."  This will save shoppers an extra trip!

Tip #8:  Bundle Deals

Offer items for sale in bundles with a discount.  Shoppers love to get a good deal.  Use sales bundles such as "Fill a Bag for $1" or "Buy 4 and Get 1 Free!"  Also, be willing to negotiate for better pricing.  Expect haggling from most shoppers and price your items accordingly.

These are just a few ways to have a successful garage sale.  Use these tactics to make a hefty profit while getting rid of all the items you no longer use or want!