When you want to get rid of things while putting a bit of cash in your pocket, you will find that a great yard sale (or garage sale, or rummage sale, or tag sale, depending on where you live) is definitely the way to go. Yard sales can be as big and small as you want them to be, and if you do them right, you can make a fair amount of money while getting rid of things that you do not care about. Take a moment to consider these tips for making your yard sale a real success!
Pick a Sunny Day
When you want to make sure that your yard sale is going to go very well, take a moment to check the weather. A yard sale on a dull or rainy day will still make money, but it will make far less than yard sale held on a bright sunny day when people are going to want to be out. Even if it means putting off your yard sale for a little while or moving it a little sooner, this can make a huge difference.
Put Out the Word
Tell everyone that you know that you are having a yard sale, and make sure that the people you don’t know are aware as well. This means putting a listing in the local paper, putting signs up at close intersections, and making sure that there is a notice on the Internet as well. Sites like Craiglist can ensure that people who don’t read newspapers will make it a point to show up to your event.
Hanging Up Clothes
Instead of folding clothes up on tables, see if you can get them hung up instead. A clothes rack saves space, gives people something to poke through, and keeps things fairly neat. If you do not have a clothes rack, you will find that two ladders with a rod between them can make a big difference to the kind of results you get. This is a good way to make sure that the clothing that you set out is seen as being accessible and attractive.
Get Others Involved
In general, the bigger your yard sale is, the better. Getting others involved is a great choice when you are thinking about how to get a lot of people involved. Go talk to your neighbors and decide on a date that works for everyone. This is a good way to get more people invested and to draw more people in.
Balloons on the Mailbox
If your yard sale is set up in a way that takes it off of the main road, like in the back yard or in the house, make sure that you mark your location. A few balloons on the mailbox are very cheap, and they make it far easier for your customers to figure out where they are.
Offer Refreshments
If you are selling things on a hot day, remember that refreshments are a great option for you to consider. Refreshments will keep people out and looking at things longer if the day is sweltering. If you have kids, you can have them man the refreshments stand, letting them feel as if they are a part of things. Sodas sold for fifty cents a piece and even snacks can help you keep customers and bring in a bit of profit.
Handing Your Pricing
When you are pricing your items for a yard sale, remember that you should always consider what the goal is. If you just want to get the item off of your property, price it low. If the item is fairly valuable regardless, give it a slightly higher price tag.
Be Willing to Bargain
One way to make sure that you are pricing things accordingly is to price on the high side and then to make sure that you put out a sign that says “make me an offer!” This way, when people really want something, they can come talk to you. Remember that you are selling second hand goods, and that you will not get the retail price for it. Be realistic!
