How To Hold A Garage Sale

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Would you like to exchange that gold mine of junk in your basement for a fistful of dollars? You can, by holding a garage sale. You don’t necessarily need a garage to hold a garage sale, but you do need to know the secrets of success. Some careful planning will assure you of a successful sale.

Why don’t I just use Ebay?

I love Ebay but there is some areas where a Garage Sale just can’t be beat. Garage Sales don’t have fees, you keep all of what you make. You can sell hundreds of items in a single day, giving you quick cash. People are able to touch before they buy (clothing) meaning you will get higher prices and quicker sales. I could keep going on forever with the reasons, you have nothing to lose only money to gain.

Before you Start

First, consider your location. If you’re too far off the beaten track, you might like to ask a friend if you can hold the sale in their yard. Next, check your local council if you need a permit to hold a garage sale as this varies from state to state. You may be required to pay a fee, or to collect sales tax. Also, find out if you can put up signs in the neighborhood to advertise your sale.

Planning

Choosing the date and hours for your sale should be easy. Naturally, a weekend day would be the best and the morning (not too early, though) and afternoon the best hours.

Make use of free advertising bulletin boards in your community to publicize your sale. You can also advertise in your local newspaper. Set up signs about a week before the sale in a high traffic area like a major road. Consider the weather when setting up the sign as you don’t want to find them laying in the gutter or in a soggy heap.

Now, what to sell

You may be surprised that what you have no use for and in fact think is junk, someone else is thrilled with. The following list will give you some ideas of what you can sell:

Appliances - large and small

Books - paperback and hard cover

Costume Jewelery

Sports Equipment

Linens / Bedding

 Children’s Toys & Baby Equipment

Flatware - Silver and Stainless Steel

Phonograph Records / Tapes

Shoes / Boots

Plants, Patio Equipment & Garden Tools

Electronics

Clothing, especially children’s

Garage Sale Tips

Now that you’ve decided when your sale will be held and just what you’re going to sell, the following tips will help make your day a success:

Tip 1: Put a price tag on every item. Mark your prices clearly. This makes it easier for a customer to browse. Masking tape is excellent for price tags.

Tip 2: Make sure your merchandise is very clean. Goods that are polished and in good condition will sell faster than old dusty items. 

Tip 3: Be ready to deal with customers promptly at opening time. Have everything ready and be wearing a smile.

Tip 4: Be prepared to give your customers change by having coins and small notes on hand.

Tip 5: Save your bags for a few weeks before your sale, so you can offer your customers some wrapping for their purchases.

Tip 6: Be prepared to haggle with customers.

Tip 7: After your sale, if you should have any leftovers, perhaps you would like to donate them to a local charity. Or you can always save the leftovers for your next sale.

Garage sales are a lot of fun. Plan yours properly and you’ll be assured of a good time and a successful sale.

We need your help to keep our website running and helping Australian's. If you find this information helpful, consider donating.