What are your top tips for hosting a garage/yard/tag sale?

1. 59

   ElleBeeposted 11 years ago

   What are your top tips for hosting a garage/yard/tag sale?

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2. 76

   CraftytotheCoreposted 11 years ago

   I had a yard sale about 5 years ago.  It took me two hours to set up and four hours sitting around getting sunburnt.  I made $100.  A yelling match broke out among a couple of women over a little child's picnic table.  Never again for me...
   
   I know of a few people who have very successful yard sales.  One of them advertises in the newspaper ahead of time.  Then, they set up at a busy location.  They rake in on average over $1,000 for 4 hours of time.
   
   I know of another lady who made $3,500 in one weekend.   She set up her yard sale like a consignment store.  She advertised, put flyers up around town and handed them out to everyone she knew.  She set up tables with displays.  She paired shirts with necklaces.  She used display racks.  She had a lot of stuff because she was moving.

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   1. 59

      ElleBeeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Wow! I could see where someone could be successful if they're moving and have a ton of stuff - unfortunately I don't have that much. I am trying to decide if it is worth it for me to have a sale or not.

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3. 80

   drpennypincherposted 11 years ago

   My advice would be to prepare as much as possible the night before the garage sale.  The day of the sale is likely to be chaotic, and you may have earlybirds arriving before the official start time.  The less work you have to do on the day of the sale, the smoother your sale will run.  Also, don't forget to have some cash and coins on hand to make change!

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   1. 59

      ElleBeeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      the advance prep definitely sounds like a good idea to me.

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4. 80

   purl3agonyposted 11 years ago

   I've only had limited success with yard sales, but here's my suggestions:
   
   1.  Try to get other people in your neighborhood or street to also hold sales.  You'll get more shoppers if you have a larger sale.
   
   2.  Put up a lot of signs to direct people to your sale.  If people get lost in your neighborhood, they'll just leave.
   
   3.  Be set up and ready to go at least a half hour earlier than advertised.  There are always early birds who show up.
   
   4.  Make sure that everything is marked clearly with a price.  Be reasonable in your prices, but be prepared to bargain.  Offer deals if they buy more than one item.  Everybody loves a great deal
   
   5.  In my experience, the only thing you can get good prices for at yard sales is children's items (toys, strollers, car seats) and tools.
   
   6.  I've read that you should have coffee available to make your shoppers stay longer and look around (but then they may just hang around longer than you want).
   
   7.  Lower your prices as the day goes on.
   
   8.  Smile and be friendly.  Make people feel welcome at your sale.  Encourage them to ask questions and make offers on your items.
   
   Good luck!!

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   1. 59

      ElleBeeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      thanks for all the tips. I am wishing I had children's items and tools now! Unfortunately I don't think I have either.

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5. 64

   Organised Kaosposted 11 years ago

   Price stuff. Know what has value in it.
   Make sure there are a few bargains to be had.
   Keep in mind the dealers usually arrive way before everyone else. They are very experienced in knocking you down on your prices. Stand firm. They are going to make money off you.

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6. 70

   teaches12345posted 11 years ago

   It has been some time since I held a garage sale, but I found that setting it up as if it were store really makes the difference.  It takes lots of tables to display the items.  When the items start to go, make sure you rearrange tables to look full and attractive.  Post signs - lots around the neighborhood, grocery stores, laundermats, etc.  Give discounts after the second hour and always consider an offer -- you just want to get rid of the stuff!

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