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Garage Sale Tips for Dummies

Buzzle Staff
A well-organized garage sale is always a hit with the customers, and it also gives you an opportunity to get a good price for your used goods. Here are some garage sale tips to make the event successful.
Whether you are spring cleaning, moving to a new house, or just want to get rid of things you no longer use, having a garage sale is the perfect solution. But if you have never held one before, do not worry, here are some tips to help you.

How to Put up a Garage Sale

  • First of all, plan the duration of the sale. You could select a longer sale and begin it on a weekday. This will draw the attention of passers-by, and people will spend money more liberally, since sales are hardly held on weekdays.
  • The next step is advertisement. Be innovative and clear, and list out the items in detail. If there is something different about your garage sale, do not hesitate to mention it. While placing these advertisements, you could divide the days into two advertisements. This way, people who come do not think that all the good products have been sold out.
  • You could also inform your family and friends that you are having a garage sale. Let them know that they can bring over stuff they no longer require. If transportation is a problem, you could inform them about the time you would be going to collect it. 
  • While categorizing the products, do not think that anything is a waste, as something that looks gaudy to you might be appreciated by the buyer.
  • Empty the garage and sweep it clean. After that, arrange the tables in rows and cover them with light-colored table cloths. Arrange the products according to categories. You could keep all the knick-knacks in boxes and label them with the prices.
  • If you have a clothes-rack, you could shift it into the garage for a few days. Display the washed clothes on the table. Ensure that you sort them out according to sizes. You could also put up a sign with prices. This way you need not label each clothing.

Tips to Make the Customers Comfortable

  • Make the environment conductive to shopping. You could play some quiet, soothing music. This will make people relax and enjoy the sale.
  • Make the people who come to the sale feel at ease.
  • You could greet everyone that comes to the sale, and even make small talk about the weather. A simple thank you when they are leaving would also go a long way in making them comfortable.
  • Keep some bags handy. This way, you can offer them to the customers to carry their purchases home.
  • Provide coffee or some cold refreshment. Your child could make some extra pocket money by manning the refreshment table.
  • List some of the items that you are putting up for sale on large colorful signs. Remember to take down the signs after the sale.

Garage Sale Pricing Tips

  • Pricing the items is a difficult thing to do, so try and put yourself in the customer's shoes. Decide on how much you would like to pay for the same item, and how important it is for you to get it sold.
  • On the first day of the sale, you could price the items a little higher. This price can be reduced on the last day if you do not find a buyer before that!
  • If the items are worth more than USD100, price them a little higher. This way, you and the customer can negotiate, and settle at an agreeable price. Do not make it too expensive, as this might stop potential buyers from inquiring about it.
  • If you would like to clear out most of the items you have, offer some kind of deal on the afternoon of the last day.
Follow these tips, and you will sure make good money out of your garage sale!