There’s nothing more frustrating than putting a lot of work into a yard sale only to see it flop. Most people have a garage sale with the intention of making money and getting rid of unwanted clutter. Use these tips to maximize the money-making potential of the next yard sale.
Advertise Special Items in a Yard Sale
Furniture, tools and baby items are all likely to draw customers to a garage sale. Be sure to include these items in a newspaper advertisement or Craig’s List ad. When listing a sale on Craig’s List, include a picture of a special sale item, especially if it’s a high-priced or large item. Include collector’s items in any advertising.
Welcome Early Bird Garage Sale Shoppers
A yard sale’s busiest time is usually first thing in the morning. Often, early bird shoppers show up before the advertised start time of the sale. Instead of turning away the potential customers, make a point of being ready a half hour before the official start of the sale. Let the early bird shoppers make purchases and get a jump start on making the garage sale a success.
Negotiate Yard Sale Prices
Be willing to negotiate all prices. If the intent of the garage sale is to make money and get rid of extra clutter, then it’s beneficial to negotiate with customers. Don’t alienate a customer because he or she insists on bargaining. Refusing to negotiate is going to decrease the amount of sales and is likely to result in a lost customer, who may have been likely to make other purchases.
Start the Garage Sale With Change
Have at least $20.00 worth of change to start the yard sale. Be sure to include five dollar bills, one dollar bills and coins. Being unprepared with change early in the day could mean the loss of sales from shoppers who didn’t bring small bills to shop at the rummage sale.
Consider Using a Tent for the Rummage Sale
Unless the sale is under cover on a porch or in a garage, a rummage sale is vulnerable to the weather. If you have a tent or canopy, use it to keep the merchandise dry. If not, try to borrow one. If the garage sale is likely to make a lot of money, then it may be worthwhile to rent a tent. However, paying for a rental will eat into the yard sale’s profits.
If a tent rental is not possible, set a rain date for the yard sale. Be sure to advertise this date.
Increase the chance of making money at a garage sale by being prepared. Advertise special sale items that are likely to draw customers. Keep merchandise dry by holding the sale under cover. Be willing to negotiate and have plenty of change on hand.
Barb Hacker - Barb is a busy mom of three boys and a freelance writer. She is an avid reader who enjoys reading about history, parenting and gardening. ...
