By Mallory Hoke
You want the extra money, but not the extra headache
when it comes to organizing a garage sale. Knowing a few tricks of the
trade can quickly and easily take you from disgruntled junk-pile maid
to hostess with the mostess. When it comes to garage sales, it's
all about being prepared.
- Gather and sort: Find out what items typically do well
at garage sales, and what items you're willing to part with. You will
probably find yourself a bit more accommodating once the prospective
buyers start rolling in. Some of the items that tend to sell well are
baby items/clothing, CDs/books/movies, sports equipment,
tools, household items and craft materials. - Pick a day and time well in advance:
To ensure that you're not rushing to the finish or look desperate to
get rid of stuff, make sure you plan well in advance and take your time
to spread the word about your upcoming sale. - Stock up on materials:
You'll need plenty of posters, tape, stickers, markers and tables. Read
our guide on materials you'll need to host a garage sale and make sure
you have everything. - Advertise: Local bulletin boards at grocery stores, churches and
schools are a good place to start. Internet ads on sites like
craigslist are free and easy to use. You could also purchase an ad in
the newspaper. It is a good idea to list different items you will be
selling- especially if they are unique or "big ticket" items. The day
of the sale, hang large colorful signs throughout your neighborhood. Some Web sites suggest posting arrows to your location. - Price items: Keep in mind the goal, for most sellers, is to move merchandise (making money is a bonus). The rule of thumb is one quarter the original price (that is,
if something is still in the box, has instructions, is in good
condition, etc.). Time-saver: set up tables and
arrange items by price (ex: have a $1 table for kids toys). Another
option is selling things in "bundles" (four books for $1). - Placement: Big items should be towards the front, visible from the
road. Smaller or more valuable items should be closer to where you will
be standing. Hang clothes if possible, as it will make them easier for
buyers to sift through, as well as more appealing. Have outlets
available for people to test electronics before purchasing. - Sell refreshments: Having bottled water, lemonade, and baked goods
available is a good way to make extra money during the sale. - Provide bags: Have plastic grocery bags available for patrons to carry goods in after purchasing.
- Safety: Keep the doors and windows to your home locked. Have a phone
on hand in case of emergency. Don't leave
anyone alone during the sale (especially children and teens). Various
Web sites recommend using a money belt instead of cash box, as cash
boxes
are easier to steal. - Clean up: After the sale, take leftovers inside and remove all signs.
This post was authored by Mallory Hoke, Social Media intern for ChicagoNow.
Filed under: Hosting tips
