Whether you are moving into a new home, improving your home or just doing annual spring cleaning, having a yard sale is a popular way to make a profit. A yard sale can be hard work, but below are some tips and tricks to make it successful.
Tips and Tricks:
- The most important thing is to make sure that you want to sell an item that you own. The best way is to gather all your items together and store them in an area for a period of time. If you find yourself not needing it, than most likely you will want to put it up for sale.
- Find a date and specify the times you are holding the yard sale. There are a couple different options to advertise your yard sale. Create signs to advertise throughout your area or call your local newspaper and place an ad. Remember to advertise your address, the date and hours of your sale. If you are placing signs throughout the neighborhood please call your homeowners association or local government and check the laws and restrictions.
- Have all your items in one place like your garage or a part of the yard. Make sure that each item has a price tag on it. If you are not sure how to price an item such as an antique or piece of furniture go get it appraised. Be reasonable with pricing, you want to range about 1/3 of the full price that you previously paid for that item.
- Your items need to be organized. Have enough tables to where the items are openly displayed. If there are items that you are driving to sell make sure they are descriptive and showcased. For example, if you have a sofa that you are eager to sell, provide good selling points such as “Sofa- $300 with two coordinating pillows, two years-old and in great condition!” Also, go through all your stuff and make sure it looks attractive to display.
- Always make your customers feel comfortable. Have some music playing in the background. If it is a hot day, maybe have one of the neighborhood kids sell sodas or even run a lemonade stand. Try not to hound the customers and let them browse with their friends. Many customers like to bargain with your sale price. If it is early in the morning hold off and let them know that you may cut a deal later in the day.
- Make sure that you have plenty of $5’s, $10’s and $20’s to be able to give to the customer when they buy an item. Have plenty of grocery bags handy also to place an item that was sold. Please don’t assume that everyone going to yard sales are happy people. Let’s be honest, some individuals may not be trustworthy. You are openly up your place to the community, have some friends to help watch over your things and make sure that your house is secure. Also, do not forget to take down your signs when your yard sale is finished.
Sometimes yard sales are tough work, but gaining some profit has it benefits. Have fun with it, and Good Luck!