Throwing a Successful Garage Sale

You can make some extra money and clear out your clutter by having a garage sale. Everyone has things in the attic, basement or garage that they no longer want and are tired of storing. Why not make a few dollars and few up some space?

Planning a Garage Sale 

The first thing you need to do is contact your local authorities to find out if you need a permit to have a garage sale. To begin planning your garage sale, you must pick a date and time. Saturdays are the best day for a garage sale. However, if you want have a two day sale, then Friday and Saturday are good. Stay away from dates that are on or near a holiday because you will not get a big turnout.

Next you will have to determine if you are having the garage sale alone or with other families.

In order to have a successful garage sale you must advertise it. The advertisement should state the place, date and hours. Give a brief description of the items for sale. For example, mention that there is clothing, toys, furniture or antiques.

What Should You Sell?

Toys are always popular. Games, dolls and cars will certainly attract the little shopper with their paying parent who may take time to look at other merchandise. Additionally, handmade crafts are in demand such as teddy bears, painted furniture, wreaths, and decorative pillows. Antiques are a big seller especially collectables such as: glass bottles, baseball cards, coins, comic books, jewelry, dishes, and tablecloths. Setting up some seasonal produce is also a good way to attract the customer's attention.

Organizing a Garage Sale

Mark everything with a price before you start your garage sale. This reduces confusion and gives the buyer a starting point for bargaining. Most buyers will try to bargain, but a clearly marked price may discourage them from being unrealistic. If more than one family is participating in the garage sale, use a code. You can use initials along with the price to indicate which family is selling the item.

Some pieces such as drinking glasses, dishes, or books sell better when you group them together for one price. Five books for a $1.00 is a better deal than one book for a quarter. Remember that fair prices are the best way to attract a buyer.

Display your merchandise in an appealing way. Hang clothing on a clothesline  and set up tables that are amply spaced for easy access. Neatly arrange items on the tables.

 Everything should be clean and not badly damaged. Have a readily available outlet for shoppers who want to test electrical powered items. Most importantly, always have plenty of quarters and dollars available to make change for the customer and supply bags or boxes for purchases.