8 Tips to Host a Great Garage Sale

Happy Spring Cleaning Season!

What better way to declutter your old and unused items than with a money-making opportunity? Don’t throw away those dusty old bikes taking up space in the garage, sell them!

Spring is the perfect time to host your own garage sale, but planning it takes some time. Don’t let the stress of picking the perfect day, taking inventory, and spreading the word stress you out! We’re here to help.

Follow these recommendations to host a stress-free and successful garage sale:

1. Choose a Saturday- These are generally the most popular day for garage sales because many people are off work. You’ll also want to start as early as possible before it’s too hot outside and extend your garage sale well into the afternoon. This leaves time for those with Saturday morning activities, sports, and chores to make it your sale. Experienced garage salers believe that one day sales are more successful than multi-day sales. It’s also beneficial to plan to participate in a neighborhood block sale. More garage sales = more foot traffic.
   
   
2. Advertise- Promote your garage sale in local newspapers and on social media sites, such as craigslist and FB events. Mention your big ticket items such as furniture in these ads. Many garage sale shoppers are looking for deals on items that would be more expensive in stores. Strategically place signs around your town where a lot of cars are stopped for adequate periods of time that say, “Garage Sale” in large text, the date and time, and your address.
   
   
3. Take Credit Cards- Although most garage sale shoppers bring cash, we still recommend purchasing a service that allows you to take credit cards, such as ‘Square.’ You don’t want to have to turn someone away because you only accept cash. Venmo or Paypal would also be a good option for those shoppers who aren’t carrying cash.
   
   
4. Stock up on Supplies- It’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. You’ll need: labels and markers to make price tags, newspaper and grocery bags to wrap items, and tables to display your items. Keep some bags on hand to make it easier to pack up those buyers who may be stocking up on smaller items.
   
   
5. Have a plan for the Money- Make sure to have cash change and plan ahead where you’ll be keeping it. Having a “cash box” even if it’s locked just sitting somewhere isn’t your best bet, unless you have someone manning it at all times. Take money inside as you go and only keep some change on hand. Don’t discuss how much you’ve made with visitors.
   
   
6. Keep your home locked- Better safe than sorry. If you have animals in the home, make sure they are secure so you don’t have any escapees!
   
   
7. Negotiate Smart- There will be a lot of bargain shoppers, so be ready to make a deal. Seriously consider what’s more important to you before the yard sale begins: Making some money or getting rid of items. Consider the strategy: less negotiations early in the sale and more toward the end.
   
   
8. Donate what’s left- Unless you want to pack it up and try again in a few weeks, donate those left over items to a local charity. You clearly have no use for them, and neither did your visitors!