Ridding yourself of things you no longer need is something that requires periodic attention, but can be a cathartic experience. The next time you decide to purge your household junk, follow these easy tips to help make your garage or yard sale as profitable as possible. The extra space and money you’ll gain is worth the time you put in.
* Advertise appropriately: Post information like your home’s address, time and date for free on Craigslist, Facebook and local community message boards using reliable satellite Internet so that the right people see it. Also place an ad in your local newspaper a few days before the sale to gain even further reach.
* Label prices clearly: Always place price labels on the top of items. Label odd items like figurines or electronics individually and group other items like T-shirts or books in one area with a visible price sign. A good pricing guideline to follow is to mark items for about a quarter of what they would cost if new. Keep copies of prices by category posted and with you in case of a sticker discrepancy.
* Put up signs: First check local laws and homeowners association’s guidelines about posting signs. Once you’re cleared, use bright colors and arrows to attract potential customers and easily lead them to your sale. Remember to take down your signs when the sale ends to avoid gaining a litterbug reputation.
* Start early: Organize and ready all your merchandise the night before. It’s best to set up the merchandise on tables, leave the tables in your locked garage overnight and walk them out to your driveway on sale day if possible. Remember to use planning time to gather items you’ll probably need like change, grocery bags, tape, markers and labels.
* Promote the best: Staging your merchandise in an appealing and organized manner is an obvious requirement. Highlight your best and most expensive items by displaying them prominently instead of mixing them in with the rest of your merchandise. Also consider posting high-resolution pictures of these high-ticket items in your online advertisements using high speed Internet to attract customers who already know what they’re looking for. Check to see what satellite Internet providers offer services in your area before you begin.
* Bargain willingly: Sell items that you’re unwilling to bargain over on eBay or Craigslist. Refusing to budge on prices at garage sales will lose you money in the long run and possibly deter return customers. Reduce your prices near the end of the sale because most remaining items (except out-of-season clothing) won’t sell at your next yard sale, and consider donating the leftovers to a charitable organization.
* Hold onto your money: Keep your money with you so you won’t have to worry about loss or theft cutting into your profit. Avoid using a cash box unless you have someone trustworthy manning it for you at all times.
