Let's face it. . . We all have junk. Most of us have tons of junk! As a recovering hoarder, I have plenty of items that need rehoming. After a while, my OCD side overtakes the hoarder and I spend an entire day frantically clearing out every last nook and cranny. When this day comes it means one thing. . . Time for a sale!
I love to wheel and deal. And I really love to make money! Garage sales are the perfect avenue for me to easily de-clutter my house and make a few bucks. I've had 3 garage sales in the last 2 months and I've made around $700. This is easy cash! Since I've had 3 great sales this year, I think of myself as an expert garage seller. . . My friends think of me as a garage sale addict and are currently seeking group help for me. Anyways, if you follow my 7 tips below, you too can have a successful garage sale!
1. Pick a great location
You need to have your garage sale in a place with high traffic. The more people who drive by. . . The more shoppers you will have. I'm not suggesting you move your garage, but you should consider asking someone if you can have your sale at their house. You will be surprised how willing your friends and family might be to let you borrow their drive way for a couple of hours. Heck, they will probably throw a few items of their own out there. I live off the beaten path so I always have my sales at my mom's house.
2. Advertise
Make sure you have a large, eye catching sign posted the day before and the day of the sale. If your traffic slows down, make a run to check your sign. I also recommend advertising on local Facebook buy/sell/trade pages. This has brought me tons of shoppers!
3. Don't waste time pricing
You don't want to go too crazy labeling your items and pricing each piece. You allow yourself more flexibility with pricing if nothing is labeled. If someone comes up early in the day, with excitement in their eyes over my old paper towel holder, then I want to be able to ask top dollar. . . On the flipside, when I'm about to close up shop, I'm going to practically give away anything someone picks up. There are a few exceptions to this rule. Some items will be easier to group and label. For example, I usually have a set price for clothes and I post a general sign near where they are hanging.
4. Organize and display the junk
I love sales at department stores, but I hate when I have to dig through the stuff. Garage sales are the same way. Why would someone want to buy something you have carelessly thrown out on a table like trash? You want what you're selling to look appealing. Always, always, always hang the clothes! Did I say hang the clothes? Always hang the clothes!
5. Give toys away
The way to a man's heart may be through his belly, but everyone knows the way to a mom is through her kids. If you can make the kids happy, then mom is more likely to stay and shop. I gather a few small toys I don't mind giving away and when I see shoppers with kids I always give a toy to the child.
5. Give toys away
The way to a man's heart may be through his belly, but everyone knows the way to a mom is through her kids. If you can make the kids happy, then mom is more likely to stay and shop. I gather a few small toys I don't mind giving away and when I see shoppers with kids I always give a toy to the child.
6. Wear a waitress apron
I know it sounds silly, but I can't run a garage sale without my apron. I know several people who recommend a fanny pack, but seriously?!?! That is just not happening. I would rather look like a waitress from a diner than Richard Simmons. I keep all the cash there, my cell phone, a marker, and tape.
7. Have a Flash Sale
When you've had all the fun you can stand and you are ready to pack it up, make your final markdowns. Most of us box what's left and take it to the local donation station or to the curb for trash pick up. If you were willing to give it away for free, why not make a couple bucks? At the end of the day I have a $1 sale. . . Anything left is only a $1. . . I truly mean anything! At my last sale I sold a chair for a $1. The way I see it is; making $1 is better than nothing. I send my husband out and he puts up a new sign "Garage Sale - EVERYTHING ONLY $1." Last time, I seriously had people running to my driveway within minutes of my husband marking the sign.
Alright people, go make some sales! What are you going to do with all that hard earned cash? My garage sale is funding our summer fun. We can go to the pool or out for sno cones guilt free all summer!
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