Get Ready to Garage Sale

I realize it's January and thinking about a garage sale might seem a bit 'off season' for you, but it's never too early to start planning. Now is the time when you can be preparing for spring cleaning, setting aside things you know you want to sell and getting ready for good weather and a garage sale.

 A well-planned garage or yard sale can make room in your home, get rid of unused items and make some money but it needs some planning to be successful.

Start early to research and plan

Promotion is key

Display items attractively

Price items right

Organize checkout

Saturdays are generally the best day but there may be some exceptions.  Experienced garage-salers believe that a well-planned one-day event will do as well as a multi-day event.  Serious purchasers will look for the “new” sale and most people don’t come back multiple days.

Advertise in local newspapers and free online classified sites like craigslist.  If several families are going together for the sale, mention that in the ad; it will be a big draw.  Mention your bigger-ticket items like furniture, equipment and baby items.

Garage sale signs can be purchased or made at Staples, Fedex Office or Kwik Signs.  Signs need large lettering so they’re easy to read while people are driving. Most important info: Garage or Yard Sale, address, date and time.  Directional signs are also important.  Balloons and streamers to attract attention to the signs are very helpful.

Consider using the service Square so that you can take credit cards. The cost is 2.75% per swipe and can be done on your smartphone or iPad.  You’ll need to sign up at least two weeks in advance to receive your card reader. This is a very useful tool, because even with the fee you pay per swipe, you make a sale that you wouldn't otherwise make if people don't have enough cash on hand.

People will want to bargain; it’s the nature of the game.  Consider this strategy: less negotiations early in the sale and possibly, more toward the end of the sale.

Happy early spring cleaning!