How to Set Up a Money-Making Garage Sale

Want to get rid of your stuff and make some money, but not sure where to start? Keep some of these tips in mind to help you have a successful--and profitable--garage sale!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Time
• Knowledge of your items
• A free weekend (and some weeknights to prepare)
• Pricing supplies
• Tables
• Signs

1. Organize your items by category--furnishings, home decor, clothing, toys, baby items, tools, etc. Make different piles in your garage with a corresponding category.
2. Set up tables. Make sure you utilize your space well. Make sure there is space for people to walk around and browse--if it's too tight, some people just won't bother. And keep in mind the items that could go out on your driveway if it's a beautiful day! People love to see tables and items on the driveway--it makes it look as though you were so tight on space, your items overflowed from the garage!
3. Stop and check higher-market items on eBay. I've made the mistake before of selling something at a garage sale, only to find out later that the item is selling like hotcakes on eBay. Sometimes, taking the time to list it on eBay will end up being a better idea than selling it for next to nothing at a garage sale.
4. Set up your tables by category. Keep everything visible, clean and organized. Your customers will appreciate a well-organized sale--it keeps them from having to dig for the treasures, and allows them more time to buy more stuff!
5. Grab some labels or masking tape, and a sharpie and get to work pricing. Price EVERYTHING. Some people may be interested in something, but are too shy to ask for a price. And others--well, others will negotiate until they get what they want. Also, keep in mind that some people will want to dicker on the price, so leave yourself some "wiggle room" in the price. And, just because you paid an arm and a leg for the item one month ago, doesn't mean the buyer wants to pay an arm and a leg too. Remember--it's a garage sale, not Wal-Mart. Be reasonable in what you ask for your items--people are out looking for deals when they're garage saling, not retail prices!
6. Advertise well! See the resource article on advertising your garage sale. Know your area and know how sales do--know what to expect. Around here, garage sales do best on Thursdays, so keep this in mind if you get discouraged with sales on Saturday or Sunday.
7. Open early. Die-hard garage salers get up at the crack of dawn to go shopping--cater to them, and you'll see the results!
8. Enjoy some tunes while you help your customers--everyone loves an upbeat seller! And don't forget, people will negotiate. And the worst line I've ever heard from someone hosting a garage sale is "Well, I dunno, it's the first day..." Trust me, if you really want to get rid of it, take some lowball offers--otherwise, you'll find that ONE person was the only one interested in the lime green bathroom cabinet, and you'll find yourself lugging it back into the garage at the end of the weekend.

Tips & Warnings

• See the resource article on more information on advertising your garage sale well!
• Keep your animals in the house--some people are allergic, and other people (especially some children) are deathly afraid of big, loud dogs.
• Keep more expensive items near the back with you--I've had small electronics disappear on more than one occassion...