How to Hold a Profitable Yard Sale

It's that time of year again...time for spring cleaning. But what to do with all that extra stuff? Why not hold a yard sale. Yard sales are a great way to get rid of extra stuff plus make a few dollars in cash. Follow these simple steps to get the most for your old items.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Old stuff you no longer want
• signs
• cleaning products
• tables
• price tags
• change

1. First, decide a couple weeks ahead of time when you would like to hold a yard sale. Most yard sales are on the weekend mornings for at least a couple hours on both saturday and sunday. Check to make sure there is no other large event in your area that is being held at the same time, unless you are in route to that event.

2. Next, decide the items you would like to sell. You will mention these items in your classified ad. Do you have furniture, tools, baby items, toys? Divide them into catagories. You will want to display them in these catagories when you set up.

3. Ask your neighbors for help. People love multi-family and neighborhood yard sales. So get them involved! Ask thm if they would like to set up. You can also split the cost of the newspaper ad, which saves you both money.

4. Next, place a well written classified ad with your local newspaper. The ad director will be happy to help you word your ad. Make sure to include the types of items you are selling so that you attract the right type of customers. If you are holing a multi-family or neighborhood yard sale make sure it is mentioned in the first line of the ad.

5. Keep Organized! The night before your sale clean all of your items to ensure they look their best. Also price all of your items. Make sure your prices are realistic. Don't price on sentimantal value and keep in mind, if this item does not sell you are still going to be stuck with it. So price to sell! Most yard sale items range from 1-2 dollars. For example: Shirts $1, Jeans $2, Dishes 2/$1, Paperback books 5/$1 etc.

6. The morning of the sale allow yourself enough time to fully set up before the sale. You may get "early bird shoppers" so I suggest making sure you are set up at least an hour before the beginning of the sale.

7. Well now you should be up and running however, you can forget one important rule. Be nice to your customers. Keep a friendly smile and answer any questions that they have. Be willing to negoitate on items that you are selling. And also make sure you have change on hand. Best of luck!

Tips & Warnings

• Good Luck!
• Never let a stranger into your home for any reason.

[e-Rambler]

on 9/22/2009 5*s... Excellent article on how to make a yard sale profitable. Thanks!

[Barry331]

on 8/16/2009 Good Stuff-5 stars!