How to Plan a Garage, Rummage or Yard Sale

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By pennynickols
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (9 Ratings)

Use these steps to help you sell more of the stuff you no longer need or want at a garage, rummage or yard sale.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Local and online ads
Signage
Tables
Price tags and signs
Extension cord or power strip
Boxes, bags, newspaper
$100 in coin and bills
Helpers

Step 1

Pick a date for your sale and advertise it locally and online. Post signage in your neighborhood beginning the evening before the sale begins. Remember to take down your signs after your sale ends.
Step 2

Clear an area to set up tables to display the stuff you're selling.
Step 3

Clean your items and display them nicely to make it easy for shoppers to see what you have for sale. Group similar things together. Make neat stacks rather than heaping things on a table.
Step 4

Try to include at least two big-ticket items in your sale and display them prominently. Buyers often assume that if you have big things to sell, you'll probably have a good selection of small things.
Step 5

Instead of price tags, consider posting signs. For example, "Five books for $3.00" or "T-shirts 50 cents each." Bargain shoppers always want to buy things at rock-bottom prices, so rather than putting a price tag on large items, post a sign that says "Make offer."
Step 6

Ask family members and friends to help you with your sale. Since you may need to leave unexpectedly, you don't want to close your sale or leave it unattended on the chance you'll miss a good customer.
Step 7

During the sale, your attitude and the attitude of your helpers is very important. Choose friends and family to help you who are friendly and very approachable. Always greet people as they approach your sale; then, point out the nice features of the items buyers are looking at. If an item has an interesting story associated with it or is a prized family piece, let shoppers know especially if you are asking a higher price for the item.
Step 8

Consider bargaining with customers during your sale. Besides having fun, you may end up selling more items and making a lot more money.
Step 9

If you have electrically powered items to sell, set up an extension cord or power strip for customers to test the items. Shoppers are more likely to purchase things when they are assured that electronics are in working order.
Step 10

Have a supply of paper/plastic bags and boxes/newspaper for shoppers who buy several things or for safe-guarding fragile items on their trip home. Your customers will appreciate the gesture and may even find room for a few extra items.
Step 11

The business day before your sale, go the bank and get cash and coin for making change. A good $100 cash box includes a roll of quarters, dimes, nickels, $28 in ones, $30 in fives, $30 in tens. After accepting a larger bill ($20 or higher), remove it to a safe place away from the sale.