How to Have a Successful and Profitable Yard Sale

Post lots of signs, and get them out the day before the sale.

Having a yard sale doesn't have to be all work and no fun. Planning and advertising are the keys to having a successful and profitable yard sale.

Instructions

1. Begin the preparation by separating all of your yard sale items into categories. For example, Clothes, Toys, Knick-Knacks, Books, Movies, etc. Sort clothing into separate categories, such as Men's Clothing, Women's and Children.

2. Mark clothing and other grouped items with simple pricing, as applicable. For example, post prices with signs like "All Shirts $1, "All Toys 75 Cents Each," etc.

3. When setting up your tables, place them in a U shape, leaving one end open so that shoppers can walk around the tables and not miss anything.

4. Place the big-ticket items in the front, near the street. These are the things that really attract buyers who are "window shopping" from their cars, deciding whether to stop.

5. Most importantly, advertise like crazy. Put an advertisement in your local paper or post a message online. Place large, easy-to-read signs on the main streets and intersections nearest your house. The signs should all be the same and have a professional look. Be sure to list the day(s), date(s), and times of the sale, and, of course, your house address.

6. Be ready to open the sale at the crack of dawn. Yard sale shoppers get out early. You don't want to miss anyone who saw your sign or who's just cruising your neighborhood for sales.