Photo from stock.xchng - by Kathleen M.
The success of your garage sale isn't always determined by how many high-ticket items you have for sale, such as furniture, exercise equipment, collectables, etc.
Of course, such items do help to increase your profits, but there is no guarantee that they’ll sell. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to make a profit simply by selling low-ticket items—things priced between 25 cents and ten dollars. The following seven tips will help you turn your unsuccessful garage sale into junk-clearing, money-making success:
- Prepare early. Don’t wait until the morning of the sale to unpack the boxes. If you have a garage, remove your cars a few days early and begin setting up. It may sound like a hassle, but being prepared will help your sales in the long run.
- Choose the right weekend. Garage season begins in April and ends in September. Pick the most appropriate month for your sale based on the items you’re selling. For example, if you have Halloween or Christmas items, you should plan your garage sale for the later months. People love to purchase discount seasonal items, but when the summer is just starting, they don’t want to think about Christmas.
- Remove your items from the boxes. While some people may be inclined to dig through your boxes, many potential buyers won’t be. By removing all your items from the boxes and displaying them, people will get to see every treasure you have for sale.
- Set up tables and shelves. If you have spare tables, bookshelves, TV units, etc., use them as a means to display your items. If not, you can create makeshift tables using wooden slabs, cardboard or any other smooth surface as a top, and boxes, milk cartons, etc., as a base. Shoppers, especially those with back problems, are more inclined to look at items that are easy to reach. Items on the ground or high up may be overlooked or ignored simply because they’re hard to access.
- Organize your items. Instead of placing your items anywhere, organize them by theme. Separate your seasonal items, house wares, knickknacks, clothes, kid’s toys, books, electronics, etc. Having noticeable sections gives your garage sale a professional store-like feel, and they make it easier for shoppers, especially those looking for specific items, to find what they’re looking for.
- Price all your items. Spend an hour or two the night before pricing your merchandise, whether you’re using all-encompassing signs, such as “all books are $1,” or you’re stickering each individual item. Many people aren’t inclined to ask for a price, and will leave an item behind instead. By pricing, you'll force people either to accept what you’re asking or try to barter. If you’re not prepared to barter, write “Firm” next to the price.
Advertising
Your advertising is the most important part of hosting a successful garage sale. Without effective signs, very few people will show up. To create effective signs:
- Use large pieces of cardboard with a consistent layout and colour scheme. For example, people may follow the trail of bright red signs, signs with big, blue arrows, or signs with a balloon attached.
- Write your address, the date and the time in clear, bold letters. Many people may ignore your sign simply because they can’t read the address at first glance.
- Lastly, place your signs in strategic locations, such as high-traffic areas. Choose spots that give drivers plenty of warning if they need to turn. Keep in mind, the more signs you hang, the more traffic you’ll receive.
Copyright Nicole Skutelnik. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Nicole Skutelnik - Nicole is an avid reader and lover of books, particular teen and young-adult fiction. At an early age, she decided to turn her passion ...
