by Penny S. Vincent

Created on: July 08, 2008

Garage and yard sales can be held for many reasons. Charities and other organizations frequently use them as fund-raisers. Many individuals and families use this type of sales as a method to generate an income. Others use garage and yard sales as a way to find new homes for their unwanted items, because the stuff is too nice to just throw away.

However, holding garage and yard sales are more than merely profitable ways of ridding yourself of unwanted items. In most rural areas, and in smaller towns like we have here in Oklahoma, these sales become highly sociable events. The garage and yard sales here are considered entertainment, as it usually provides a way of meeting up with your friends, or making new ones. In some areas, a certain date is set, and everyone in the town sets up their own wares, in either one location or spread throughout town. This creates one giant flea market, with great bargains! In some cases, these sales are spread out from one town to another, all along the highway. There are even some that are interstate events, starting in one state and ending in another.

Whichever way you choose, or for whatever purpose you are having a sale, there are steps that ensure a successful event. The main key to success is to plan! You must check out the legalities, set a date, find the right location (with plenty of free parking), locate items to sell, and set the pricing on items, and advertise the event, so having a sale is not a spontaneous action.

The first step you take should be to check out the legalities of holding a garage or yard sale in your area. In some cities, you may not be allowed to hold a sale in a residential zone, but can hold it in a commercial zone. If you live in a city, you may need to check on obtaining a special permit, as some areas may not be zoned for garage and yard sales due to city ordinances and traffic concerns. In addition, you must keep track of everything sold, if you live in a state, county, or city that requires sales taxation. This sales taxation varies from state to state, so you should check on all local, county, and state laws. Many do not require taxation if you only hold one sale, but require it if you hold more than one sale per month, or per year, or if you make over a certain amount in sales. Some areas may require you to attain a vendor's license. There may also be limitations on what kind of signs you can post, or how long you may keep signs up.

The second step is to set a date for the event. This should be

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