by Helium01

Created on: July 10, 2009   Last Updated: July 12, 2009

There are a few things that you can do to ensure success at your yard sale. First, get a few brightly colored poster boards and write "Yard Sale" followed by your address in large letters. Make sure that the writing is big enough to see if you were in a car driving by.

Signs

Think about the street with the most traffic near your house; go there and place a sign. Be sure to add an arrow pointing in the direction to your house. Continue back to your house leading customers your way. Place a sign at every turn the customer will need to take in order to find you. You will want to do this early in the morning on the day of your yard sale.

Clean and Operational

When preparing the items that you want to sell, make sure they are clean. You are more likely to get your asking price if you offer clean attractive items. Be sure that there are working batteries in any battery-operated items. Have an extension cord ready to demonstrate electric items. People will be more likely to buy an item if they can be assured that it works. You can get a package of cheap batteries at your local Dollar Store.

Clothing Presentation

If you have clothes to sell, wash them the night before. Make sure that they smell fresh and clean. Hang clothes on a clothesline. People do not want to dig through piles of wrinkled clothes, not matter how cheap they are. Display other items on tables. It is a good idea if the tables look full. Place large items on the ground around the tables.

Cluttered is Best

If you don't have too many items to sell, invite a friend to join you. Customers are more likely to stop if you seem to have a lot to sell. A slightly cluttered look will invite people to come hunt through your treasures. Most importantly, put a price on every item. Some people love to haggle and, if so, they will not be bashful about it. Other people will not bother to ask you what price you want for every item, so put a price on everything. If you are willing to negotiate, then post a sign somewhere inviting offers.

Lastly, greet people as they approach your sale. They will be more likely to ask you about items or offer to negotiate if they feel you are welcoming and friendly. If you follow all of the above tips, you are more likely to be successful and make lots of sales. Remember, the money you make at the sale is yours to do with as you please, so be sure to put forth your best effort and watch the customers start rolling in.

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