by Cynthia Ruff

Created on: July 16, 2010   Last Updated: March 21, 2011

The successful garage sale rids the seller of unused and unwanted items and puts money in their pocket.  However, to reach this objective, consider the following tips.

Storage Space - Prior to the sale have a designated area in which to store possible garage sale items.  It could be a section of the basement, an unused second bedroom, a storage shed, or an attic.

Season and Best Day(s) – People are more inclined to come out when the weather is nice (i.e., sunny, warm).  Consider having the sale towards the end of the week (i.e., Thursday, Friday) and definitely on a Saturday.

Advertising – Signs are a great enticement, but they must be large and easily readable for people to notice.  Advertising in the local newspaper or even on line is the best way to reach the larger community.  Within the ad, it may also be beneficial to list high-ticket items (i.e., mowers, exercise equipment).

Set Up and Arrangement – Display items on tables.  Make it easy for buyers to view items.  Have large items that cannot be easily placed on a table on display in front of the garage in the driveway.  However, keep a clear and safe path available for customers.  Large pieces of furniture (i.e., sofa, piano) that are inside the home should be photographed and the photo on display for interested buyers.

Variety – One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.  Nothing could be truer.  There is no way to know what people may be interested in, what they need, or what types of items they collect.  Consider all possibilities and have them available.

Money – have a variety of currency on hand to make it convenient to produce change for the buyer (i.e., ones, fives, and tens).  Keep money in a safe but easily accessible place (i.e., money pouch).

Communication and Friendliness – Greet the customers, ask them what they are looking for or what they are interested in.  There may be people who are just out for a stroll or driving around and just want some interaction with people.  There is always the possibility that they may know someone who is looking for a certain item; they may be the link that gets that person to the sale.

Negotiate – Be willing to consider reasonable offers.  Be practical about items; after all, the intention is to move the items and make some money in the process.

When the majority of items have been sold for a fair profit and some new friends were made, the seller can consider the sale a success.

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