Spring is here. Perhaps you have done your spring cleaning and have de-cluttered the house. What do you do with all the flotsam and jetsam you no longer need? Turn your "trash" into cash with a garage sale. Before you have the sale, these are the things you need to know to make it a success.

1. Check the local city ordinances. Some cities require a permit for a sale. Others have restrictions on where on your property you can place your sale items.

2. Plan the date. You don't want to have a sale on the day everyone in town will be at a festival across town-unless, of course, they will drive past your house to get to it.
3. Advertise. Make sure your city allows signs to be posted. Create sturdy signs with large lettering and post them at nearby intersections. Put an ad in the local paper and any free papers that you can. Even advertise the sale on craigslist.org for your city.
4. Clean items for the sale to get a better price for them.
5. Price everything. Many people won't bother to ask prices if nothing is marked. Price reasonably; it's a garage sale and people will not pay top dollar. Make an inventory list in case price tags get separated from the items.
6. If you have an electrical outlet, get an extension cord handy so you can show people that items work properly.
7. Hang clothing neatly. If clothing is dumped in a pile many people won't dig through it.
8. Make sure you have plenty of small bills and change.
9. Protect your property. Have enough people helping with the sale to deal with many customers. Keep your cash box safe, or better yet keep your money in a "fanny pack" on your person. Get a counterfeit detection pen from the office supply store. They cost less than $10, and if you are selling big money items it might be worth it. Don't take personal checks from strangers. Watch for shoplifters, but don't try to detain anyone who steals from you. Get their license tag number and alert the police. Do NOT allow anyone to enter your home alone to try on clothing or use the restroom.
10. Remember that you are liable if someone injures themselves on your property. Put away obstacles and hazardous materials. Rope off areas where you don't want people to go.
11. Prepare yourself beforehand with everything you might need: calculator, paper, pens, plastic bags, extra price tags. Don't forget sunscreen, hats, chairs, lip balm, and mosquito repellent to protect you from the elements. Have water and snacks for yourself available so you won't have to leave the sale.
12. Set up the sale night before, if possible, or at least give yourself time before the sales begin. Avid garage sale fiends are early birds.
13. Be a salesperson. Welcome your customers, ask if there is anything they are seeking, answer questions-but don't hover while they shop.
14. Be ready to bargain. Part of the fun of the sale for buyers is getting a good deal. Don't be insulted if people ask you to take a lower price. But, don't come down in the price too much in the first hour of the sale.
15. At the end of the sale, move your items inside, promptly take down your signs (so the city doesn't fine you), sit back and enjoy your earnings.

Learn more about this author, Shelly Kneupper Tucker.
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