Garage Sale

I'm getting a bunch of kid's items ready to sell at our consignment sale, but I'm limited by season (fall/winter only) and type (no adult items).

So I'm thinking of having a garage sale to get rid of the rest of the items. At first I thought we wouldn't have enough junk to sell, but after several days of carefully looking around during my regular cleaning, I think I've found enough to sell.

This is my first garage sale, and I'd love any and all tips you can provide on how to effectively host a sale (and make the most money!).
Posted by Mrs. Sprinkles at Friday, June 19, 2009
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2 comments:

Joanna J. said...

I was pleasantly surprised at how much money I made at my garage sale last summer. There's a lot I could say, but the things that stand out are:

1. Ask a friend (or two) to help you run the garage sale. Especially at the start of your sale, all the hardcore shoppers show up at the same time and it can be overwhelming...when you advertise for baby items expect a HUGE turnout. (And people start purposefully showing up at least an hour before your advertised start time).

2. Price everything ahead of time. I got big plastic bins and sorted baby clothes by size. Then I posted large signs that gave the general prices for onesies, shirts, pants, etc. Also be prepared that people won't pay anywhere near the prices that you will get at the consignment sale. People expect baby items to be priced between 25 cents - 1 dollar per item or 2-3 dollars for a dressy set of clothing on a hangar.

3. Be prepared to haggle. Decide ahead of time if you will accept less than the posted price or if you will only slash prices as your garage sale is winding down.

Wish I could be there to help you! Hope you make lots of money!

June 19, 2009 10:28 PM
Leah said...

I agree with everything Joanna said. Know that people will be looking through your 'stuff' while you are putting it out, unless you actually have a garage sale *in* your garage and just open your garage door that morning. Make sure you have plenty of small bills and change (rolls of quarters,etc). Also make sure you have someplace to keep your money. A fanny pack is horribly outdated and unfashionable, but it allows you to keep cash on your person, which is helpful. I wouldn't price anything less than $0.25, but you can do "two for $0.25" and things like that. Advertize on Craigs List--many people recommend advertising the morning of your yard sale, because people check that before they leave. Group things by price so you don't have to label everything--"All books in this box are $1" "all clothes over here at $0.50". Have free coffee/lemonade/cookies-that can be a nice 'draw' for people, and a way to show hospitality. At my last yard sale, we had multiple Bibles in a variety of versions, and we gave those away. And know that people will offer half of what you are asking! Let me know when you plan to do it, and I will see if I can come help out.

June 20, 2009 9:41 PM

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