How to Cash in on the Garage Sale Craze

Garage sale, yard sale, rummage sale, no matter what you call it, this type of budget-priced shopping is alive and well in the United States! And why not? It's an effective way for you and your family to get rid of used, unwanted things that are cluttering up your house. And, it's a fantastic way to put some extra cash in your pocket!

Just like many other activities, there is a "right way" and a "wrong way" to have a garage sale. Sure, you can probably set your good used items in your driveway, stick a sign in the yard, and make a few sales. But, you want to sell as many items as possible. You also want to get the maximum amount possible out of your possessions. And, you want to do it in as little time as possible. Here's how to accomplish all three of these goals:

1. Find a Suitable Place to Hold a Garage Sale
If you have a garage, but not enough parking space, then holding the sale at another location would be best. Look for a location that is preferably on a main road or highway. Talk to a friend, co-worker, neighbor, or family member about using their place if it has plenty of parking and it's located in a well traveled area. Just remember to check with local authorities to make sure that you are allowed to hold a garage sale there. Many localities restrict or regulate garage sales.

2. The More the Merrier!
Of course, the more items you have for sale, the more attractions you'll have! Ask your family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers if they want to take part in the sale too. If not, you can offer them a great deal that will benefit both of you! If they provide items for the sale, you'll sell them for a small fee.

3. Pick the Best Date for Your Sale
Timing is everything, and the same rule goes when it comes to having a garage sale. Generally, having a one day sale on a Friday or Saturday works the best. What's the advantage of a "one day" sale? Your customers know they have to "buy now!" One day sales take advantage of impulse buying. People can't take too long to think about making a purchase.

The best time of the month to have a garage sale is always at the beginning of the month. That's when welfare checks, social security checks, et cetera, are distributed. Utility bills, mortgages, and car loans aren't often due yet, so people have more money to spend. The only exception to this rule is holiday weekends. Never hold a sale on a holiday weekend when people are out of town or on vacation!

4. Advertise, Advertise, Advertise
If no one knows you're having a garage sale, then how can they show up? Write up an advertisement and place it in your local newspaper. In order to catch people's attention, include some interesting items that you'll have for sale. People are always searching for antiques, jewelry, kids' clothes, furniture, and glassware. Don't forget to take advantage of free publications, radio time, and bulletin boards at your local grocery store, post office, laundry mat, and so on. Post your advertising so it's in place at least four or five days before the date of your garage sale. And, don't forget to post signs in the yard and at intersections close by. (Just remember to take the signs down at the end of the sale.) The best advertising is "word of mouth." Be sure to let everyone you know about your sale, as well!

Note: Another useful sign you'll need in the yard is one that reads, "ABSOLUTELY NO EARLY SALES!" "Early birds" are dreaded in the garage sale world. They are the people who show up before the sale starts, trying to get the best items ahead of everyone else. Not only that, but they'll often try to haggle over all the prices. Post a sign and refuse to open your sale early if you want it to be a successful one.

And, be sure to post a large sign that reads, "EVERYTHING IS SOLD 'AS IS'. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. THANK YOU!!!" where it can be easily seen by your visitors.

5. Organization is a Key to Improved Sales
Be sure that you set up plenty of tables on which you can arrange all of the items you have for sale. Arrange the tables so your customers can walk around them easily. People tend to browse better if they have room to move around.

Clothing is best organized if it is hung up. You can easily run some makeshift clotheslines around the inside of the garage for just this purpose.

Another important tip to keep in mind is that you need to price and then organize every item before the garage sale starts. That means, books go here, tools go there, and kitchenware goes in yet another spot. This helps people find what they're looking for. It also makes for more attractive tables.

You can purchase round, colorful price stickers at your local drug store. (Or, you can use pieces of masking tape in a pinch.) When deciding what price to put on each item, try to put yourself in the buyer's place. Try to imagine how much you would pay if the item were at a sale. There are always customers who will try to haggle with you. Lowering a price a little bit here or there is fine in order to make a sale. However, be careful not to give your items away by charging too little!

6. Have All Your Needs on Hand
You'll need plenty of grocery bags to hold purchases, old newspapers to wrap breakables in, a calculator, a lockable money box, plenty of small paper bills, plenty of coins, a comfortable chair to sit in, a cordless or cell phone, and a sturdy pair of shoes. Your customers will expect you to make correct change, no matter what bills they have and how much they spend. Be prepared!

After your garage sale is over, you may want to hold onto unsold items for the next sale. Or, you can donate these items to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill instead.