Helpful Tips for a Successful Yard Sale

It is fall -- and it is a great time to clear out some of that clutter before you settle in for the winter!  Why not have a yard or garage sale?  This is a great way to get rid of those unwanted/unused items and bring in a little extra money.  By following a few simple tips, you can turn your priceless treasures into cash.

Pick a good day and time. This all depends upon where you live. In my area, Friday nights and Saturday mornings are the best times for sales. For other regions, it may be a Wednesday. You can easily look in your local newspaper for listings to see what might be a good day for sale where you live.

As far as the time of day and length to run your sale - that is really personal preference. However, if you are going to have it on a weekday, try to run it into the evening so that you can catch those people who have to work as well.

Clean & organize your items for display. Before you set out items, be sure they are clean.  Nothing is worse than picking up a plate with food on it, a picture covered in dust or toys with sticky residue on them.  By taking a little extra time to wipe off the dust or run items through the dishwasher can bring you in a few extra dollars (and actually help clear out some of those items).

Set up your items like you would find in any retail store.  Think of it like this -- if you walk up to a yard sale and everything is literally thrown onto a table and you can't even see what is for sale, you will, more than likely, turn and walk away. Taking the extra time to have several tables and items split out can yield you even more money.

I have the following tables/locations for my sale: Home Decor, Electronics, House wares, Linens, Toys, and Baby Items. They are all on their own tables and set up nicely on the table so that my customer can easily see what I am selling.

Another plus of having a nice display is more appeal. It comes across to the buyer that you take pride in your items you are selling, showing that you took care of them when you own them.

 Launder and fold/hang clothing items. If you are selling clothing, be sure to take the time to launder everything before you sell it. Would you really want to purchase a coat that you can tell a 2 year old enjoyed his chocolate ice cream cone while wearing before Mom put it up for sale? Probably not. However, if it was clean, you may have more interest.

I take the time to wash and fold all of my items. I display them nicely on a table and fold and sort according to size . This makes it very easy for my buyers to find what they are looking for. Plus, it is clean and they are more willing to purchase. As far as outfits go, I take the extra time and press everything. I know, ironing is NOT fun. However, a nicely pressed outfit could bring you $1-$2 more. So, it can be worth it.

I also HIGHLY recommend hanging outfits – and sorting them by size.  In fact, I have a neat way to help you and your customers find the size they want with personalized clothing dividers.  Take a small paper plate (I use dessert size).  Trace or draw a circle in the center of your plate.  Cut a slit in one end and then cut out the circle.  Write the size on both sides of the plate. T hen, where you have the slit will allow you to slide it onto your rack and spin/glide.  

By hanging clothes, your customer can more easily look through all of your items without rummaging through a table resulting in a mound of wrinkled clothes.  You can actually also increase their value. By hanging an outfit all on one hanger or grouped, it makes it worth more to the buyer. It also helps you as well, since the entire outfit is already together -- and you aren't looking over 3 tables trying to find the matching hat or socks.  This also can make people feel as if they are shopping in a store, which automatically can make them feel your prices are reasonable.

 Clearly mark all items with a price tag. While you may be willing to negotiate your price, having your entire sale marked "Make Me an Offer" can turn many people away. Most need to know what you are asking.  If you hang a few "We Negotiate" signs, then people will see you are asking $10 for that side table, but know that you may be willing to wiggle a little on the price.

If you are not sure what to price things, you can go and check out EBay or Craigslist so that you can be sure you are asking a fair price for your items. Just be sure you don't under price your stuff!

Be prepared for your sale.  Make sure that you put up signs at both entrances to your street and one in your front yard.  Have your  “checkout stand” set up complete with  paper, pen, adding machine, and sacks so that your transactions can run smoothly. 

Make sure that you have enough money to make change.  I would also get at least $100 (mostly quarters and $1 bills).  If you fear leaving it on the table, just wear a carpenter’s apron and keep your money right next to your body and you won’t have to worry about someone swiping it.

I have used these tips myself and my sales always do very well and receive numerous compliments about how great my sales look!  With a little prep work, your sale can be a very profitable event.   While I have helped with a few tips, there is only one question that you can answer…..just what WILL you do with your new found fortune?