Running a Garage Sale The RIGHT Way

So last week, we talked about how to get ready for your garage sale.  You've done all of your preparation and think you are set up and ready to open the doors.  But hold on - there are a few more things you'll want to know so you can really make your sale a true success.

1. Advertise your sale with signs. Be sure to set up signs with directional arrows to help guide people to your sale. I recommend to start with a larger one at the busiest intersection closest to your house and then set them up every so often to help guide people to your sale. If you don't advertise, people can't find you. I even will put one in my yard so that it helps to just really draw people in.

2. Don't forget your change. Be sure that you have enough ones, fives, quarter, etc. so that you can make proper change for your customer's purchases. I usually get $75 - $100 in change to have handy. But I do NOT put it all into my container at once. I keep the additional change in the house and as I run short of any denomination, I can just run in and get what I need.

I also recommend to keep your money in a cash box or even a carpenter's apron. Never let it sit in the open as it is just too tempting for the wrong person to grab it and run.

Another recommendation I have is that when you start to get a large sum in your box, take some of it into your house so that you don't have as much available for others to see. Even the person who seems harmless could try to grab and go, leaving you hanging.

3. Will that be cash or cash? When accepting money for a transaction, stick to cash only - no exceptions. That last thing you want to deal with is a $25 - $50 charge from your bank for that $3.75 check that someone wrote you that is no good. I always hang a sign at my check-out table that reads: No Checks. No exception.

If someone is making a very large purchase, I will have them make a deposit on the item and they can go and get the cash and then come and complete the transaction.  That way, if they say they want it (and then I don't sell it) and they never return - I don't miss out on a potential sale with another customer.

4. Be ready to start when you say you will. When you advertise your sale will begin at 8:00 a.m., be ready to open your doors BY that time. Many times, people arrive early so that they can find the best deals and if you don't open on time, you could lose someone who is willing to part with many of your "treasures."

5. Negotiate. Negotiate. Negotiate. Be willing to talk with someone about the price of an item. Always know how much you MUST get (or really WANT to get for the item) so that you know how low you are willing to go. That way, you have wiggle room and come across as someone who is willing to wheel and deal with people.

6. Mark it down. The last few hours of your sale is a GREAT time to help get rid of those last piles of junk that you really don't want to have to box up to cart away. I will offer a 50% off all marked prices deal during the last 1 - 1 1/2 hours of my sale. It is amazing what you can unload when you say that it is marked down....even something that someone can pay .25 for vs. .50 is a deal to many and after all, .25 in your pocket is more than you'll get to have to get rid of it later on.

Hopefully you are all set and ready to make your sale a success.  Oh - and don't forget about the most important detail -- What are you going to DO with all your new found money!??!