Garage Sales Tips

" PLANNING IS DEFINITELY THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL GARAGE SALE "

Getting Started
The first step is to clear out the entire household to seek out goods to be sold. These should be stored together if possible. You may like to let friends and neighbours know what you intend and ask them to also supply goods. Make sure items look their best to ensure a good price.

The Date & Time
Choose a Saturday or Sunday approximately 3-4 weeks ahead. Ensure that you have enough free time prior, to clean and price all items.  9am is a good starting time as you will find that all serious buyers will tend to knock an hour or two before. Remember to put a finishing time (1pm) otherwise you will find people still calling late in the day.

Advertising
Place an advertisment in your local paper a week prior to the  garage sale day. The advertisment should be brief with day, date and time and place of venue. If you have some extra speacial items that you think will entice  people to come along  you may mention them also. Do not put a telephone number or you will be unindated with calls.

Signage
Place signage the evening before or early on the morning of the sale. Any earlier may results in signs going missing. Keep signs brief with day, date,  time and address. Arrows for direction are helpful, place signs on the corner of your street, both sides, and on major roads leading to your street.

Pricing
Be sure all items are priced. Price a little bit above what you would ideally like, as customers will want to negotiate. Be careful not to price too high as you may turn people off.

Security
Be sure to keep your home locked at all times. If possible have the sale in the front yard to avoid people wandering around the entire house. If you have a number of helpers one or two may like to remain inside at all times. All helpers should have money belts to handle the cash. Alternatively have one person handling the transactions. As cash accumulates be sure to place in a secure place inside your home. Once again, be sure the house is lockesd.

Helpful Hints
Do not accept personal cheques.  Ensure all items are paid for and removed immediatley or at least on the day.  If the people want to pick up items later in the day be sure you get payment in full.  If really pushed you may hold items but only give a limited time of, say,  half an hour for customers to return.

Have Fun
A garage Sale is a great way to clear the house of those unwanted items, make money and most importantly have fun!