So
you want to sell some of that extra stuff at a yard sale? But don't
know what is involved or what to do at a yard sale? I hate having yard
sales. Having said that don't quit reading yet. I have had at least
half a dozen successful sales and buy at yard sales most Saturdays. So
here are my best tips of having a successful sale both from a seller's
point of view and a buyer's point of view.
Choosing the day of the Sale
If
there are a ton of yard sales in your area consider a Friday yard sale.
There is less competition for buyers, since there are less sellers on a
Friday. You will tend to get hardcore ready to spend money buyers, but
they will also want to haggle so be prepared. If you decide to do the
Friday sale, advertising in the paper is essential. If yard sales are
not a huge event in your area stick with the Saturday sale.
Pricing
Consider
pricing by color coded stickers, its easier to slap on a sticker
without writing on it. Keep the pricing at increments of quarters,
dollars and half dollars. Work on pricing the week before the sale not
the morning of the sale. You will be frazzled no matter how much prep
time you put in, don't make it worse. Make a large sign that states
prices and standardize the price of clothing. All shorts one price, all
pants one price, t-shirts etc. Anything that is more expensive
hang it up on the open garage door or something else away from the
cheap clothes. You can place the cheap clothes (.25 to $1 stuff) on a
sheet on the grass. But don't dump the clothes in a pile. At least
separate out by type of clothing. Give discounts for bulk
buying, like buy 4 get 1 free kind of stuff.
Advertising and Signs
Depending
on the price of newspaper ads in your area, this can wipe out any
profit you make from the yard sale. Split the cost with others in your
neighborhood and have a block sale. If its a Saturday sale and you are
the only one in your neighborhood having a sale, consider not
advertising in the paper. Most yard sale buyers will look for signs for
yard sales and will follow the signs to your sale. So make a ton of
signs and put them starting at all the major streets in all direction
from your home. Put your signs up the evening or afternoon before your
sale. Your signs should include the address, the time of the sale, the
date and day of the sale, and an arrow pointing which way to go. In
fact make just arrow signs to tell your buyer which way to turn to get
to your sale. Coordinate your signs so that the buyer will know that
the sign she just saw out on the major crossroad is part of all the
signs that go to your sale. Neon posterboard is great, however
cardboard signs using neon (think an ugly blaring color) is just as
effective. Be consistent in the style of your sign. Don't assume
your buyer knows where your house is just from the address. They
don't. They won't even know where your street is. Every turn
needs a sign, and if the buyer has to go some distance in a straight
line, reassure them with a sign that they should keep going straight.
Money
Buyers
will often stop at ATM machines the morning of the sale. So have plenty
of quarters, ones, fives, and tens on hand. Don't put your money in
money box or a cardboard box. It may disappear. Put your money in
a fanny pack or one of those pocketed aprons. It will always be with
you when you need to make change. Be prepared to haggle over prices,
think of it as part of the fun.
Valuables
Less
face it, there are less than honest people at yard sales. Some people
go to yard sales and will steal if they get the chance. Put small
valuable (think the size of a toaster) on one table in front of you or
better yet assign someone to watch that table. People will just walk
off with stuff. I see it all the time at yard sales. It gets crowded
and things will disappear. Try to reduce the temptation.
Electronics
Have
an extension cord available for people to try things out to see if it
works. Many times I wish I had tried something out, but I usually just
trust the person selling it. I have been burned many times.
Ambiance
Have
a little background music playing, but please not loudly, just softly
in the background. You will want to be able to talk price. Avoid
rap music and hard rock, it tends to be loud even when turned down.
Most yard sales don't have music. If you are selling lemonade,
brownies, soda, or water. Be fair and maybe even generous. It is better
to make a little money off alot of sales than only selling a few snack
items.
Sun/Shade
If
your house faces the morning sun, consider a canopy or placing your
sale in the garage or under the shade of a tree. It will get hot. You
will get a sunburn. Put on plenty of sunscreen and drink plenty of
water.
Timing
Start
your sale early. Remember buyers will be at your door up to an hour
before the sale starts. If you don't put a starting time on your sale,
be prepared to start at 6am. The buyers will be there, and they will
spend money. The 6am buyer will do the most haggling, so know the
lowest price you will go before you step out the door.
Have fun, you will make at least enough for dinner and maybe enough for your next vacation.
