How to Have a Successful Yard Sale

The final post of my 3 part series! (Click the links if you missed Part 1 or Part 2)

“You get out of it what you put into it.” I have no idea where that quote comes from, but it is totally relevant to this blog post! Yard sales are WORK! But fortunately, work = $$

Leave yourself plenty of time during the preceding week to get everything ready. These tips may seem obsessive, but trust me, they are VERY beneficial! Pay attention:

• Note the date of your city’s city-wide yard sale. Many times, that comes with some perks. Usually, there is no permit needed on that day and the city will come around to pick up any leftovers you have. That will save you a little time, money and effort.
• Advertise. Make sure to let people know when and where. Also make note of anything you might be selling of special interest, like kids clothing or toys, furniture, or large appliances. Also, put signs around town with your address and arrows pointing the way. Out-of-towners may not know how to get to your address.
• Make sure your cash box has plenty of change. There is nothing worse than having to make a frantic run to the bank!
• Be hyper-organized. Make sure that different categories of items are clearly sorted. Make different areas for kitchen items, household items, electronics, books, games and movies, baby items, toys, clothing, etc. People are looking for specific items and won’t sift through everything to find what they are looking for (Men don’t want to wade through baby stuff to find the tools…)
• Put everything on tables. People won’t take the time to dig through boxes and bins. Only use bins for certain items like toys or books. Never use boxes; use clear bins so that everything is visible. Clothing should be folded and organized by size. Don’t pile clothing, it creates a mess; stagger it instead. Make sure the items you are selling, and any tables and bins you are using are clean. People will buy more if they trust you aren’t going to give them something yucky.
• Label EVERYTHING. Put a sticker on every item that is clearly marked and easy to find. Don’t stick price stickers on the bottom of things; you’ll wind up with broken items. There shouldn’t be any guess work. (Don’t color code with a poster stating what the prices are! Those NEVER work!)
• Clothing is iffy. Adult clothes don’t sell well unless it is very nice and priced very low. Kids clothing sells like crazy if you do it right. Make clearly stated signs with the size and the price. (Ladies Size Large -$1) People don’t like to guess, and they won’t usually ask.
• Price things low. People want a good deal; if they think your prices are good, they will buy more. Be willing to negotiate on some prices. Do you want to sell it or not?
• Be friendly! Smile and say hello and ask if you can be of help. Treat it like a retail job- if you’re friendly, people are more likely to buy. (Don’t be nosy- it’s awkward! “What are you going to use that for?”)
• Don’t let your kids run around the tables. It is irritating when you have to dodge kids to look at stuff. Make sure there is someone to watch kids and keep them out of the way. Older kids can be really helpful with the cash box, helping to load large items, etc.
• And last, keep tidying up! Customers WILL jumble your tables, so make sure you reorganize to keep them looking neat.

Good luck! Hope you have a lucrative Yard Sale!