Garage Sales Free Tips Planning Provides for Positive Results

Helpful Hints for High Success at Home Sales

SHORT & SWEET

Helpful Hints for High Success

By Mary Katherine May of QualityMusicandBooks.com

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Garage Sales are called…

• Garage Sale
• Yard Sale
• Tag Sale
• Living Estate Sale (owner of items alive)
• Estate Sale (owner of items dead)

I buy because I am a…

• Consumer
• Collector
• Reseller

I have bought at garage sales because of…

• Need
• Future need
• Appearance
• Curiosity

Pricing

What someone will pay for a garage sale item is based on one or more of the above and other criteria.  First and foremost, what is received for the item must make the seller satisfied.  Bartering to sell is fine.  Agreeing on a bartered price that makes the seller uncomfortable is not reasonable.

If you don’t want to sell for a price that is less than your expectation, whatever the reason, then say no. Keep it or donate it.  A seller may benefit more by donating the item, getting a donation receipt, and using it as a tax deduction when possible. It is far more satisfying to donate to a worthy case than to feel you have been gypped.

I price items for reasonable expectation of value

• What would I pay
• Emotional value
• Product value
• Sight appeal

Selling with Others

Take time to discuss and agree, don’t assume.  If you have a question, ask and come to agreement. It is better to ask what you think is a silly question than to find out later you were silly for not asking it. Be clear on who will be doing what before, during and after the sale.

Before the Sale

• Start early-it takes longer than you think to get ready for a sale.
• Clean and neat rule—unappealing, dirty and worn out items are not desirable.
• Internet advertising is a must. Look for free sites.
• Downloadable app for getting totals and keeping track of sales.
• Read about what others have done with their garage sales.
• Check sold prices online on eBay and other sites.
• Plan ahead for having enough tables to put your sale items on, clothing racks, etc.
• Have a plan B for rainy weather
• Curb appeal—people will not stop if driving by the sale and see nothing that might interest them.
• Think if you want a place for people to try on clothes.
• Shopping baskets—baskets with handles you might have in your house.
• Plan for after the sale—keep, discard, or donate?  If donating, schedule ahead for a charity pickup.
• Decide if you will let people in early

During the Sale

• Walk around and tidy up, make it look like you have shoppers during slow traffic times.
• Be patient and polite, never argue. State your price and leave it at that.
• Cell phone handy for emergency calls
• Park a car or two on the street to make it look like you have shoppers.
• Block off your driveway.
• Keep track of your cash—don’t let it out of your site.
• Have a trash can for buyers
• Have bags and boxes for shoppers.
• Have available someone who can help to carry heavy items to cars.
• Know where the nearest available restroom is and how to get there.
• Put out a few chairs—people with tired feet or have trouble standing will buy a lot more if they don’t need to leave.