The weather is warming up. Spring is here. All signs that garage sale season has returned. We have two big barn/garage sales a year. Our favorite weekend activity is going to garage sales. We were able to hit a few garage/estate sales last weekend and picked up a few items.
First things first. Check the weather. I realize it’s difficult to forecast the weather a week or two in advance. However, you can get an idea of your chance for dry/warm weather.
Get organized. You will need to start setting up and planning your garage sale at least a week in advance. Get plenty of tables. Ask a friend to borrow some if you don’t have enough. Start sorting your items. Clothes, kitchen items, tools, games, toys, books, etc.
Pricing. You need to price as many of your items as you can. Even if you don’t get everything priced, it will give people an idea of your pricing scheme. I’m often asked, “How do you decide on a price?” People are not coming to your house to purchase items at full on retail prices. They’re looking for a bargain. My strategy is pretty simple. How badly do I want to keep the item? Am I willing to drag it back in my house and store it for another 6 months or longer.
Advertising. Write up your advertisement. Include items or phrases that will make people want to come to your sale. Include name brands that will entice people to come. Clothing is mostly NOT enticing. In fact, I do not sell clothing at all anymore. However, I do sell jewelry and accessories and you can use that. For example, Brighton, Rustic Cuff, Coach, Kate Spade, you get the picture. Use phrases/words like farmhouse, country, rustic, retro, deco, primitives, etc. Of course, only use these words if you have these items! Place your advertisement in as many places as you can. I only go for the free options any more. Craigslist, Marketplace, Facebook pages, etc. Join Facebook pages that might be helpful to your garage sale. I also create flyers and try to put them around town on bulletin boards and windows. Use photos if you have them.
Pre-sales. Sometimes you will have friends or family come by for early sales. If this happens and they buy all the good stuff, it can kind of hurt the rest of your sale. If you list premium items, and they’re all gone by the time the sale starts, your customers might not buy anything at all.
Sale day. Have plenty of cash for change. You need to decide if you’re going to take checks. I normally do, but only for amounts under $100. I also take PayPal and you can use other cash apps. Put out your signs early enough, preferably the night before. Write big enough on the sign so people can actually read it! Give good directions. Open on time. Don’t be late or everyone will leave. They’re not going to sit there and wait on you. I don’t have a problem with people opening early, but some people do. If you’re out setting up early and you say no early sales, that’s fine. But when people tell you they’ll be back, they probably won’t be. You might lose some sales. Be prepared to negotiate. Some people will throw out ridiculous offers. However, most people are reasonable and just like to get a little better deal.
Post sale. When you’re done, decide what you want to keep. You can take left overs to Good Will or another thrifting store. Please use discretion. They don’t want your trash!
Good luck with your garage sale! Jackie
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