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What makes a successful garage sale? It's more than throwing a few things on the lawn and hoping people will come. Like selling anything, there's definitely a knack to turning your trash into cash!
Purpose
It's true you can end up with hundreds of dollars after a successful sale but it's also vital to realize the purpose of your sale: to get rid of what you no longer need, not to make big bucks!
Preparation
Get ready the day before!! Ensure items are clean and well laid out on tables or hanging up. Some things like tools or sports gear are ok on the floor, but make it as easy as possible for people to see everything. Have a few boxes of like items for the ‘rummagers'.
Punctuality
Include the start and finish times in all your advertising and stick to them. Have a strategy for the early birds - will you let them look or will you ask them to return on opening?
Price
Garage Sale goers want bargains! 85% of people will haggle - even on $1 items. Be prepared for the haggle!
Profit
Have a float and plenty of change. Keep the money in a bum bag or similar on you at all times. Easily calculate your profit by counting your money minus the float.
Preventing The Re-Enter!
You will always have something left. Make a commitment not to let it re-enter your house. Pack it up and take it to your local charity. For larger items call them for pick up.
TIP: PRICE all items. Use white sticky labels to give everything a price. Most people don't like to ask ‘how much'
Promotion
Obvious and easy promotion is the local newspaper. Other great ways include a simple flier to neighbours, to your email contacts, on local noticeboards and work lunch rooms. Put up clear signage on at least the two closest corners to your house. Remember to remove all signage at the end of the sale.
TIP: A letterbox drop inviting your neighbourhood to a pre-sale sale on the afternoon before can work wonders!
Written by Roz Howland, Published in HOME, Cairns Post 9 August 2008 |
