You have been re organizing your home, or possibly getting ready for a move. Now you have a lot of things that can't actually be thrown out but you wonder what to do with them. Garage sales can help your budget, the environment and help people find real bargains.
How about having one? If you are moving, a garage sale can make a bit of money and also save on moving expenses. Before you actually decide to do this, you probably should ask yourself a few questions.
* Do you have time to do this
* Are your things worth selling
* Is your neighbourhood accessible to enough buyers
* Do you have someone to help you
In areas where we live there are usually no restrictions on having a private garage sale, however, you may live elsewhere and this may not be the case.
* If you belong to a homeowners association you should check with them about possible regulations;
* will your homeowners insurance cover any possible liability claims during the sale;
Make a plan for your sale
* plan the perfect location to hold your sale; driveway, patio enclosure, possibly in a community area with other participants
* Set the date and time and a possible rain date. You might also have a last chance day in case of leftovers
Advertising your sale
* place an ad in the community news
* put up signs two or three days before the sale
* call people who could be interested
* announce to clubs or groups that you know
* pin signs up on bulletin boards of stores and shopping centers
* put an announcement in the church and school flyers
Suggestions
* put a big sign at the sale
* smaller direction signs at corners of main intersections leading to your sale
* deliver flyers in the neighbourhood
* make sure signs contain, date, time and address
* remove all signs when the sale is over
Getting Organized
* Take a box and a sheet of paper and pen and go from room to room in your house collecting smaller items and making a list of larger items that you want to sell.
* if you have fewer than about 100 larger items consider asking neighbours if they are interested in a block or neighbourhood sale
* The best way is to get everything into one location where they can be sorted making sure that they work, and bundle into sets such as pans together. Make sure that everything is clean
* That clothing and linens are clean and ironed with sizes clearly marked.
Pricing
* Price things as soon as you know they will be for sale. Don't wait until the last minute.
* Price tags should be on the underside of dishes to prevent damage.
* If your sale is being shared with other families, put your name on each item or a code.
* Pricing should be what they are worth to the buyer and not the seller.
Usually 20% of the original price and maybe a tiny bit more if it is in excellent shape.
* Keep prices in multiples of $.05 $.10 $1, etc.
* Mark as is on non working items
* Set up a record sheet with asking price and final price to be recorded
Setting up your displays
* Sort clothing by size and gender
* Doors or boards laid across chairs or other furniture can serve as counters.
* Sort and group similar items
* Have an extension cord handy for testing electrical articles.
* Keep a measuring tape in your pocket for the people who can't decide if the article will fit into their home.
* Your children may like the independence of having their own table set up to sell their unwanted items.
* Each section should have their own sign, clothes, toys, etc.
Who helps?
* If your family is helping, or friends, it is important that each member know their responsibility.
* One for cash, one to wrap, and one to help out wherever needed, etc.
Be cautious
* Try to have more than one person on hand at all times
* Keep your cash on you, possibly in a waist purse and keep large bills in the house or in a secure place
* Be alert to shoplifting pairs
* Don't allow strangers anywhere except your sales area. Many times these are advance trips to see if you have anything worth stealing later.
* Keep smaller, valuable articles near you at the cash
* Watch for suspicious loiterers
* Keep the doors of your house locked during the sale
* If you have a suspected thief, follow them around and ask if there is something they are interested in. This usually intimidates them and they leave.
Are you ready?
* Lots of change and a cash drawer such as an old sewing box
* Calculator
* If you are keeping records, have a mark off sheet handy.
* A garbage bag to help keep your area neat
* Bags and boxes for carrying away purchases
* For their protection, keep your pets away from the sale area
* Cash only policy and deposits for at least one quarter of the selling price with a set limit time for the hold
Haggling
* Expect some bargain hunters
* Consider some discounts on major items later in the sale
* To get rid of more items, reduce the prices near the end of the sale
When sale is over
* Count up your profits, deduct what you started with
* Donate leftovers to a charity
Tip: You can have a fund raising garage sale for your group. Make it a fun day to remember.
Comedy Corner: Man to lady at garage sale "What size is this bra?" Lady, "What size are you looking for?" Man, "About as big around as your husband." Lady "He wears a size 50 AAA."