The weather is finally warming up here in New Hampshire and that means it's time for sailing!
While my husband enjoys sailing on water, I prefer sailing the streets... for yard sales. Like a pirate, I go forth in search of treasure. It's hit or miss. I never know what I may find.
I'm not only a shopper, I'm a seller too. I've had many sales over the years.
Here are my tips for having a successful yard sale.
Writing a yard sale ad:
Advertise in the local paper and on Craigslist.
Mention items of interest. (collections, antiques, appliances, tools, baby items, jewelry, etc.)
Multi-Family sales or "first time" sales will draw more people.
Either state that your sale is "rain or shine" or list a rain date.
List a start time but no end time so you can end when you want to.
If you don't want shoppers before the advertised start time, state in your ad: No Early Birds. FYI, some people will still show up early.
I suggest not putting your house number in the ad, only the Street name. That way dealers can't show up the day before. Make sure your house is clearly identified when you do open for business.
Preparing For A Yard Sale
Have plenty of change (ones, fives, and coins).
Have bags available and also old newspaper for wrapping glassware.
It is best to have tables, but plywood placed over trash cans or boxes works well. Do what you can to have breakables off the ground.
The better the presentation, the more valuable the items will appear. (organizing stuff into sections...clothing, housewares, holiday, toys, tools, books, etc. is helpful)
If you have a garage, set up the day before. Place big items by the door, ready to move into the driveway once the doors open. Have all items priced. People do not like to ask price.
Clearly mark items in your garage that are not for sale. (or cover with a sheet)
Don't group items by price (everything on this table is $1) because it all gets moved around and it gets too hard to keep track of.
Don't overprice....a general rule is to price items 1/4 to 1/5 what they originally cost. If you really want it gone....price it cheap!
Be prepared to bargain. Regardless of your pricing some people will still offer less.
Have big (visable-from-a-distance) signs at both ends of the road. Make sure signs are weather resistant. I usually paint on a large piece of wood using bright colors. Arrows showing direction are helpful at intersections.
If you don't want people driving up your driveway, or on your lawn, block the entrance to the driveway.
Have a "FREE" box or area and add to it throughout the sale.
Don't place candles, crayons, or record albums in direct sun.
Have one cashier. People claim to have paid if more than one person is collecting money.
Put small pocketable items in zip lock bags or mount on cardboard. It is really sad to say, but people steal.
Have an extension cord available to prove that electrical items work.
At the end of the sale place leftover items by the street with a big "free" sign. They usually disappear rather fast.
Always remove your signs when your sale is over.
I hope you find my tips helpful as you navigate the high seas of weekend merchandising! Best of luck!!
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