Top Tips for a Successful Garage for Busy Moms
It’s time to declutter and make some extra money. Throughout the year collect items you no longer need or want. We are busy and want the best bang for our buck. Lets get to business and turn our items into cash!
THE RIGHT TIME
It is essential to attract the most people to your garage sale at once. Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular days for a garage sale. More people stopping by means more potential buyers.
Before you pick the weekend take the time to look at the weather forecast and make sure it is not suppose to rain.
CHECK ON PERMIT
Some cities require a permit for your garage sale. You can call your city hall or check online to see if you need one. It may be listed under, “permit” or “civic responsibility”.
PARTNER WITH NEIGHBORS OR THE COMMUNITY
Ask a neighbor or friend to hold a garage sale with you. This will help both of you sell items and work together to have a successful sale. It can also be helpful having another person available in case your kids need you.
Communities will sometimes have neighborhood garage sales which is a great time to sell. More people will want to come if there are a lot of garage sales in one area.
ASSIGN EACH TABLE A MONEY AMOUNT
It takes a long time to label each item. Instead place items on tables with a visible sign stating the price for that table. If you have to split the table then use two different colored table clothes to show that the price differs on both sides. You can also place items in boxes (like a book box, a cup box, etc.) and just label that box (like $1 per book).
PLACE MOST EXPENSIVE ITEMS NEAR YOU
I would place the most expensive items near you and the free items further away. This may prevent temptation but also any damage that could be done if customers want to look at it.
BRING A CHANGE BOX OR APRON
It is important to be able to break large bills and have enough small bills with you so you don’t have to run to the bank. Keep your cash with you at all times either in a change box or apron.
ORGANIZE AND GROUP YOUR ITEMS
All items should be displayed in a clean and organized way. Baby toys and utensils should be separate from each other and laid out instead of tossed on the table.
HANG WHAT YOU CAN
If you are able to hang clothes then it looks more organized, more professional and you might be able to sell it at a higher price.
You can cut out a paper plate half as a marker for sizes or list out prices on a sign near the rack.
If you cannot hang clothes then fold them nicely by size and gender on each table with each over lapping the other. This allows each item to be seen instead of having them stacked. This is also great for kids clothes.
If you have a lot of a certain item such as toddler pants size 4T then you can put them in a box and label the box.
BE PREPARED
If you have items that need batteries or an extension cord then have them next to you so you can show they work. If an item does not work or is missing pieces then just label it as such. If you have accessories or clothing items then have a mirror available for them to use.
BRIGHT FLORESCENT COLORED GARAGE SALE SIGNS
Bright florescent colored paper are the best to use for garage sale. Use a thick black permanent marker to write on them. These signs will be easy to see and can catch people’s attention. The signs should have arrows and the address or street on them. They should be at least 3 feet square and about 20 signs. I would also have a couple signs listing a couple major items you are selling such as baby items, tools, women’s clothes, etc.
The hours should also be on the garage sale if you plan to leave them up for the next day or place them the day before.
ADVERTISING
There are a lot of free ways to advertise your garage sale but please use caution. These include Facebook local groups, Next Door, Yard Sale Search, Garage Sale Hunter, Yard Hopper, Garage Sale Source and other social media.
Place your garage sale signs on busy streets And make sure they are easy to follow.
EYE CATCHING
More desirable items like strollers, large mirrors, etc. should be placed in the front of your sale and in the back. This allows people that drive a glimpse into your sale and make those that stop want to walk your entire sale.
PRICES ARE NEGOTIABLE
Do not be afraid to negotiate a price of an item. Determine how much you would like to make from your garage sale and you can lower prices accordingly.
HOW DO I PRICE ITEMS
You can look up comparable items on Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Market place and other online shopping sites. Remember your items are used and price them to sell for a successful outcome.
MAKE IT LOOK LIKE A STORE
The more the garage sale looks like a store the more money you can potentially receive. People will stay longer and feel more comfortable when you turn on some music. All your items should be organized, clean, well displayed and labeled.
This is also a great time to get your kids in the entrepreneurial spirit and sell some lemonade and cookies. This makes people feel welcomed.
There is no need to hover over customers. Sit back on your chair and wait for them to come to you.
