Does anyone have any tips for having a great yard sale?
Question:
Answers:
From the buyers perspective,
Always price your items. Unless I'm really interested I won't even bother unless it has a price.
Price reasonably! This is a big one, I have been to many a sales where I could buy the same item for a few dollars cheaper at Wal-Mart.
If your selling clothes keep them neatly folded on tables grouped by sizes. It makes it a lot easier to browse them this way.
On top of offering soda why not also offer bottled water? A lot of grown ups would appreciate that in the hot weather.
Anything that is pure junk just throw away. Don't even waste your time getting it all ready.
And alas have fun. Turn on some music and ALWAYS start early around 7 am or so.
Post your add on the local paper or try your local craiglist.org for free posting.
Also have sodas in an Ice Chest $.50 each, they sell great during the hot days!!
Yes, have had lots!
Price everything really low if you really want them to sell.
Tag every item separately.
Be willing to bargain.
Put out lots of signs - with big lettering. Put the date and the time as well as the location of the sale.
Display items attractively and put similar things together.
Clean things off before you display them.
Have bags available so people can get them home easily.
Keep leftovers out of landfills. Get rid of what you don't sell on www.freecycle.org
I teamed up with a neighbor, it gave us more variety...her husband had a lot of tools and home things, that sold out I had tons of clothes, kids items and other misc things so together we did all right..I also agree with the idea of having pop, or if you have kids let them sell lemonade or the pop its a lot harder to turn down kids and plus they will browse your sale.
-put up TONS of signs all around the neighborhood
-possibly post signs in local malls, restaurants, etc. if you want huge business
-you could also put an add in the paper
-make sure everything is SQUEAKY CLEAN
-individually label everything -- get a labeling machine if you want it to look professional!!
-have your kids sell lemonade at the time of the sale so they can make some money too!!
-don't price things TOO low...but you will need them at good deal prices so they'll be desirable
-put more desirable, popular items at the bottom of your yard, near the road, so that when people drive by, they'll see those items and be drawn to the sale
good luck!
Put yourself in the buyer's shoes. Try to imagine what you would want to pay for something, and price it accordingly. Don't put high prices on something just because you like it. People go to yard sales for bargains.
In addition to all the other pointers given in the other suggestions, here are a few more:
Put up signs that say "Absolutely no refunds. All sales final" You'd be surprised at some people who want to bring things back.
"No Restrooms available"
"No phones available"
Etc. You do NOT want to let anyone inside your house while you are having a sale.
Another tip. Have another adult to help you. They can either watch the money, or watch your items/customers. Shoplifters hit yard sales too.
Have plenty of small denomination bills and loose change. You'd hate to miss out on a sale because you can't give someone change for a $20.
Keep newspaper on hand for wrapping fragile items. Put items in small boxes or plastic bags.
Lots of similar items, books? Price to sell like "10 cents a piece or $1/dozen" People are more likely to keep picking out items to buy just to save that 20 cents for two extra items.
Have an extension cord handy for electrical appliances you are selling, so they can try them out and know they work. Have batteries handy, too.
Above all, have fun! Most people having a yard sale aren't really in it for the money, they are trying to get rid of stuff they no longer want. Keep that in mind and bargain, bargain, bargain. Throw in freebies. have a box of small stuff with a sign, One free item with each purchase!
If you see someone with kids, let them pick out a toy for free or half-price. This warms the heart of the parent and makes them more likely to buy something.
Good luck!!
More Related Questions & Answers...