Gar(b)age Sales
Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008
A friend of mine was hoping to host a garage sale this past Saturday, but she cancelled it when it rained that morning. Although you can’t control the weather, there are some things you can do to be better prepared for a yard sale. I’ve re-printed what I think are the Top 5 from TheNest.com.
- Drum up business ahead of time. Take out a classified ad in your local paper, post a notice on a local Internet message board, and canvass the area with flyers. Identify the date of the sale plus the start and end times.
- Don’t get personal with pricing. As you’re surveying your pile of saleable goods, start pricing each item to sell. Remember, just because it pains you to part with your precious (and well-loved) New Kids On The Block T-shirt collection, it doesn’t mean it’s a collector’s item and worth $200.
- Set the mood. The idea is to make some cash, but it doesn’t mean you have to be all business. Cue the music, tie up some balloons, and create a festive atmosphere. Remember, you want to remain available for questions and have the opportunity to say hello and goodbye to everyone — even if they don’t end up buying.
- Slash prices at the halfway point. As your yard sale starts to wrap up, consider cutting prices in half. Make up a sign ahead of time and then bring it out a few hours before you’re ready to wrap up. You’ll increase your sales if people think they’re getting a better deal — everyone loves a bargain.
- Keep the Salvation Army on standby. Inevitably, you won’t sell everything at your yard sale. But don’t commit an organizational sin by dragging all of that stuff back into the house. Arrange a pickup by your favorite local charity and have the remaining stuff hauled away.
Have you ever hosted a garage sale? Was it successful or did you only make ten cents? Any words of wisdom to share with others? Are you a “garage saler” (sailor?) yourself? What was your best find? Boast away by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below. Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is GARBAGESALE. Yes, there is a “b” in there because one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. :) The code will score you points until July 4th.