The Wrong Way to Hold a Garage Sale
By organizingguru | Leave A Comment

It is garage sale season and you probably have a ton of things you want to get off your hands.

But wait!

Before you run out and throw up your for sale sign there are a few things you should know first and consider. By learning the wrong and right way to have a garage sale you set yourself up to have a successful yard sale instead of a big dud.

The Wrong Way to Hold a Garage Sale

Let’s talk about the wrong way to have a garage sale. If you want success you have to know what you need to avoid first.

Intending to have a sale by keeping items to the side but not actually following through. We have all done this. You put items to the side meaning to sell them in a “upcoming” yard sale only to turn around 10 years later and the same box of things is still sitting in your garage or attic or basement.
Not planning at all. It is said that if you fail to plan that you plan to fail. This is true for garage sales. It takes a good deal of planning in order to have a successful and smoothly run garage sale.
Pricing items at the price you bought the item for 10 years ago. It’s a garage sale! Take your emotions out of it and be flexible to negotiate. People come to a yard sale to get a good deal. Keep that in mind when you price your items. Things depreciate as soon as you buy it so don’t expect to recoup what you paid for it 10 years ago.
Not giving enough notice. If you want a crowd of eager buyers at your garage sale then you need to let them know in advance. Don’t wait until the day of the sale to let people know about it. Most people who like to go to garage sales like to plan for which ones they are going to. Give the paper enough time to run an ad so that more people can know about your garage sale.

The Right Way

Now that you have learned how not to have a garage sale here are tips for a successful garage sale.

Planning:
If you take the time to plan what you are going to sell, what price you are going to sell the items at, what days and where you are going to hold the sale you will have a smoother and successful yard sale.
Pricing:
For more important pieces, research the right price and go the extra step and actually put the price tags on the items before the sale. Start with your dream price that way you will be able to negotiate down. For many items colored dots can be used to represent price, if you make a color key.
Location:
Where will you hold the sale st your house, with the neighbors or at a church? Pick a prime location and then advertise it in the paper and with signs. If it’s not on your property be sure to get permission first!
Follow Through:
Actually having the sale with items you have set aside this year! When you place things in a box or bag make sure that you sale it within the year. If the box is still sitting there a year later give it away or trash it.

There you have it folks! The wrong and right way to have a garage sale. I hope that this helps you in having a successful garage sale. Let me know your tips for a successful garage sale in the comments below.