Successful Garage Sales |
Give yourself time to prepare
- Select a sale date well in advance, at least two to three weeks.
- Weekends are best, but avoid dates that conflict with holidays or special events.
- Consider holding a joint sale with friends, neighbors or relatives to attract more customers and sell more items.
Price your items right
- Visit other garage sales to get a feel for prices, and be realistic when pricing your items.
- Purchase self-adhesive tags at an office supply store and affix a tag to each item.
- For joint sales, keep a log of items sold or mark price tags with seller's initials
- Be prepared to come down in price if you really want to get rid of an item
Advertise for success
- For best results, don't skimp on advertising. Write about your best items to attract the most buyers.
- Advertise "cash only" if that's your preference, then post a "cash only" sign at the sale.
- Advertise in shopper newspapers. Post notices on bulletin boards in grocery stores or laundromats.
- Investigate free public service announcements on radio and television.
- Post signs in visible places the day of your sale to guide customers to your sale. (Check local ordinances regarding
sign postings first).
- Ask your BOWES Real Estate Real Living sales professional about the availability of attractive, functional garage
sale signs.
Success on sale day
- Have plenty of change available -- $1 and $5 bills and at least $5 in change should cover everything.
- Ask your neighbors in advance not to park in front of your house on sale day. Keep your own driveway clear for extra
parking.
- Ask a friend or relative to help you take money, wait on customers or give you a break