SOME TIPS FOR GARAGE SALES
1. Where – Find ads in classified section of your metropolitan and local newspapers under Moving Sales, Estate Sales and Garage Sales. Also under Household Goods which may say “whole house” instead of only select items.
2. Focus – List in advance specific items you target for the day’s hunt; then browse for impromptu surprises.
3. More Bang for the Effort – Estate sales, flea markets, annual neighborhood sales, church bazaars and organizations’ fundraisers (like PTA) offer the most plunder with the fewest stops.
4. People Sell What People Have - One mansion in a pricey area may yield more of what you seek (good jewelry, clothes, furniture or art, for example) than dozens of houses close together in a modest neighborhood. (Though you may be surprised!)
5. Money – Cash is golden. Checks are iffy. Credit cards are out (except at occasional estate sales). Hide/lock your purse in your car and clip a “fanny pack” of smaller bills around your waist for hands-free investigating. Lock mad-money (larger bills) in your car’s glove box to avoid passing up an absolute treasure. (Don’t expect the seller to hold it for you while you scramble for an ATM.)
1. Advertising – Critical to success!! Newspaper ad (metropolitan and local), Craig’s List, neighborhood bulletin board, easy-to-read-signs with address and directional arrow posted at relevant intersections to guide the buyer to your door. Buy signs or make signs. At intersections without telephone poles or metal road sign posts, attach your sign to a large cardboard box filled with large rocks.
2. Money – Wear a carpenter-type apron with large flat pockets to hold money and free your hands for making change and demonstrating merchandise. DO NOT use a cash box, which could disappear when you’re distracted (and you will be)! Have on hand at least $30 in small bills and coins to make change for Buyers.
3. Early Birds - Plan on them! Prepare to start the sale when the first buyer arrives.
4. Display – Large items curbside draw attention. If you lack needed display tables, spread merchandise out on sheets, blankets or shower curtains on the lawn instead of cardboard boxes crammed to the top with hard-to-see items. Group like things together (luggage, tools, clothes, glassware, china, books, clothes, toys, jewelry).
5. Don’t Go Solo – Have at least one other person helping you on sale day. More helpers are better!