Tweet

The windows are open, spring is here, and spring cleaning is underway.  Now that the house has been aired out and it’s finally nice enough to spend time outside without the risk of hypothermia, phase two must begin.  Starting off the spring with a yard/garage sale may, in fact, be the perfect option for your household.  Such events can be a great way to unload, and refresh your home while making a little profit at the same time.  Win/win anyone?  Continue reading our list of Do’s and Don’ts to help ensure your yard sale is a success!

Do 

• Utilize Social Media.  Let’s face it, we live in a day an age where looking up from our phones has become a conscience decision, more so than we’d like to admit.  So, use that to your advantage!  Social media sites like Facebook, Craigslist, even if your local news has a website (TrendingSINY.com for all you natives), should all have some mentioning of your upcoming sale.  Try including some of the most desirable items for sale in your advertisement as well!
• Work Ahead of Time.  Once you’ve covered all of the marketing for your grand event, make the signs to help label your merchandise, group everything accordingly, and make the signs for the surrounding area.  Nothing worse than having some excited potential buyers get lost.
• Make a Power Source Available.  For any and all merchandise being sold that requires a power cord, be sure to have one close by.  Not only will it help you ensure buyers that things work, but it’ll also help close the sale.
• Start Saving Bags.  I’m sure we’ve all been guilty at one point of being a bag hoarder, but now is the time to unload that nickname For the weeks prior to your sale, make sure to hang onto your extra bags so buyers have a way to store, making them inclined to get more.
• Follow the Law.  A recent law was established making it illegal to resell recalled items.  If you’re not sure about any given item, don’t sell it.

Don’t

• Let Buyers Get Lost.  Make your event as visible and easily accessible as possible.  The also means considering using a venue other than your home.  In addition, don’t forget to clearly mark neighboring streets with signs and balloons.
• Fail to Plan.  Pre-price everything you’re going to sell and keep an inventory.  Make sure everything is properly labeled and your inventory is kept up to date.  Pricing your items on the spot can be a surefire way to lose money.
• Have Change!  Make sure you have a ton of quarters, singles fives and tens, and make sure you have your items priced in a way that makes it easy for you and whoever it helping you to make a change.
• DON’T LET THE JUNK BACK INTO YOUR HOUSE!
• Piggybacking off the previous don’t forget to donate anything that doesn’t get sold.  You don’t need it anymore, so let someone else make some use of it.