One Hundred Dollars a Month

Every few years, I get enough accumulated stuff that it becomes totally worth it for me to have a garage sale.  Garage sales are my way of de-junkifying–but, not in the sense that it is “junk.”  I want the stuff out, because it just is no longer working for me, but it is still really good, usable stuff.  Plus, the money goes straight into our vacation fund, so I can usually convince The Girl and Monkey Boy to help out.

I’ve learned quite a bit over the years about having garage sales–or even better stated:  having successful garage sales.

First things first, advertise.  Use signs and craigslist to get the word out.  For higher ticket items, take some pictures and include them on craigslist.  People love that crap.  Also, get change.  You can keep it in a lock box, a money belt or wear an apron with pockets.  The good thing about the apron is that if you are alone, you don’t have to worry about stepping away from the money.  Also, have plastic grocery bags handy to bag people’s purchases.

Price all of your items the night before.  This is essential.  You WILL have early bird shoppers who will cramp your style if you are still out there pricing.  The busiest time of the garage sale will be from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.  After that, things will slow down significantly, so it’s just best to be prepared to deal with your customers straight out of the gate.  Be realistic with your pricing.  People expect screamin’ deals at garage sales.  That’s the downside.  The upside is that you would have probably just donated it otherwise and made nothing.

Next, get up extra early and make a crock pot meal {Go HERE for some recipe ideas}.  Otherwise, by the end of the day, you will be too pooped to pop and will end up loading the family into the wagon to go out.  This one little move cuts into your garage sale profits significantly.  I have learned it the hard way, trust me.

Have the kids set up a muffin and coffee/tea stand.  Lots of people do the slow drive by and then move on.  Early morning coffee and muffins always entice them to stop and browse.

Make sure everything is displayed as orderly as possible.  If you have clothes, hang them up–they WILL sell much better that way.

Haggling is a sport for some people–like they legitimately get thrills at the idea of it.  Don’t be offended when people haggle for your stuff–meet them with counter-offers, {The garage sale game is very Donald Trump like.  Embrace it.}  Know your bottom line and have a little fun getting there.

Around noon to 1 p.m., it’s time to start slashing prices.  Your traffic will slow down considerably, and unless you are interested in a marathon type garage sale, it’s time to make sure the stuff goes for at least some money.

Arrange for a local charity to swing by and pick up the leftovers or haul them that afternoon to the thrift store yourself.  That way, you don’t have to haul them back into the garage, where they could potentially take up residence again.

How about YOU, what are your tips for having a successful garage sale?

~Mavis