Garage Sale: Planning a successful sale

A garage sale is an effective way to clear away household clutter. But to make it fun and profitable, start planning early. 

(1) 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.

(2) Choose what to sell:

• Scan your attic, garage, basement, closets and other storage areas for items.
• Practical items such as appliances, furniture, dishes, books, plants, kitchen utensils

(3) 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.

(4) Display to make the sale:

• Sweep and wash out your garage until it looks and smells clean.
• Arrange display tables for easy access and viewing. Rent or borrow more tables if needed.
• Display items that are clean and in good shape. Group them in categories like stores do.
• Set up temporary racks to sell clothing. Hang the clean clothes by size.
• Polish the wood and clean the upholstery of sale furniture.
• Remove lingering odors with air freshener.
• Provide an electrical outlet so customers can see that appliances work properly.
• Display books, videos, record albums and CDs spine up for best readability.
• Display odds and ends and mark them all at 25 cents, or set up a few free items to stimulate buyer interest.

(5) Try these sales tips:

• Encourage return shoppers during a two-day sale. Post a sign saying prices will be reduced the next day.
• Take bids on expensive items. Have customers fill out a card with their names, phone numbers and bid, then sell the item to the top bidder.

(6) 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 Bradfield Properties sales associate about the availability of attractive, functional Bradfield Properties garage sale signs!!!

(7) Success on sale day:

• Have plenty of change available - $1 and $5 bills & $5 in small change should cover everything.
• Ask 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 to give you a break.
• See your local Bradfield Properties Real Estate Service member for more ideas about making your garage sale a success!!