Arranging a yard sale is a great way to help the environment and since most people love a good bargain, they have a hard time leaving a yard sale empty handed. What better way is there to recycle old items like clothing, furniture, electrical appliances, toys etc. while making some money in the process? Here are some points to consider in order to organize a successful yard sale:
Follow the Law
The first step is to make sure to contact your city to see if a permit is necessary for your yard sale. Some cities have restrictions on hours of operation and sign placement; it is better to be safe than sorry.
What to Sell?
When it comes to yard sales, it is easier to point out what not to sell. You will have a hard time selling dirty or broken items, swimsuits, make-up and perfumes.
Sometimes it can be difficult to part with things, but if you haven’t used it since 2008 you probably won’t miss it.
Inventory Your Items
Making an inventory list of your goods with prices assigned to each item, will give you a nice overview and help you answer customers’ questions during the day of your yard sale.
Price Labels
When it comes to pricing your items, a nice solution for organizing the pricing for your items is to use colorful stickers with your desired price on each item. For items that are very similar, and that also share the same price (i.e. magazines or books), we suggest you use a labeled box. A labeled box allows you to save space along with pricing stickers for your yard sale.
Advertise, Advertise, Advertise
Advertise your yard sale on social media sites, such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as in your local newspaper. An ad on craigslist that includes a map is also a good idea. List some of the most attractive items you have for sale and upload pictures on the social media sites. A couple of days before the event, it is a good idea to put up large, easy-to-read signs with arrows pointing in the direction of your yard sale. If you have a lot of items, you should consider dividing the sale up over two days (preferably between Saturday and Sunday).
The Day Before the Sale
Make sure you have lots of change. Quarters and one-dollar bills are hot commodity in the yard sale business! A fanny pack is a great way to keep the money safe and easily accessible during your sale. Also, it is a good idea to mow your lawn and tidy up in your yard. This will help with the appeal of your yard sale, making potential buyers for confident in the quality of the goods they are buying.
The Day of the Sale
Set up your items early in the morning. Group similar things together (think “department store”) and place your best items up front. Make sure your display is neat and organized with price labels clearly shown. A box labeled “free” up front is a great way to lure customers in (and you will get rid of the things you thought nobody would pay for!).
Greet your customers with a smile and be flexible and willing to negotiate on the price. Offer package and two-for-one deals in order to sell as much as possible.
After the Sale
Take all your signs down and place an ad online where you offer the remaining items that you don’t want for free. All people have to do is to come by and pick up what they want from your yard! Another option is to donate left over items to a charity or the goodwill, allowing someone else to enjoy the item as much as you did.
Finally for those items that you just can’t get rid of, let Novak take them off your hands. Before tossing them out, make sure to check our website and make sure that the item that you are throwing out is accepted by Novak.
