Garage sales are a great way to eliminate your extra or unwanted items. It is a fast way to make some quick cash, but can be very time consuming, as well. Your safety and your families safety, should always be a primary concern, both before the sale, the day of the sale, and after the sale.
To begin with, be sure that you understand your city ordinances and obtain any necessary permits before hand. Each city has different rules and regulations, when it comes to garage sales, and following them, will ensure a more supportive police department.
Never have your sale alone. You need to have at least one person with you, at all times. This is extremely important for your safety.
Be sure and lock all doors and windows on the day of your sale. Do not allow anyone in your home the day of your sale, even if they are begging to use the bathroom or the phone. Do not allow others to use your phone, unless you actually watch them dial. A friend of mine had someone make a long distance call from her phone. It didn’t cost a lot, but it was still annoying.
Keep a phone on you at all times. Either a cell phone, or a portable land line. If something goes wrong, you have the ability to dial 911 fast.
Keep your pets indoors the day of the sale. If your dog is well mannered and not threatened and you want them to be with you, keep them on a leash at all times.
To keep your shoppers safe, don’t have anything draped across walk ways, keep sharp items, clearly visible, and do not sell anything that has the ability to injure someone without displaying it properly or keeping it near you.
Be sure that someone is watching the money at all times. Cash boxes are not recommended, because they are so easily stolen from garage sales. Keeping the cash on you in an apron is the safest way. Also be sure to periodically take the money out of your apron and place it in the house, hidden.
Always, always post a sign that says “All Sales Final”. For a couple of years, I didn’t do this, and sometimes had someone come and try to bring something back that they had purchased. After several years, I started posting a sign to this affect, and have had no problems since.
Just be sure you are safe. That is the most important part of the sale.
Related Articles:
Garage Sale Season Has Arrived
Garage Sales: How And Where To Find Them
Why Should I Have A Garage Sale?
Collecting Items For a Garage Sale
Organizing Items For a Garage Sale
Pricing Items At A Garage Sale
Garage Sales: Frugal Ways to Clean Up Your Stuff
What Not To Sell at a Garage Sale Part One
What Not To Sell at a Garage Sale Part Two
Garage Sales: Where To Keep The Cash
Getting Help With Your Garage Sale
Staying Safe At Your Garage Sale