If you have ever seen Antiques Roadshow or a similar program you have no doubt fantasized about finding a million dollar treasure stored in your attic or basement. While that is a great fantasy it is not likely to happen for most of us, so what to do? Work with what you’ve got. You may not have one big treasure but you almost certainly have several small ones. Why not hold a garage sale?
A garage sale can give you the chance to pick up a little extra cash and at the same time, clear out some of the clutter in your home. Take a look around your home for useful things that you are no longer using. The number and kinds of items you choose may depend on how much money you are trying to raise right now. It may even depend on the season with some sporting equipment being better sellers during warm weather months. Involve the whole family. Children may have toys or games that they would like to contribute.
Before you begin tagging you items:
1.Have some idea of the going price for your garage sale merchandise. You may have some idea if you regularly go to yard sales. If not, check out local thrift stores or Internet sites such as eBay.
2.Check each item to be sure that it is clean and in good repair. Don’t sell yourself short by displaying broken and dirty items; obviously these will not fetch the highest prices.
3.If you intend to have several garage sales over time you may want to inventory all of your items including the asking as well as the actual price for each.
4.Stop by your local office supply store for price stickers or tags that make your task just a bit easier.
Before the yard sale:
1.Invest in a cash box and remember to get plenty of small bills to make change. If you intend to sell big ticket items you may want to talk with your bank about how to guarantee check payments.
2.Place a notice in the local community paper and flyers around your neighborhood. Balloons or a moonwalk for the kids may help attract attention to the sale.
3.If you are selling fans, computers, radios or similar items, be sure that you have a source of electricity in case your customers want to try before they buy.
4.For some items it may not matter but for others you may want to decide on your absolute lowest sale price. If you can’t get the price you want this time and you are confident that the item is appropriately priced you may want to hold the item for your next sale.
5.Talk with neighbors about any parking arrangements you may need help with.
On the day of the sale:
1.Have plenty of help on hand.
2.Make sure the kids have a role. Young people really need and benefit from opportunities to make meaningful contributions.
3.Have fun!