By George Grubetic
Garage sales should be fun and hassle-free, with your goal to make some good money and off-load your unwanted items – our garage sale checklist is your hassle-free, step-by-step organiser for achieving this.
2-3 weeks before the sale
- Start sorting through your household for unwanted items have the mindset that almost anything will sell if it is a bargain
- Price your items. Price items about 25-35% of what they cost new (clothes are exceptions - 5-15% here)
- Pick a date and time for your sale. Weekends are the best; avoid public holidays or special events
- Write your ad. Give the address and hours of the sale; mention items that are of particular interest
- Place your ad in local newspapers and using free garage sale adversting sites. put up flyers on local community boards; inform neighbours as they might want to have a joint sale
1 week before the sale
- Make sure items are cleaned and repaired. The better condition it is in, the higher price you will get
- Determine where signs will go. In and around your neighbourhood is best; one in front of your house is smart too
- Make your signs. Use arrows, print the a dress, start and end times, use big letters
1-2 days before the sale
- Set up your sale area. Use tables to lay items out, display clothing hung up; you want to create an area so people can browse and shop in comfort
- Get checkout area ready. Have plenty of change; spare bags; calculator; newspaper (to wrap fragile items); paper & pens
The night before the sale
- Put up signs
- Make some refreshments and have a radio ready to play some soft background music
The morning of sale
- Make sure your house is locked up and fully secure. You don't want to give buyers the opportunity to snoop around
- Open the gates/door to your sale. Greet all customers with a freindly smile and "hello!"; be prepared to bargain with buyers
Right after sale
- Take signs down. Not only is this courteous to the environment, but you might incur a fine or penalty if you don't
- Count your money and rejoice!
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George Grubetic is the webmaster of
www.egaragesales.com.au, a website offering tips, hints and resources on how to have successful garage sales.