7 Essential Tips For Having A Successful Yard Sale

December 15, 2009 | Posted by Brad Chaffee

Want to make some extra cash by having a successful yard sale? We have had multiple yard sales bringing in over $200 each time. There’s no better way to earn some extra cash than by having a yard sale and cleaning out your house all at the same time.

1. CREATE GOOD YARD SALE SIGNS – Not paying special attention to this detail can cause a lot of work to feel like a waste of time. This is by far the most important tip to having a successful yard sale. Use arrows and be sure to make plenty of signs so patrons do not get lost in the process.
2. UTILIZE TABLES – Using tables whenever possible keeps people from having to rummage through boxes or bags on the ground.
3. KEEP PRICES REASONABLE – Something my wife hates more than anything is going to a yard sale to find that the person having the yard sale has priced things way too high. Remember it’s a yard sale! Sale being the key word.
4. ORGANIZE CLOTHES BY SIZE & GENDER – If you are shopping for clothes then there is nothing more frustrating than having to dig through sizes you do not want or need. Make it easy for people to find what they are looking for.
5. CLEARLY PRICE EVERYTHING – This takes time but it makes the process so much easier. When the price is not clear people will find that putting it down is much easier than asking how much it is. It is uncomfortable for some people to even ask that question, so keep that in mind.
6. BE WILLING TO NEGOTIATE – When you are pricing your items keep in mind that you will possibly have to negotiate. Hardcore yard sale shoppers will always ask for a lower price. How low are you willing to go? Mark your original price a little higher than that, but remember to keep the original price within reason.
7. LURE PEOPLE IN WITH BIG TICKET ITEMS – If you have any big ticket items such as televisions, exercise equipment, furniture, or anything more than $50—put them near the street & make sure you mark them clearly with bold text. (Use a giant Sharpie, not a pencil.)

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Now you are ready to have a successful yard sale. Use these tips and create some of your own to ensure a fun and prosperous day.

Good Luck!

photo credit

Brad Chaffee is the Enemy of Debt, and a regular contributor here at the Self Reliance Exchange. Learn more about Brad by reading his bio. You may also contact him here.

Categories: hints and tips | Tags: self reliance, tips, yard sales | No Comments »