10 Garage Sale Tips & Tricks

Learn these 10 garage sale tips & tricks before organizing your next sale. Deciding to get rid of all the clutter in your house is a good place to start, but you may not be sure where to go from there. Well, take a deep breath, it's easier than you think to get rid of that clutter and replace it with some dough. 

1. Start advertising. Get to a hobby shop, buy a good number of posters to make ads.  The words on the ad will need to be large enough for others to read from at least a 25 feet distance.  The posters should clearly state you are having a garage sale, your address , and an arrow pointing in the direction of your house.  You should post these posters in various areas, about up to five miles from your house.  You also can print flyers.  The flyers can be more detailed.  You could take pictures of some of the things you may be selling or create a list.  Pass them out at different places in your area.  You'll be surprised at how many people may show up.  Also, be mindful that certain cities have certain laws on advertising on city property.  So, check with your city authorities before posting anywhere on city property.
2. Make description cards. You could buy some index cards and use one card for each item to write a description.  State some interesting facts that you may know about the item.  This will give the buyer more confidence in deciding to purchase the item.  This also could save you time and prevent a lot of questions.  There may even be some items that the buyers may confused what it may be used for. 
3. Organize your sell items. Whether you are selling out of your garage or your front line.  Organize like items with another to keep the buyers from running all over the place and becoming confused with your set-up.
4. Do not overprice your items. Of course you may want to earn some extra cash, but overpricing items could still leave you with less cash.  If a buyer believes something is too expensive, they will not buy it, so be considerate and fair if you want to sell more items.  This will increase trust between you and the buyer. 
5. Invite customers to come back or to invite their friends. If you invite the customers back, you will be shocked at how many will come back.  They may come back to check for new items or to see what's left.  Word gets around quick if you have some decent items.  So, tell the customers it is OK to invite others to your sale.
6. Be willing to negotiate. Sometimes you may believe you have priced an item low enough, but some customers may still insist that the item is still too expensive.  Negotiate with them, sometimes negotiating will help you get rid of all your items.  You will be happy you did once you realize everything has been sold.
7. Be watchful and aware. Everywhere there are shoplifters, so just be  watchful in your surroundings.
8. Compliment your buyers on their purchases. Make them feel good that they purchased your item.  Always let them know that they made a wise choice for a good price. 
9. Be talkative. Communicate with your buyer.  Even if you have made description cards, still give them an overview of the item they may be interested in.  Tell them how good it was for you and how the item may work out well for them.
10. Always have small bills available. It can be frustrating when you are about to make a good sale and you realize you only have 20s.  Always have a small bills handy to break any change you may need to.