The Garage Sale!
As with so many things, the effort you put in, you get out!
.jpg)
This is true even with a garage sale. As we were cleaning out each room, Step 1. we started collecting things that we would sell and eventually we had so much that it was time to do something bigger than posting items online. Step 2. put items into categories. Kids toys in one area, dishes in another, furniture pieces around the edges. So, it took three of us 2-3 days to get set up. Long tiring days.
Step 3. Decide how best to layout your items. Think about ease of teardown later and give people enough space to walk and look. We decided to make a U shape through the garage and then pull other items out onto tables in the driveway and on the grass. Step 4. Make it easy for people to see what you are selling. We made tables using boxes and pallets and an old piece of drywall. We borrowed two camping tables from our neighbors (thank you).
Step 5. Have a price on as many things as possible. Another way to organize items is by price. We had a couple of $1 tables. Mark made kitschy signs for the more pricy items on sale and he really had fun with it. We had an animal trap out for sale and he put a little gnome inside and called it the gnome trap. We had a pet carrier and so we staged it with a little hedgehog stuffed animal. If you need more tips on pricing keep reading ;)
Step 6. Have a plug ready for testing. The stereo equipment Mark and Jules hooked up so people could hear the sound. We had classical music running most of the time, until we sold the speakers and receivers. The lamps we plugged in. I even decided to stage my Art Room and put some artwork for sale.
Prior to the event, I researched advertising the sale. Step 7. Advertise and notify neighbors I posted the sale on many websites 3-4 days in advance is best (link below) and craigslist, Facebook both to friends and marketplace. I emailed neighbors to let them know about the traffic on our street and invited them to join us. The day of the sale I made a video and walked through. I had friends who bought items, just from that video. (You can see it below)
Step 8. Have great signage!
Step 9. Get cash and/or have payment options. We accepted cash and had plenty of change. I recommend 20 - 1's, 10 - 5's, and a few 10's to start. We also allowed Venmo - This is an app that you can download to receive payments from people, the payment gets transferred immediately so you know you've been paid. This is really helpful, especially for your larger ticket items. You can print off QR codes so that people can scan and pay.
Step 10. Setup on time. We started our garage sale at 8 am. We generally had a couple of people ready to dig in but then there was a lull until about 9. Here is the PNW people don't generally get out early like they do in other parts of the US but be prepared where ever you are and don't be afraid to tell people to please wait until the time you are starting.
Step 11. Enjoy yourself and chat with people - You are now a salesperson! If someone is interested in an item - make the deal! Tell them the history of the piece. Where'd you get it, something about that item. Tell them how it works. Let them know that prices are negotiable or not. They really should be at a garage sale.
Final Step: Pick up your signs at the end of each day.
Now, more on pricing items. First, this is a garage sale and people are looking for a deal. That being said, prices have increased on everything these days, so don't be afraid to start a little high and be prepared to negotiate. I would have items at a variety of price points. We had a couple of $1 tables, $5 tables, and items that were hundreds of dollars, as well as a pile of free stuff; however, do your research. Just because something is listed on craigslist, offer up, ebay, or etsy for $50 doesn't mean it sold for that. Decide what you think is fair based on your research. I would also say that you don't have to sell what you don't want to and if someone offers a really low price, decide what you think is fair, maybe meet them in the middle or not; it's your stuff! Something else to keep in mind - What are you doing with the items that are left? Are you going to donate them anyway? So, maybe that low ball price isn't so bad after all? If your goal is to get rid of stuff, don't be afraid to give some away. I had plenty of little stuff I let kids have and when people buy several items, we always gave them a deal.
What did well at the garage sale? Tools and Equipment (yard anything) - Stereo Items, Kids Toys (especially name brands) Legos, Nerf, etc. Water bottles for $1, records, vintage magazines, really all sorts of things. We sold lots, not everything but lots! Yeah, thanks everyone.
Final tips and tricks: I would always have someone present, during the garage sale. Give people space but keep an eye on things 99.9% of our visitors were lovely people and we truly enjoyed chatting with them and meeting or visiting. I really only wanted to ask one person to leave. This will vary on your location or region of the US. I've lived lots of places, things are not equal. LOL
To those visiting a garage sale - Items should be listed for sale; however, if you see something that is not marked you should ask. Don't assume. Be kind and respectful. People having the sale have every right to ask you to leave.
I hope this helps someone else have a successful sale!
Resources:
Where to post your garage sale: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-6-places-post-yard-sale-online-find-sales-dina-asna/
Where to donate in Gig Harbor and or need some help getting organized: Northwest Home Coach
Backup of Donation Site List.pdf