Yard Sale Selling Success

Whether it's called a yard sale, garage sale, or rummage sale, it's still the same thing - a plethora of good bargains up for grabs to the first customer. For some people yard sales are a way to clear out unwanted items and earn some extra cash, yet to others they're wasted days in the sun with little profit. How do you become the first type of person and create yard sale selling success?

Where & When

Advertising a yard sale is as key as location and time. Choose a location that allows for easy parking. Preferably find a friend who lives in a suburban neighborhood; then ask if you can combine to have a "multi-family yard sale." This attracts people because it offers a variety of items for one stop. If the weather report looks clear, place an ad in the paper for your sale.

Timing is important, too. Try to choose a prime yard sale time of year and avoid cold or rainy weather days. What works best is when several people in the neighborhood hold yard sales on the same day. Multiple ads in the paper for the same neighborhood make the drive worth while for the customers.

Pricing

The best yard sale is one that offers high quality items at reasonable rates. This may seem counterproductive, but it generates more sales. Ignore how much the item cost new; it's not new anymore. People are looking for spontaneous, low budget purchases.

Another turn off for yard sale customers are items without prices. Be sure to have each item labeled. A popular tactic is to label everything on a table for the same price or five items for $2.

Customer service doesn't stop at the store. When someone is walking with an armful of items, hand her a box to make carrying easier. Then, rather than adding it up offer a blanket price, $15 for everything. It may have come out to $17, but often this is the customer who will turn around and look for something else to add to the box.

Quality

"Drive by shopping" is popular with yard sales. If the items don't seem to be of good quality, the car doesn't stop. Present clean items in an organized way. Put vases, doilies, and knickknacks for sale on top of tables to create a store display. Keep like items together for easy shopping. Have outlets available for electronic items so they can be tested. Put high frequency items that offer little interest or value in the back of your sale display.

Items like kitchen glasses and knickknacks fill many yard sale and flea market tables. Consider combining your sale with a friend to create a more balanced feel for your sale. Clothing should be clean, free of wear, and hung on a rack. Make your sale look pleasing and let the people see your deals in their best form.

Last but not least, create a budget friendly plan for your profits. Put your profit in the savings account or use it for a weekend trip to the amusement park with the family. It's always rewarding to sell unused items and then use the profits to purchase something the whole family can enjoy like an extra TV for the family room or an air hockey table for the basement.