Some experts suggest you shouldn’t price items in a garage sale but let people offer what they think the items are worth. These experts claim people will often offer more than you would have put on the item.
Others say to make sure items are clearly priced. It may be negotiable but it is a starting point. I adhere to this idea. If I went to a garage sale where I had to ask the price of everything I would quickly get fed up and leave.
Be prepared to negotiate on price. Those who go to garage sales regularly usually expect to beat the price down a little, so you will need to allow for that. You might consider reducing items if they do not appear to be selling rather than get nothing at all for them and have to give them away or store them.
Put like items together, so all the books in one place, clothes together on a rack if possible, household items and toys in one place.
If you are selling furniture can you organize delivery or will they have to organize it themselves. One large item we looked at once we couldn’t get home. It wasn’t worth the cost of hiring someone to move it around the corner.
Other practical tips include making sure you have plenty of change on hand. Also provide carry bags or boxes for people to take their bargains home in.
Make sure you have enough helpers on the day so people are not standing around not knowing who to go to or how long they are expected to wait.
Most of all, prepare for a day of standing or sitting around a lot and to meet all sorts of people. A cheery smile and being friendly but not being too pushy will help.
Don’t make comments about people who attend in front of other people. It sounds simple but you’d be surprised the things I’ve heard said about others. So keep your opinions to yourself.
Anything you can’t sell you might want to consider donating to a charity.
Related articles
How to Get Rid of Your Old Stuff