Regardless of the season, hosting a yard sale can be a great way to declutter and make some extra money. Yard sales are still popular and offer a convenient way to get rid of unwanted items while promoting sustainability in your community. To ensure a successful yard sale, consider these helpful tips:
1. Collaborate with Others: Invite friends and neighbors to join your sale to attract more buyers. Hosting a joint sale or a neighborhood event can help spread the word and draw in more shoppers.
2. Promote Your Sale: Utilize free advertising options such as local secondhand groups, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace to promote your sale. Provide detailed information about the sale including date, time, location, parking instructions, and types of items available.
3. Be Prepared with Sufficient Change: Make sure you have enough cash and possibly an electronic payment method on hand to accommodate various types of buyers.
By following these tips and avoiding common yard sale mistakes, you can increase your chances of having a successful and profitable yard sale experience.
“Make sure to hit the bank for smaller bills and think about using an electronic payment app like Paypal or Venmo,” advises Wright. Since most ATMs dispense $20 bills, you’ll need to be prepared with enough change for your yard sale. Additionally, it’s recommended to download a virtual payment app prior to the morning of your sale to set up your account and verify your bank details in advance.
Don’t start your sale too late on Saturday, even though it’s tempting to sleep in after a busy week. Beginning at 10 a.m. may limit the number of potential shoppers you attract. Moreover, in some regions, the heat can escalate quickly during Southern days, or people may have other commitments like events or gatherings. Wright suggests having all your sale items priced and arranged the night before so you can swiftly display them, especially if there are eager customers waiting for your sale to commence.
It’s common for yard sale customers to negotiate for lower prices. While it’s okay to hold firm in the beginning, be open to bargaining or finding a middle ground, particularly for high-ticket items or bulk purchases. Wright emphasizes the importance of having cash on hand to avoid dealing with unsold items. She stresses the goal of achieving a decluttered space by the end of the day.
One crucial lesson highlighted by our experts is pricing. Although you may see an item listed online for $100, remember that platforms like eBay and Amazon reach millions of users daily, unlike your yard sale which may attract a smaller crowd. Setting reasonable prices for your items is key.
Warfield, who transforms thrift store finds into art, notes a disparity between sellers’ pricing and market reality. If you possess valuable items, consider listing them on a national platform or Facebook Marketplace for better exposure. Finding the right balance between selling method and pricing is essential in today’s market.
After a day of sales, dealing with leftover items can be a hassle. “If you’ve gone through the effort of setting up outside, you don’t want to bring everything back in or make a trip to donate it later,” advises Wright. Pricing items reasonably to ensure sales and avoid unnecessary clutter should be a top priority.
