Part I
Tag sale, rummage sale, garage sale, and moving sale are just a few variations of the term yard sale, all describing similar informal and irregularly scheduled events whereby private individuals sell used goods. Unlike businesses, sellers are not required to obtain business licenses or collect sales tax for this type of event. Most sellerss can recoup some money for items sold, however, this is usually at a fraction of the original purchase price. Despite this, yard sales are a great way to unload items you no longer want, need, or use!
We hope you enjoy these helpful tips to hosting a successful yard sale. Note the safety advice at the article’s end that is valuable to know!!! Also enjoy the link at the article’s end to Hosting a successful yard sale part II, a continuation of the topic and an essential read.
It’s totally worthwhile!
Putting together a yard sale is a sensible way to sell items which no longer serve you well. It’s also a great way to reduce household clutter. Hosting a yard sale can put some money back into the sellers’ pockets.
Can I sell valuables?
It’s worth repeating that folks will likely not gain full value for most items they sell. Antiques and valuables such as collectible baseball cards and antique jewelry might be possible exceptions. But, FYI, yard sales are not the best options to sell valuables as most shoppers are searching for bargains. Bear in mind that at yard sales you are not likely to sell valuables for maximum price. You’re better off selling good-quality specialty pieces through a trustworthy antique dealer who deals in fine collectibles. Or you may opt to sell them independently or through auction.
What should I sell?
It’s best to stick with selling ordinary items that you don’t want – but they ought be safe to use/operate and be in good condition. Be honest with buyers. Always indicate condition problems, should they exist, such as a coat with a small rip in the pocket or a miniscule chip on the bottom of a teapot that does not compromise its safe use. Additionally, prices should reflect those defects.
Why not just sell things on social media?
While folks may certainly sell items through social media and other platforms, yard sales provide quick ways of unloading multiple items on one occasion. Additionally, at yard sales, customers mainly pay in cash, so sellers don’t have to worry about dealing with unscrupulous individuals who prey on the internet, people who waste time by not following through, and possible money scammers.
That being said…
Nowadays, some yard sale sellers do accept common payment apps like Venmo or Apple Pay as examples. Should you go the electronic payment route, understand safety and charges associated with such transactions. Note that rules vary depending upon mobile payment services.
Price hagglers
Many yard sale customers enjoy price haggling as it makes them feel like they are getting a deal. For items you are selling that are inflexible, mark them with your price and the word FIRM to indicate that negotiations for that item are off the table.
Is hosting a yard sale hard?
Hosting a yard sale is not hard per se – but effort, energy, planning, preparation, and time are essential. In some cases, such as living in a community with association rules, preapproval may be needed. Yard sales require set-up time. Once the sale is over, unsold goods will need to be packed and stored for the next yard sale or taken to a donation center. So, in addition to selling the items, know that prep and follow through are required.
Sorting and pricing and transporting, oh my!
Not only must sellers sort through household items to determine inventory and pricing, but items must physically be transported to a central place of sale, such as a yard or garage. Line up helpers to assist you with tasks such as hanging signs, lifting goods, displaying items, pricing, helping with customers, and cleaning up. Do let helpers share in some of the profits. Or invite a friend over to sell their own things so that you may support one another with sales.
The importance of first impressions
At your yard sale, display things neatly and orderly. This offers the impression that you care about the items you are selling. In the mind of buyers, this gives peace of mind that what they’re buying is likely well cared for and worth asking price.
Benefits
- Hosting a yard sale is a great way to give unwanted/unneeded items a second chance to be loved and used.
- Not only is the act of reselling/reusing/repurposing items fabulous for the environment, but it also helps people with lower incomes purchase items they would not be able to afford at full price.
Some expert safety tips – A MUST READ FOR ALL YARD SALERS
- Do not let strangers into your home. Period.
- While outside attending to customers, keep your house doors and windows locked.
- Have water on hand for customers (complimentary or available for purchase) so that you don’t have to go inside.
- Bring snacks and drinks for yourself outside so that you won’t have to leave your yard sale.
- Should customers request a rest room, be prepared to direct them to the nearest gas station or convenience store.
- Never sell goods that fail to meet current safety standards, such as an old crib or used car seat.
- Do not operate a yard sale solo, always have plenty of helpers to assist.
- Keep an eye on your cash box and never leave it out in the open or unattended.
- Stick to cash transactions if electronic ones make you feel uncomfortable.
- Avoid accepting checks from strangers.
- For safety, do not allow young helpers to carry items to a stranger’s vehicle.
- Be friendly but do not offer personal information to strangers.
- Carefully arrange glass or delicate items to keep them from breaking.
- Make sure your liability insurance is up to date.
- Place safety cones around cracks in the driveway to prevent tripping hazards.
- Move your car to a safe location during your yard sale.
- Have customers park in designated areas or on the street only where it’s safe to do so.
To read more on this fabulous topic…read Part II of our yard sale series entitled Hosting a successful yard sale Part II, which will be published tomorrow!
There, you will learn about:
- Optimal months, days, and times for your yard sale
- Preparing and advertising
- Pricing stuff right
- Tagging big stuff
- Anticipating early birds
- More on price hagglers
