It’s not a secret that moving costs a lot of money, especially if you’re thinking about hiring movers. That’s why many people find ways to earn extra cash to pay for their relocation. One great way to do that is by having a garage sale. If you have unnecessary items lying around the house, you can make money out of them. This way, you can downsize your move while earning some funds from things that you’ll probably never use anymore.
Doesn’t that sound wonderful? But the problem is, do you know how to host a garage sale effectively? If not, don’t worry. Follow these six proven and tested tips for guaranteed success.
1. Plan in Advance
You can never go wrong planning in advance. Whatever you do, it’s always an excellent idea to plan ahead of time. You can’t just wake up one day, decide to host a garage sale and expect it’s going to be successful. For better results, make proper preparations. You can declutter items that someone may want to buy, give your neighbors notice, and set a specific date and time so that everyone knows you’re having a garage sale. A simple plan is better than no plan at all.
2. Make Catchy Advertisements
What better way to attract more customers than with eye-catching advertisements? You can make signs and place them across your neighborhood, leading to your home. Because remember, not everyone knows where you live. Maybe a week ahead of the garage sale, you can also hand out flyers. Posting on online platforms like your social media accounts or on Craigslist works, too. By doing this, you let your neighbors know of the great deals you have and give them ample time to prepare some money.
3. Clean and Organize Your Items
Appearances do matter, especially when putting an item up for sale. So if you want bigger chances of selling out, clean what you’re displaying. No one wants to buy a dirty-looking item, except if it’s something that is of sure value. In this case, washing the stuff you put out will go a long way. Set aside some time to clean not just your goods but also your garage and organize it in a way that it looks just like a store. It makes your shop more presentable, which can only mean one thing. Your customers are more likely to go in and scan over the stuff on sale.
4. Set a Clear Price
Of course, you would want to make money on garage sales. For that, set a fair price. Don’t charge it too high as it’ll turn off your customers. But don’t price it too low, too, as you won’t make a profit out of it. If you don’t know how to set an appropriate value, ask your family or friends or search the internet for references. In addition, it’s best to price items while sorting them out. Put price tags on individual items and ensure that they’re big enough so that it’s easy to see for everyone. This will save you from the trouble of answering plenty of questions about how much it costs. Bonus tips: selling items like DVDs and books by bundle entices customers, and learn how to negotiate when people start haggling.
5. Garage Sale is Best on Weekends
People are normally busy on weekdays, whether from work or school, and they’ll likely prioritize what’s important to them before going to your garage sale. So what days are people mostly free? Weekends! It’s the perfect time to open up shop. However, there are essential points to keep in mind when picking a date and time for your garage sale. One, avoid selling on holidays or during significant events. Two, be on the lookout for the weather forecast on the day of the garage sale. Three, set the date to when people just got their paychecks so they’ll have more money to spend. Lastly, if your neighborhood conducts regular garage sales, it will be great if you can hold it together.
6. Set Up Security
Although unlikely, there’s still a chance that not everyone who goes to your garage sale is there for a good reason. So it’s better to be safe than sorry. Install security systems or ask help from family or trusted friends to ensure that it proceeds and ends smoothly. Also, don’t forget to lock doors and windows because the last thing you want to know after a tiring garage sale is that someone has broken into your house.
Garage sales will take time and effort. But it sure is a wise alternative to get rid of everything you don’t want to bring during your move and earn money simultaneously. Follow these quick and simple tips when you host your garage sale, and you’ll be glad you did. Rest assured, you’ll make a good profit.