You haven’t parked a car in your garage in years. Maybe you’re moving and need everything to fit in that truck. Or it could be you need to drum up some extra cash for a special purchase.
From an income perspective, yard sales are a great way to earn quick money. To a newbie, a yard sale may be a daunting task. It doesn’t have to be, though — just follow these simple strategies on how to run a successful yard sale:
1. Declutter and organize
In order to conduct a yard sale, you need items to sell. Decluttering your home can be a liberating experience.
Once you’ve decided what you’re going to part with, organize your items into logical groupings. Keep kitchenware with kitchenware, electronics with electronics, etc. For clothing, either hang your items on a rack or have a large table for display.
2. Set dates and times, then advertise
Be sure to make signs and posters — or advertise on social media (only on safe, trustworthy platforms) — detailing where and when your yard sale will be taking place.
Some experts suggest scheduling your yard sale for the first weekend of the month. People get paid at the end or beginning of the month and may have more cash to spend.
3. Set pricing and have proper change
As a yard sale host, you must make sure you have a clear idea of final pricing and your stance on bargaining. A good rule is that a yard sale item should be priced at 10 percent of its original value.
4. Have help and make deals
First, it’s more fun with family and friends helping. From a business standpoint, it’s efficient. You can get more accomplished if someone is keeping things organized while another person is handling the purchasing, etc.
Also, consider enticing special offers: A buy-one-get-one-free table, a 2 for $1 bin, etc. Your customers enjoy deals and will be more apt to hand over money.
5. Form a plan B for items that don’t sell
An hour before closing, consider marking everything half off. Or if profit isn’t your priority, you could donate any extra items.
Otherwise, there are plenty of sites online — including Craigslist, Facebook, and OfferUp — where you can upload your items and sell them.
The bottom line
Yard sales are a great way to earn money while decluttering your home. Be creative and smart about it. Have music playing as people browse your items. Strike up a conversation. Who knows? You may earn a buck and a friend in the process.
