Jonah JacobsA garage sale is a great way to kill two birds with one stone, as you can clear out clutter and make some quick cash.
Give People Time to Plan for Your Sale
Can you attract yard sale customers at the last minute if they pass by your sign or house? Sure, but you can get even more customers by posting an ad, either online or in the paper, ahead of time.
If your sale is happening on the weekend, post your ad on the Monday or Tuesday before. People who see the ad can include your garage sale in their plans. If you post the ad the day before, people might have plans already, which will keep them from coming.
To increase your exposure, post your ad more than once. Do it on the Monday before, then again on the day before as a reminder.
Gather Some Freebies
You can give people an incentive to stop by and have a look around by offering a freebie. Pick out some of the lowest-value items you have, such as small trinkets or toys, and put them in a giveaway box. Since people love free stuff, they’ll stop in for the freebie and then look at what else you have.
Do Your Research
Prepping ahead of time can help you get top dollar for your items. First, think of any items you have that have an interesting history. Perhaps they are linked to someone famous or have been passed down through your family. Whatever the angle, be sure to include it on a note next to the item so your visitors have a background on what they may buy. In doing so, you will add to the item’s value and make it a more attractive purchase.
Beyond interesting histories, also research the retail prices of your more expensive items, such as designer clothes or electronics. Post the retail prices next to the sale prices to show visitors how much of a deal they’re getting. By seeing the contrast in prices, you can generate a fear of missing out, which should lead to a sale.
Use Plenty of Red
Red balloons. Red signs. Red tablecloths. Why red? Because studies show it makes people stop, just like a Stop sign.
Some say simply using red at your yard sale can help you sell items for 10 percent more. Not only does the color attract outsiders, but it also generates a higher-end feeling that allows you to charge more.
Pick Your Keywords Properly
Whether it’s in an online ad or a sign in your yard, picking the right keywords can make a massive difference in your garage sale’s success.
If you have many expensive items for sale, say that you’re holding a “moving” or “estate” sale. Similarly, brand-name clothes and electronics give you the right to say you’re selling “designer” or “luxury” items.
Do you have a ton of old movies, books, and records for sale? List them as “rare collectibles.” And if you have some things that have wear and tear, you can hide that by saying they’re “antique” or “vintage.”
