Garage sales can be an effective way to get rid of clutter and make a little extra money at the same time. However, it is critical that you think about the logistics of such an event before you tell people about it. This will help you run an event that is safe for your family and your shoppers.
Tell People About It
There are multiple ways to get word out about your garage sale. For example, you could post a link to your social media page or to local community pages. Other marketing efforts could include posting flyers on telephone poles or taking out an ad in your local newspaper or classifieds. You can also enlist your friends and family to get the word out by telling their friends, colleagues, and social media contacts.
Make Sure Everything is Clearly Labeled
If you want something to sell, it needs a price tag. Those who go to garage sales are usually looking for a deal, and they may try to take advantage of any loophole that they can find. When items are clearly marked, it makes it less likely that a conflict will arise. However, it is worth noting that you shouldn't hesitate to negotiate with your guests if you think that it will lead to a sale at a fair price. After all, you’re probably holding the sale to help declutter your home, so getting it off your hands at any price is still a success.
Prevent Theft
To prevent more valuable items from being stolen, it may be a good idea to keep them behind glass or at least within clear view at all times. Alternatively, you could take pictures of your more expensive items to let customers see what they look like. If a customer is interested in buying it, you can bring it out from inside your house.
Another option may be to display those valuables online and let customers bid on them prior to the sale beginning. It is also a good idea to create an inventory of items before the event begins. As items are sold, you can mark them as such or remove them from the list. When the sale is over, you can compare what was sold to what you have left on hand to determine if anything is missing.
When properly organized, a garage sale can help you raise a nice bit of extra cash to go toward your family vacation, savings, moving, or other goals. If you need help with planning or marketing the event, others in the community may be willing to pitch in. If you’re really invested, you can even talk to professional event planners or marketing experts for a flat fee or a percentage of sales generated.
Eileen O'Shanassy is a freelance writer and blogger based out of Flagstaff, AZ. She writes on a variety of topics and loves to research and write. She enjoys baking, biking, and kayaking. Check out her Twitter @eileenoshanassy.
