Tips For a Successful Yard Sale

Yard sales are a great way to convert items that you hardly ever use into cash that can be saved, donated, or put towards a large purchase. However, a successful yard sale takes a considerable amount of preparation and planning. Here are some tips on how to hold a great yard sale. 

Set a Goal
First, it's a good idea to think about why you want to hold a yard sale. Are you hoping to generate income or use the sale to get rid of items you're no longer using? Having a goal in mind can help you decide what to sell, how to price your items, and how flexible you want to be with hagglers.

Choose the Right Date
The best days to host a yard sale are usually Friday and Saturday. Consider the first Friday or Saturday of the month, after most people receive their paychecks and have more money to spend. Try to pick a date and time when you expect the weather to be mild and dry. You can’t predict or control the weather, but you can do a little internet research to see which weekends have had the best weather historically. 

Price Out Items as You Gather Them
To avoid rushing, don't price everything on the day before the sale. As you are collecting items to sell, you can create a comprehensive price list or go ahead and label each item with a price sticker. When pricing each item, think like your customers. They want every item to be at a steep discount. 

Properly Advertise Your Yard Sale
Hang flyers and post online ads about the sale a couple weeks before it begins. You should also inform the people you know on social media a few days before the sale. Highlight any sought-after items that will be available in your sale, which can include furniture, specialty tools, collectibles, and toys. Make sure that you include the date and time of the sale as well as your full address.

Complete Preparations Early
In the week preceding the sale, gather as many tables as possible. If your friends or family can lend you a table, call them to ask well ahead of time. You should also have a cash box on hand with a wide variety of bills. Some additional items you may need include:

• Batteries

• Extension cords

• Light bulbs

• Calculator

• Chairs

• Cooler with drinks

• Hand sanitizer

• Pens

• Receipt book

• Sold tags

• Paper or plastic bags

Make Sure All Items are in Good Condition
Every item you're selling should be in good, usable condition. Make sure that you include working batteries in electronic devices and pump air into any basketballs or soccer balls. Have someone on hand during the day to rearrange items and fold clothing so everything looks tidy and well cared for. 

As long as you choose the right date, properly advertise the sale, and prepare for the event, you should avoid most of the problems that can occur when hosting a yard sale.