Garage Sales & Yard Sales (2024)

FAQs

What sells best at yard sales? ›

Like we mentioned, you can try to sell lots of things at a garage sale, but that doesn't mean they'll actually sell. It's important to keep in mind some things are in higher demand than others. Selecting in-demand sale items like books, dishes, and tools helps you have a more successful yard sale.

So, what is the difference between a yard sale and a garage sale? Basically, the only difference between a yard sale and a garage sale is the location. Yard sales typically take place in the front yard of a home or apartment building. Garage sales are held in the homeowner's garage or driveway.

Set Prices in a Simple, Honest Way

Nearly new items can be priced higher, but used or worn items should be priced accordingly. Use round numbers that are easy to add up, like $1, $5, $10. This makes transactions quicker and easier for both you and the buyer. Remember, many garage sale buyers expect to haggle.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings are usually the best time to hold a successful garage sale. Consider scheduling your sale on the first weekend of the month—when people have just gotten paid and haven't spent all their fun money yet.

Place signs at every entrance to your neighborhood, and include arrow signs at every turn. Don't clutter your signs by listing your address and everything you're selling because drivers won't be able to read it. A large, simple "Yard Sale" sign with the date and an arrow pointing the way works best.

White lettering on a red background is a popular choice for yard sale signs, because red creates a sense of urgency, and the two colors contrast well for easy readability.

Another significant downside is that a garage sale is a lot of work. Successful garage sales involve (and require) a lot of preparation like making signs, placing ads, getting permits, pricing items, and getting up before dawn on the day of the sale to set everything up.

Label your items by price

Then, simply mark each item with the appropriate color, make signs with Post-it® Super Sticky Big Notes, and hang them on your tables to tell your customers what the colors mean.

How much cash should you have for a garage sale? ›

You don't need a lot of cash, but you'll need some on hand before you open your sale. I recommend having $20-25 in ones; $15 in fives; $20 in tens. You'll be surprised how your first shopper will give you a $20 bill for a $2 item at the beginning of your sale!

Use a locked cash box or a fanny pack and keep only a very limited amount of money on you at any time. If someone wants to break a large bill, such as $100 for a small item, tell them you will be happy to hold the item if they want to go get change.

Offer Profitable Extras

Whether you make them yourself or pick them up from Costco or Sam's Club, selling snacks and drinks during your garage or yard sale can take your final total over-the-top. It doesn't have to be fancy; cookies, snack bags of chips and bottled water will sell really well.

Aim for at least $20 in ones, $20 in fives, and a roll of quarters. You may also want to have a handful of dimes and nickels on hand for those odd-priced items.