I love yard sales. I grew up treasure hunting through people’s garages, back yards, and barns, and I’ve met some of the most interesting people during my forays. It’s fun to hear stories, share gardening tips and peek at others’ landscaping, and cart people’s junk home to give it new life. I’d much rather attend sales, but the time has come for me to thin some collections, so I’m planning my own sale this summer. My friends have been quick to offer advice on avoiding yard sale “faux pas”:
· Presentation, presentation, presentation. Don’t just heap items on tables or the ground. Group like items together, vary presentation heights, and make sure items are clean. Hang clothing and linens, or fold them neatly on tables. A closet rod, broomstick, or shower curtain rod between two ladders works great for this. Place fragile items up high so little hands can’t reach them, and always be honest if a piece is broken or cracked. If you stage items to show potential and style, customers will linger and purchase more.
· Clearly price items, so customers don’t have to ask. If you don’t want to price everything, fill containers with items that are the same price, or use colored stickers that correspond to a prominently placed key that lists prices for each color. If you have big ticket items worth lots of money, consider consignment or advertising instead. People are looking for bargains.
· If you have items that you don’t intend to sell, remove them, cover them with sheets, or put NFS (Not for sale) tags on them. Inevitably people will want those items too.
· Make signs big and bold. Drivers can’t read tiny writing on boxes near the ground. Don’t put or leave signs out unless you are open for business, and make sure you post signs legally. Advertise in newspapers and on social networking sites to get the word out.
· Open early to allow the crowd going to work a chance to stop.
· Recruit a friend or two to work with you, and keep your change on you—an apron with big pockets works well. Make sure you stock enough cash to get you through the day.
· Place your best pieces prominently out front to lure drive-by customers in, and have lots of items to choose from. It’s frustrating to see “Huge Sale” on signs that lead to only one or two tables. Consider teaming up with neighbors, friends, or family for more variety and items. The bigger the sale, the more people will come.
· Have plenty of packaging available: boxes, bags, newspaper for wrapping, and twine or tape are all essential.
· Consider donating leftover pieces in good condition to a local charity. There are several local businesses that would benefit from your generosity, and the tax write-off will benefit you in turn.
With a little planning, I hope to turn my clutter into cash, and you can too. And here’s the best part—now we’ll have room for new treasures that are out there waiting! (Just don’t tell my husband. He thinks we’re downsizing!)
