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5 Helpful Tips to a Successful Yard Sale

          In most parts of the US, yard sale season will soon be coming to a close. However, for those of you currently hoping to have a yard sale before the season ends, this blog post may just be what you need to make this final yard sale really count. As an experienced yard sale shopper & host, I have gained the knowledge of things one should do or shouldn’t do, in order to have a successful yard sale. I don’t know about you, but as a yard sale shopper it is extremely irritating to be looking for signs while driving and have to worry about signs that are too small, pointing in the wrong direction, not written clearly, or overcrowded with information. So, I have come up with five helpful tips to help those planning to have a yard sale make sure it is a successful experience.

    1)  Ensure you have sell-able merchandise. True, one person’s junk is another person’s treasure, but if it is broken, beaten, ripped, stained or something that realistically will not be sold it is just a waste of your time and energy, as well as everyone else’s. Instead, consider donating it! 

     2) Set reasonable prices. Even if items have a designer label, but are not in great-excellent condition, you cannot expect people to pay the cost of an item that is sold as such elsewhere. It’s okay to do research on your merchandise and set prices accordingly, but just because your item is listed for a particular price on Ebay, does not mean that it actually sells for that price. Let’s face it, people who go to yard sales are looking for a deal, and while I wouldn’t want anyone to get the shorter end of the stick by selling an item for an unreasonable amount, if you want the item sold or are in need of some quick cash, consider negotiating on the price. Otherwise, consider listing it on places like Craigslist. Always ask yourself the following questions: “How much would I be willing to pay for that item?”, “What are my goals for this yard sale (to make money or get rid of stuff?”, and “Is it worth bringing it back in if it doesn’t sell for my desired price?” 

     3) Have a positive attitude and be polite. The old saying is true; you will get further with honey then you will vinegar. I’m not suggesting that you give into unreasonable yard sale customers who are arrogant or rude as they try to get something for nothing, but try to stay positive, polite, yet firm in what you want to do. This is after all your yard sale, your items. However, try again to remember that people have taken the time out of their day to come visit your yard sale. Always say “thank you for coming”, even when people do not buy anything from you. You never know whose day you will bless by this simplest act of kindness. 

     4) Yard Sale Signs. This is a big one. As an avid yard sale shopper, I like to be able to actually find your yard sale. This is not always easy. Do not clutter up your yard sale sign with unnecessary things, such as what items you have, an address, etc. Instead, a simple large sign, written clearly and in bold letters that can be read easily at a distance saying “Huge Yard Sale” with an arrow going in the correct direction will work well. If you want people to show up for your yard sale they have to be able to find it! Drivers do not usually have a lot of time to read a sign, so make it as concise and to the point as possible. Lastly, do everyone a favor and take down your signs afterwards. No one likes driving out of their way for a yard sale that took place weeks prior.


     5) Donate items you do not want to bring back inside your home to charities or donation centers. What touches your heart most? Victims of domestic violence, homeless people, military families, etc.? You would be surprised what donation and charities will happily take your yard sale leftovers and give them to a worthy cause (also tax deductible). For special items you really don’t want to give away, consider listing them for sale on sites such as Ebay or Craigslist. 

         I hope this blog post has been helpful to those of you desiring to end the yard sale season successfully. Feel free to add your yard sale suggestions in the comments below. All pictures and ideas are obtained from myself unless otherwise noted and cited.

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