Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
Even though it's getting late in the typical yard sale season, it's not too late to hold a successful sale and get some needed cash for back to school expenses. Plus, while you're cleaning out closets to find items to sell, you'll get a better sense of what your family needs heading into another fall and winter.
Hack yard sale tip (1)
First, and foremost, set reasonable prices.
If you struggle not to set prices based on personal sentimental value, get help from someone who isn't attached like you are. Remember, this is a yard sale – not retail. High prices cause people to glance around and then leave right away.
Hack yard sale tip (2)
Display like items together.
Place all kitchen items on one table, take the time to divide clothing by sizes and gender, put toys in one place. Much of the time, yard sale goers are looking for specific things. Organized tables help shoppers zero in and buy. Cluttered tables only frustrate people.
Hack yard sale tip (3)
Sell anything and everything.
It is amazing what someone else can find useful. Go through every drawer, cupboard, and closet in your entire house. As long as it's in acceptable condition, someone is likely to want it. (It is, however, unsanitary to sell partially used cosmetics, lotions, and the like. Toss those in the trash.)
Hack yard sale tip (4)
Create plenty of table space – but still have tables look full.
Overcrowded tables make it hard to look. The easier it is to see what you have, the more likely people are to find something they want. However, be sure to balance plenty of table space with tables that still look plentiful. Tables with too much excess space can appear picked over and result in shoppers not taking the time to look. So as you sell items, condense your tables and discreetly take extra tables down. Be sure it doesn't appear like you're packing up your sale when you take tables down, however.
Hack yard sale tip (5)
Make looking around your sale comfortable.
Set up a smooth layout, with plenty of space to move around. Here are some suggestions: Avoid playing music that's too loud or potentially offensive; have any smokers take a break away from the sale; keep pets inside or in the backyard; watch the language used and topics of conversations around shoppers, especially children. A comfortable environment means more sales and more money in your pocket.
Hack yard sale tip (6)
Have fun and be friendly.
Shoppers will feel more comfortable if you maintain a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Smile, say hello and thank people for stopping by. And, possibly most importantly, don't become so engrossed or hold such a private conversation that people feel uncomfortable.
Hack yard sale tip (7)
Avoid stooping and digging through piles by getting things up off the ground.
Stooping and digging through boxes or piles on tarps makes shopping difficult and takes too long, so many people avoid looking. When items are easy to see and comfortable to look over, people will shop more – and ultimately buy more. Not only is it easier to sell things this way, by not having items on the ground, your items will appear cleaner.
Hack yard sale tip (8)
Save yourself a lot of time by not writing a price on every item.
Instead, use colored stickers or colored masking tape to represent specific prices, such as all blue for 25 cents, all yellow for $1. Create signs and hang them around the sale so shoppers know the prices.
Hack yard sale tip (9)
Employ the old trick of unit pricing.
To increase the sales of small items, use the old trick of unit pricing, such as 5 small juice glasses for $1.50, or pick any 3 toys from this box for 25 cents.
Hack yard sale tip (10)
Offer little extras.
Yard sale shoppers are always thinking of the next sale. But if you offer things such as coffee, bottled water, even hot dogs, they are more likely to linger. Don't try to make big bucks on these things. Have low prices. The idea is to keep people browsing your sale and not rushing away. (A side note: Be sure to follow any local health department ordinances when offering food.)
Hack yard sale tip (11)
Go BOGO or 50% off.
On your last day, around 11:00 a.m., change up your pricing structure. Starting a Buy 1, Get 1 Free offer will move more items; 50% off will cause people to look harder for a good bargain. Either style means more money and less leftovers.
Hack yard sale tip (12)
Be willing to negotiate.
Everyone loves a great deal, so be willing to be the deal-giver. Coming down on your price can mean the difference between keeping your items or having the cash.
