Wednesday, May 1, 2013

{how to host a Yard Sale}


This ain't no drive by...
It's yard sale season.
Please have a good one.


Earlier this morning I did a TV segment for Fox 29 Philadelphia. I shared lot's of tips and tricks that you might not have thought of for hosting your own yard sale.

click below to watch the Fox segment


Can I share some tips with you so you can have a knock down drag out, best yard sale ever?
Number 1. Please make a sign. And put the DATE that your having the yard sale on it.
Don't just say "today". How do I know when you made the sign?
And throw me a bone and put an arrow on it, along with your address. in LARGE. BOLD. PRINT.

Advertise. You don't have to break the bank to do this. Post it on Facebook, twitter, Craiglist.
Add your Sale to GarageSaleTracker.com Add photos of the items you'll be selling.
If no one knows about it no one will come.
2. Group like things together. A collection of things is a lot better than all your crap thrown in a pile.
'Cause you know what it will look like? Crap.
Stage it baby.


3. Price your items. Nothing worse that feeling like the homeowner is feelin' you out to see how much you'll pay for an item.
If you have a ton of small items, throw them in a bin and mark the bin "each item $2."


4. Be organized and clever. Untangle your jewelry and hang it on something. A vintage sprinkler, a paper towel holder...


5. Use an apron to carry your money. Nothing worse that leave the cash box sitting alone.


6. If you're selling clothes, quilts, linens, etc... hang them up so people can see what they're purchasing.
You can also sell clothing with a by-the-bag price. Like fill a bag for $5.



7. Stage things like you would in your own home.


8. Make mystery goodie bags (mostly with kids knick knack toys in them). I guarantee every kid that stops at your yard sale will be mesmerized and purchase at least one bag.



You can have your kids make these (as you can see i did by the "Grad" bag. ehh, she's only 7.



9. Give people ideas of what they can do with your crap.




Tear images out of magazines and put them on display to give your customers inspiration.






10. Create a packing station. Set up a separate table with bags, newspapers, and boxes. Let your customers wrap and pack their items.

11. Set up a lemonade stand for your kids. It will keep them busy and they will be thrilled with whatever pennies they make that day.

12. Have a power strip handy so customers can test electronics.

13. Place some of your best items by the street. People will see what great items you have and pull over to park. You get less drive-bys that way.

14. Except offers. The best thing about yard sales is somebody else is cleaning out your garage for you, and giving you money!. So, be happy things are walking away and be flexible with your price.

15. Post a "curb alert"  on craiglist when the sale is over. A curb alert is a listing to notify people that you have stuff out on the curb for free. They are welcome to drive by and pick up your yard sale leftovers  It's a win-win situation.

Feel free to let me know if you're having a yard sale in the Philly suburbs. I'm happy to post it on my facebook page for you. Heck, I might even come and buy all your crap.

Do you love my "Flea Market Style"? You can purchase many of my items here - 
 Serendipity Shops of Doylestown.   It's in the heart of Doylestown, PA with tons of vendors and great shopping. So stop by and pick up your own Painted Home item for your house!.

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