Yard sale...

[Mouse]

So, I'm at my mom's and I'm cleaning through my old junk and I plan on having a yard sale in the next couple weeks to try and make some cash AND get rid of all the shit in her house because she needs it tidied up really bad. I've never had a yard sale before or anything like that and I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for it. How to organize it and set it up and what the best times are to do it, and if I should bother having it a couple days in a row if I want to get as much stuff sold as possible.

Tips? =D

[Andy Velez]

Here are some suggestions, Jaser:

1. Don't bother with price tags or labels. Too much work and doesn't help with selling. Just say prices when people ask you unless it's something like CDs, cassettes, videos, dvds or books, in which case make fixed price for those with a little sign nearby. CDs make 'em $3 each if in good condition. Paperbacks 50 cents. Hardcover $1 unless artbooks in which case ask what you think is appropriate.

2. Have a 5o cent carton that you dump all kinds of stuff you can't think what to do with otherwise.

3. Make sure you have enough cash to make change. Lots of singles and enough for at least a couple of twenties because people always show up with those and want to spend a dollar.

4. Do it on Saturday and Sunday. Say 10 - 4 or 5 on Saturday, 11-3 on Sunday. Sunday will be slower day and sometimes you will suddenly do some business at end of day.

5. Do not put out torn or broken stuff. It just diminishes value of everything else by association.

6. Make up a sign you can photocopy and stick it up at foodstores, malls, bank ATM windows, etc. in your neighborhood. Especially bank ATMs. They will get a lot of notice. Do it night before and early the morning of if you can get help with someone doing some for you.

7. Look around and really think "do we need to keep this" and "when will I ever use this again?" The idea is to get rid of as much as possible.

8. If you can, have a radio or some music maker playing, Works up a nice, friendly buying atmosphere.

Good luck. Get rid of stuff and make money.

Cheers,

[ademas]

I read once that a good rule of thumb is to price clothing (in good condition) at 10% of the original price, and furniture (also in good condition) at 25% of the original price.  It rarely sells for quite that, but it's a good starting point.

Always put jeans out, no matter what condition they're in.  Jeans always sell.

Andy covered the rest.

Good luck!

[Snowangel]

Are you somewhere where the weather is relatively nice?  It is not yard sale weather around here yet.

I came from the central part of the state and they only had yard sales on the weekend.  Where I live now they have them Fridays, plus the weekend.  It all depends on your schedule and how much you have.  Find out if you have to get a permit and if you can hang signs. Post on local bulletins, forums, craiglist, if you have the money put it in your local paper.  If you do post it on the forums make sure you put start and end time, your street address and the dates.  (You would be suprised how many people don't do this)

Try to put the prices on everything if you can and don't make the prices too outrageous.  Get ready to meet some real wierdos and to have some strange conversations.  Kinda makes it more fun Have lots of change and dollar bills on hand. 

Good luck!
Snow

Have signs if you want the people to park in a particular area.  Put the good stuff out front to draw people in.

[Snowangel]

Did you have any luck?

[Mouse]

Still haven't had it. Hopefully next weekend.