The 9 Rules for a Great Garage Sale

I don't often go garage sale-ing, and I don't know why. Maybe I'm lazy. I love treasure hunting and bargain shopping. Maybe is has something to do with safety in numbers, I usually go with my mom. But one day I was just in the mood and had seen tons of signs hanging up everywhere I went. It was a sunny day, I had some cash in my pocket, and so, I gave in. I followed the signs and started in on the hunt. There were many forgettable sales, the kind you pull into and maybe even make the mistake of getting out of your car since you're already parked, but wish two steps out of your car that you hadn't wasted your time at all. But then there was one that, while not yielding any great deals/buys, was so enjoyable that it shined a light on the rules for a great garage sale.

1.Signage, signage, signage!!! This is essential! You MUST have clear, bold, to-the-point signs that tell you what and where it is, and lots of them to point the way. If they can't read your signs or can't find the place, you'll NEVER get any customers. AGAIN, the number one most important element to a great garage sale is SIGNAGE!

 

2.Multiple families = lots of stuff = lots more customers.

 

3. Clever displays. This sale used several clever displays that helped optimize space and showcase the goods. Namely, several long rods hanging inside the garage for clothing, a tall, multi-tier shelf on top of a table in the center, to show off glass wear (the shelf was also for sale), and two cork boards full of jewelry... we'll get to that.. A great sale needs to be full and look good from the street, or people will just do a fly-by, and not stop because it looks like a puny selection.

 

4. Smart sellage; the cork boards and zip-lock bags were a work of genius. Often times I'll see bowls or boxes full of random-looking jewelry, and if you are brave enough to dive in you know what a tangled mess that leads to – also, that method is not very buyer/looker friendly. Putting the jewelry inside clear zipping bags, with the price and any pertinent details written on the bag or a card (like with earrings attached) was attractive and made it super easy to browse their selection.

 

5. Pretty prices; everything was marked with price tags, and because it was a multi-family sale, the tags were color-coded for each seller.

 

6. Clear cashier – they had a patio table with an umbrella (clearly marked “cashier” written in tape) and the sellers had on aprons for making change, so you'd know who was a buyer and who was a seller. I hate chasing down the seller, or asking random strangers “do you work/live here?”

 

7. A free box near the curb. Great to draw in buyers and great for distracting/appeasing kids with something free to take away.

 

8. No crap!! I've been to garage sales in beautiful, upscale neighborhoods that seemed to promise treasures a-plenty, but have been disappointed to find little more than a trash heap. Don't try to sell crap at a garage sale. Don't waste people's time. Take it to the dump.

 

9.  A goodie booth. When you're in full-treasure hunting mode, the last thing you want to do is stop somewhere else and grab a snack. And bargain hunters get grumpy or even mean when they get hungry. That's why it's super nice when cookies, rice-crispy treats and lemonade or coffee are available for sale. Kids usually do the selling, so it's great to support young entrepreneurs while simultaneously keeping the treasure-hunters happy and undeterred.

 

 

So, my favorite finds of the fabulous, five-family garage sale? Three flower vase/votive holder centerpieces, new, in the box, for $5 each, and a stack of small chalk-board signs, perfect for future party food and games. I do love to entertain. :)