How to Have a Successful Yard Sale

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The week before your yard sale, gradually price all of your items. (You may think just having a $1.00 table would be easier, but folks are less apt to buy when items aren’t individually priced.) Keep in mind that this is a yard sale and people are not going to pay more than a few bucks for most items. The cheaper you go, the more you can get rid of.
If you have electrical items, you should have access to an outlet so that they can be tested.
Be careful about selling items that may be of great value, like antiques and collectibles. Take these to a local antique dealer and have them appraised. If they are of value, sell them to the dealer or list them with an online seller to get the most for your item.
Schedule your sale to begin early in the morning. Post more signs and set up your tables. Remember - if you put an ad in the paper, expect early birds - people who are frequent yard sale shoppers hit the sales early looking for the best bargains! You can consider including a phone number but you will most likely get calls from people wanting to know exactly what you are selling. This is a good strategy if you have items you know are in high-demand.

Sale Day

Go to the bank and get $1 and $5 bills and rolls of quarters, nickels, dimes and pennies so that you can make change. Have a calculator on hand.
Lay out your items neatly on tables so that people can see all your offerings. Hang clothing on the racks and place bigger items off to the side so that people can browse.
Place a sign that states that all sales are final. This will save you potential problems later.
Have some plastic bags and/or boxes on hand for people who buy several items.
Keep money in a box and keep your eye on it at all times. Have a friend or family member with you during the sale to watch your items and your cash when you need to take a break.
Be ready early as people are likely to arrive before your posted time. You can deny them access to the sale until the posted time but that is up to you.
Being open to bargain with people is a necessity if you really are dedicated to clearing out your belongings. On the other hand, yard sale regulars tend to offer ridiculously low prices; feel free to decline any offers that are insulting.
Allow customers to look around without feeling pressured or offering too much information about the items you are selling. You should be honest but you don’t need to advertise your opinion of the items you are selling unless you are asked.

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