How to ensure you make money at your next garage sale
If you are hosting a garage sale, follow our tips below for some stand-out items that are sure to draw a crowd.
Nicely displayed accessories
Punters love to grab a vintage looking handbags or necklaces – but they are more likely to notice it if it is well laid out. Rather than a tubful of your pre-loved jewels, take the time to set them out (a tray of white rice works well as a backdrop). Hang handbags on a hat rack rather than piling them up.
Bags of clothes
Rather than haggling over one item of clothing, try offering them the chance to fill a bag for $5. The buyer will feel as though they are getting a bargain, and you won’t be left with a load of clothes to sell online. Later in the day you could reduce the price and also use it for items like CDs.
Records
Why not just offer everything at the one price so that the buyer feels as though they’re getting a good deal. Of course you could also do a bit of research online to see if you have anything worth selling for more.
Tools
If they’re in good condition you can generally get rid of tools at your garage sale quite easily. Toolboxes are also quite popular, as is gardening equipment or seedlings.
Books
Similar to the bags of clothes idea, try to stack similar books together and sell for one low price. This is a great idea for kids’ books, as they tend to be less fussy about specific authors.
Cold drinks
Even if the casual browser doesn’t end up buying anything, tempt them to stops with big bucket full of chilled water and soft drinks. Price them for a gold coin and you should have no trouble getting through the lot if you get a nice sunny day.
Old wooden furniture
You might have been about to throw it out, but your rickety old chair could be someone’s weekend DIY project. Shoppers often want to haggle, as they will be doing the majority of the work, so you could even price these items a bit higher than what you expect to end up getting for them.
Retro toys
If you’ve got some classic dolls, figures or movie memorabilia stashed away you might find that the garage sale isn’t your best option. If you think it’s worth something, selling them online through auction sites such as eBay would prove more lucrative.
Baby items
Parents are often on the hunt for decent quality second hand clothes, cots, bouncers and other baby paraphernalia. It’s a good chance for you to clear it out too, so price things reasonably and you should have no trouble selling it all. Anything stained or smelly – ditch it.
Antiques
If you can put “antiques” on your signage you will most likely draw a crowd. Even if it’s just one or two key pieces, that will help.
Seasonal goods
Keep your seasons in mind and pop the garden furniture and fans out the front in summer, and heaters and blankets out if it’s cool.
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