15 Tips for Hosting a Yard Sale

After being up for a few hours already...

Last year we hosted our first yard sale!  I love yard sales and they are one of the few things in this world that will get me out of bed early on a Saturday (that and a big breakfast made by husband, of course).

It was actually super successful and I completely forgot to post about it last year so I thought I'd share some things I learned now that the season is upon us (thank you, 80* weather this weekend).

1. Don't spend too much time organizing before the day of the event.  Yes, definitely organize somewhat so it's not chaotic the morning of, but don't spend too much effort since you'll do most of your organizing as you lay things out that morning.  Give yourself at least an hour before you "open" to get things laid out.
2. Have a general idea of what things cost.  Think about how much you want to sell things for including big and small items.  Don't go into this having no idea because most people's first question is "How much for this?"
3. Price out the minimum you will take for your big ticket items.  If you are selling big things like furniture, instruments or equipment, etc.  Make sure you know how low you are willing to go before you say no.  
4. Decide before whether you are willing to take the time to sell things on craigslist if they don't sell for your asking price.  Furniture definitely can sell for a higher price on craigslist, but not everyone wants to take the time to actually post it and it ends up sitting in their garage for another year.  
5. Communicate pricing with whoever is helping.  Make sure whoever is running the yard sale with you knows what your big ticket items should go for.  For the little things, be flexible and open to what people can sell it for.
6. Make sure you have enough change.  Grab lots of 1s, 5s, and 20s (if you're selling big items) as well as coins.  You don't want people to not buy something simply because they only have large bills.  Also, keep it handy.  I used a fanny pack (which was super convenient and also super awesome).  
7. Have bags/boxes to offer people while shopping.  Some people will walk around and pick up little things here and there.  Having boxes and bags available for them to carry their things is a really nice gesture.
8. Start early.  Don't start setting up at the time you said the yard sale would open.  Some people like to get there right at opening time and it's really frustrating to arrive and they are just now pulling things out.  Get started at least an hour before you said you would open.
9. Remember, your stuff is used.  Also remind yourself that people aren't buying memories.  Sometimes we tend to think our junk is worth more because it is sentimental to us.  Remember that the consumer does not have any memories or sentimental feelings attached to your stuff, so it's not going to sell for as much as you think it's worth.  Also, it's used.  It's not brand new, so it doesn't really matter how much you paid for it originally.
10. Let people bargain.  If you have firm prices and don't let people haggle, they will think you are trying to rip them off.  If you really want to sell it for a certain price, start the offer higher.  
11. Craigslist and good signage. A craigslist ad every day leading up to the sale (starting a few days before) as well as some really bright and bold signs near our street were both plenty of advertisement to keep people coming all day long.  Make sure your signs are readable and make sure your craigslist ad states a few fun items you are selling.
12. Wear sunscreen.  Seriously, you won't even think you need it until it's too late.
13. Move your cars.  Leave the street spots in front of your house open.  Move your car down the street.  Some people will simply keep driving because they couldn't find a convenient place to park.  
14. Display items rather than shove in boxes.  Don't make people dig through to find things.  Lay them on tarps, tables, the grass, or hang them if you can.  You will sell much more this way.  It's also a really good idea to continually re-organize throughout the day so that you are always maximizing what is displayed.  Make it as easy as possible for people to see what you have to offer.
15. It's ok to give people a good deal.  Remember that if you were in their shoes, you would want the best deal possible, and sometimes a steal!  Don't feel like you need to nickel and dime every purchase.  Throw in free things every once in a while.  Remember, if it doesn't sell, it's probably going to be donated anyway, so the less you have to take over there, the better!

So get up early, eat some cereal and get rid of all that junk you haven't used in years!  It feels so good.