BEGIN BY PREPARING YOUR SALE ITEMS
- sort items into categories (kitchen, books, kids, clothes)
- clean and repair items as you go
- price items and label with a description when applicable
CLARIFY YARD SALE REGULATIONS
- call city or county government for local yard sale regulations
- find out about "signage" rules (size, shape, placement)
- find out if you need a permit to hold a yard sale in your area
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DECIDE ON NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING |
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- call for prices and deadlines (don't forget "free" and local papers)
- include date, time, address, directions, and items of interest
- run your ad at least 1 day before and day of your sale
DETERMINE YOUR YARD SALE POLICIES
- determine the length of your sale (number of days and hours)
- decide if you will accept checks or hold items for people
- decide if you will allow early birds or let people in your home
GATHERING YOUR SUPPLIES
- decide if you will allow early birds or let people in your home
- "checkout" items (cash box, extra bags, tissue / newspaper)
- "try-before-you-buy" items (extension cords, batteries, bulbs)
MULTI-FAMILY SALES
- ask friends, neighbors, and family to join in
- have each participant mark his / her items differently
- keep track of each person's sales in a notebook
PUTTING UP SIGNS
- put posters at major intersections and along your road
- put up fliers in local stores, laundromats, and churches
- include address, hours, arrows, and major items of interest
SETTING UP YOUR CASH BOX
- get change ($20 in coins, $50 in ones, $40 in fives)
- create a list of "minimum prices" you will accept for each item
- make arrangements for a charity to pick up your leftovers
SETTING UP YOUR SALE AREA
- make sure nothing is blocking traffic flow
- display like items / complementary items together
- make sure everything is clearly visible
TIME TO ASK FOR HELP
- make arrangements for a charity to pick up your leftovers
- recruit helpers (at least 2 people to stay the length of the sale)
- educate helpers about your pricing / negotiating
WEEK BEFORE THE SALE
- put up fliers in public areas around town
- place your newspaper ad
- gather supplies, get change, and confirm "helpers"
WEEK OF THE SALE
- put up directional signs around your neighborhood
- block off any areas you don't want shoppers to enter
- get a good night's sleep
WHAT TO DO DAY OF THE SALE
- start setting up 1-2 hours before sale scheduled to start
- put one person in charge of cash box -- never leave unguarded
- have fun -- let your kids sell snacks and play some peppy music!
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