How to Have a Great Yard Sale

This a great time of year to clear out closets, cupboards, drawers and attics.  If you have some energy, you can turn all that unwanted stuff into cash by having a yard sale.  I do this almost every summer.  Here are my best tips:

1. Display your items on tables neatly, or on top of tarps with prices visible.  Most folks don't want to root through boxes.  The neater your items are, the more you will sell!

2.  Price everything!  Don't just say "Make an offer."  That intimidates most people.  When people tell me to make an offer I usually respond "I don't want to insult you, so please let me know what price range you are thinking about."  They usually are expecting way more money than I am willing to pay for an item, so I'm glad I asked first!

3.  Don't expect department store prices.  People at yard sales don't care that you spent $120 for that item.  It's a yard sale, not Saks 5th Avenue.  Your spending history is now irrelevant.  People want bargains, and you want to get rid of stuff.  So, make people happy, price things low, and be willing to take lower offers.  I've seen sellers turn away customers with high prices and then donate all their items at the end of the day because no one would buy!  Remember your goal is to unload extra stuff!

4.  Don't hover over customers or try "hard sell" tactics.  Leave people alone to make up their own minds.  If they leave without buying, thank them for stopping buy.  No pressure, just happiness:)

If you want to really clean out and make some extra cash, these tips have worked for me.  Happy Yard Sailing!!