How to Hold a Successful Yard Sale

Finally, make sure price tags don’t damage the item. “If you put a price tag that is going to pull off the cardboard of an old board game and ruin the aesthetic, people may not want it,” says Littlefield. Timing The most popular start time is 8 a.m. Saturday. But there are regional differences. Yard sales begin later in upstate New York and earlier in the South. Check ads in your local paper to determine local custom. If you have lots of stuff, host a two-day sale for Friday-Saturday, Saturday-Sunday or two Saturdays. “If something doesn’t sell the first day, drastically reduce it the next day,” Heiska says. Caging Early Birds If you don’t want people at your home the day before, don’t advertise in the paper and don’t add arrows to your signs until sale day. “The moment you put your signs out, your yard is fair game,” Littlefield says. The night before, block your driveway so the doorbell doesn’t wake you. But be realistic: Mentally subtract at least 30 minutes from your advertised start time so you’re ready for early birds. “If they show up while I’m setting up, I’m happy,” Heiska says. “My goal is to sell the stuff. I don’t want to risk them not coming back just because they’re here before my official start time.” But don’t dicker with early birds. Stick to your prices. “If they discover this great pitcher that’s highly valued and collectible and you want $20, don’t let an early bird walk away with it for $10,” Littlefield says. Put the big stuff in easy view. Items such as this wheelbarrow full of old toys should be placed behind "the good stuff." Lure Them In Put the good stuff, the big stuff and the manly stuff in easy view. “If a man is driving and he happens to see a lawn mower, a fertilizer spreader, a circular saw or a weight bench, he’s more likely to stop,” says Heiska. Don’t Sell It If It Isn’t Yours Don’t sell your toddler’s toys, your husband’s baseball card collection or Grandma’s heirloom dishes if the owner isn’t ready to let the items go. “I remember buying some toys for my son and the little kid [who lived there] still wanted them,” Heiska says. “It was heartbreaking for me.” That makes other prospective buyers uncomfortable, too. If an item is not for sale, cover it up and/or add a sign that says ‘Not for Sale.’ Mind Your Money A forgotten cash box is an easy target for thieves. Use a fanny pack, apron or pocket to keep money with you at all times. If you’re worried about counterfeit bills, buy a special counterfeit detector pen at an office supply store. Make a mark on the bill and it turns a different color if it’s counterfeit. Don’t take checks or large bills. Space Is Important Give people room to browse. If they feel pressured or watched, they’ll leave. “Every time they put an item back, they’re almost rejecting you and it’s embarrassing to them,” Lundgren says. “You have to back off and let people look at your items. Say ‘good morning,’ then have a cup of coffee or chat with a friend.” When your yard sale is over, store leftover items in your bins for the next yard sale or donate them to charity and deposit your earnings in the bank. Your home will be less cluttered and, in a week or two, you might just be ready to go yard-saling for your own new treasures.

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