It's garage sale season and signs can be spotted in almost every neighborhood. Although it's a great way to get rid of excess clutter, is it the right move for your family?
Some neighborhoods and even cities do not allow them. Do your research.If you get the legal green light, here are some other things to consider.
The upside of garage sales
The obvious advantage of a garage sale is that you can make some quick cash, and you don’t have to worry about shipping anything.
Knowing you are having the sale might inspire you to declutter and get rid of items that are no longer necessary in your life.
You can inspire your children to get involved by allowing them to keep the profits from the sale of their old toys or donate it to a cause that is meaningful to them.
Garage sales also have a distinct social aspect. They can be a fun way to get to know your neighbors or meet interesting people.
The downside of garage sales
One of the largest downsides is that people set aside things for a garage sale and then never have one. The unwanted items continue to take up space in their homes and create a mountain of clutter that can often become a fire hazard.
Another significant downside is that a garage sale is a lot of work. Successful garage sales involve (and require) a lot of preparation like making signs, placing ads, getting permits, pricing items, and getting up before dawn on the day of the sale to set everything up. Don’t forget the post-sale work, too—taking down those signs and disposing of anything that didn’t sell.
While you can certainly make money through a garage sale, it may be less than you expect. Garage sale shoppers are looking for bargains and will haggle over your prices, even if they were very low already.
And if you have bad weather, you might get fewer shoppers and make much less money than expected.
To avoid garage sale regrets, you might want to estimate your probable profits, using realistic estimates on what is likely to sell and at what prices. (Visiting other garage sales in your area could help with this.) Then you can decide if you feel that amount of money is worth the time and effort the sale will require.
FAQs
Another significant downside is that a garage sale is a lot of work. Successful garage sales involve (and require) a lot of preparation like making signs, placing ads, getting permits, pricing items, and getting up before dawn on the day of the sale to set everything up.
What are the disadvantages of a garage sale? ›
Another significant downside is that a garage sale is a lot of work. Successful garage sales involve (and require) a lot of preparation like making signs, placing ads, getting permits, pricing items, and getting up before dawn on the day of the sale to set everything up.
What is the average profit from a garage sale? ›
With proper planning and garage sale pricing, though, you can potentially earn between $500 and $1,000, depending on how much you have to sell.
What not to sell at garage sale near me? ›
If you're asking what you shouldn't sell at garage sales I'd suggest avoiding these categories:
- Anything illegal or requiring a special license or permit to sell.
- Pets or animals.
- Anything you prefer to keep.
- Anything you're serious about getting real money for.
“Tools almost always do well at garage sales,” said Bakke. “And really tools of any kind — power tools, yard tools, you name it. Just make sure you have an outlet available for testing, and if selling cordless tools, make sure the batteries are charged.”
Is it better to price items at a garage sale? ›
Although not everyone puts price tags on their garage sale merchandise, pricing your merchandise in advance will make the day of the sale less hectic for you. Additionally, it may make customers more likely to buy.
How do I make a successful garage sale? ›
How to Hold a Successful Garage Sale
- Don't wait until the last minute. ...
- Contact your local government. ...
- See if neighbors want to join in. ...
- Schedule the sale. ...
- Advertise. ...
- Price your goods. ...
- If it's junk, recycle or donate it. ...
- Display items nicely.
Conventional advice is to have at least $100 cash available to make change. Here's a common breakdown: (20) $1 bills = $20. (5) $5 bills = $25.
What is the best month to have a garage sale? ›
Early spring (around late March, April, and May) is the most popular time for a garage sale. It's just after winter, when people are eager to head outdoors, and will give you time for some spring cleaning, so you'll know what items you want to sell.
What is the best payment method for a garage sale? ›
Although cash has long been the currency of garage sales, in this day and age, you'll likely get more bang for your buck if you also accept digital payments. Open up Venmo and/or PayPal accounts, and consider using payment services like Square or Stax.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings are usually the best time to hold a successful garage sale. Consider scheduling your sale on the first weekend of the month—when people have just gotten paid and haven't spent all their fun money yet.
What change should I have for a garage sale? ›
Get two rolls of quarters, a stack of 50 $1 bills, 10 $5 bills, and 5 $10 bills. Do it two days before the sale so that, if you forget, you can still get the change on the day before.
How do I attract people to my yard sale? ›
Post your garage sale flyers around the neighborhood a few days before the yard sale. Make sure to place them in high-traffic areas like marts, parks, office elevators, and churches so people will see them. You can also ask your friends and family to help out.
How to make a lot of money at a garage sale? ›
7 Tips for a Profitable Garage Sale
- Offer Plenty to Sell. A sparse garage sale doesn't have much curb appeal. ...
- Spruce Things Up. ...
- Make it Easy to Shop. ...
- Don't Price Too High … or Too Low. ...
- Remember that Time is Money. ...
- Draw Customers with Freebies. ...
- Offer Profitable Extras.
How to Organize a Garage Sale
- Get Rid of Everything You Don't Need.
- Organize Your Items.
- Reorganize Your Garage.
- Create Lots of Signage.
- Online Advertising is Key.
- Create a Fun and Welcoming Atmosphere.
- Display Your Best Items.
- Place Price Tags on Your Items.
Homes with garages often have a higher resale value. Buyers typically prefer and are willing to pay more for a home with a garage, viewing it as a significant amenity. Garages have evolved from mere parking spaces to versatile areas.
Can you bargain in garage sale? ›
Sellers are ready to part with their things, so it's perfectly acceptable to haggle on pricing, especially if you are interested in a high-dollar item or have a grouping of things. Either ask the seller if they can lower the price or feel free to make an offer. However, don't suggest too low a price.
What are the disadvantages of a garage? ›
Disadvantages of a garage:
- A lot of space and money needed: The crucial requirement is that you have the necessary space on your property – especially if you are thinking of building a double garage. ...
- Consent required: All garages require planning consent. ...
- Risk of damp: Many garages have no heating and poor ventilation.
It's garage sale season and signs can be spotted in almost every neighborhood. Although it's a great way to get rid of excess clutter, is it the right move for your family?