Bargain Babe: Get the Most From Your Garage Sale

If you live in a neighborhood, you know it's true: summer is yard sale season, and now that it's getting hotter, undoubtedly you've seen home-made signs for sales cropping up on telephone poles all over.

Garage sales can be great places to find cheap and unique items, and if you plan on using the clear skies of summer as the backdrop for your own sale, you'll want to draw in as many bargain-hungry shoppers as possible. Money-saving expert Julia Scott of BargainBabe.com shares with us her tips about how ensure you get the most from your own garage sale. Read on for her expert advice!

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Those close to me know this already: I love garage sale season. There's something special about glimpsing into people's lives through the things they drag to the curb, and the idea that I can find something amazing for almost nothing is my motivation for waking up early on yard sale mornings. Bargain hunting at sidewalk sales is surprisingly fruitful, and hosting a one is just as fun! If you prepare correctly, it's a simple way to make a few hundred bucks. New to the scene? If you're planning on holding a garage sale, ask yourself the following questions.

Does it look pretty?
Maybe it's obvious, but cleanliness really drives sales. Presentation is super important, too: put everything neatly on tables and benches and hang pieces of clothing so shoppers don't have to sweat to inspect your wares. Lots of people who go to yard sales don't know what they're looking for, and if everything is cluttered, they won't stick around to find out.

Would I buy this?
Sale seekers driving by will be turned off if they see dirty, broken, or extremely low-quality items. Also, it's been my experience that the majority of clothes don't sell, so keep your expectations in check.

Is the price right?
Clean, well-kept, and large items can go for as much as 50% of what you originally paid for them. But, if the object is worn or damaged, reduce the price even more. Remember: you're not trying to even out your original expenses.

Can I see the stickers?
People may be too shy to ask how much something is on sale for if you're not up front about your prices. Put price stickers on each item. In the past, I've recommended pricing by category (i.e. the $1 pile, the $2 pile), but with this system you have to remember which category each item was originally in, rely on the honesty of the buyer to tell you, or keep a master list of everything. Ensuring each item is priced with a sticker avoids these and other haggling headaches.

Am I approachable?
I like to greet each person as they show up; just a simple hello opens the door to conversation about prices and specific items. Stick around, smile, and be readily available to customers — even if you still have nightmares about your college retail job!

Is haggling in my blood?
Many folks go to garage sales for the thrill of negotiating a deal. I'm not saying that you should artificially inflate your prices, but keep in mind that a willingness to shave off a dollar or two can make (or break) a sale. I usually accept most prices suggested by customers, as people often have a specific price in mind that they are willing to pay. As soon as traffic starts dying down (roughly two to three hours after the start time of your garage sale), cut prices significantly to clear out your stuff.

Have I gone public enough?
The morning before your garage sale, create a Garage Sale posting on Craigslist. In the post, list your top items (with prices), any hot brands you are selling, unusual items, and mention if you'll be offering free goods. The more details you offer, the better your chances are that someone searching for these items will find you (and your sale) online. People often search Craigslist for designer brands or valuables. If you have enough free items, also think about posting a listing for your garage sale on Freecycle.org.

The night before your sale, make 5 to 10 signs. No need to go crazy: I like to use manila folders and write in bold letters "SALE" with an arrow pointing toward my yard. In smaller letters, I write the date and start time. The address is usually irrelevant because yard sales are a visual magnet.

Will I get up with my alarm?
The morning of the sale, haul your stuff out early while keeping your items grouped by price, which makes it easier for customers to assess what you have. Be prepared for aggressive "early birds" who will want to wheel and deal before you have finished dragging everything else out. Do you want to make sales while still laying out your stuff? Decide ahead of time and politely inform your customers of your choice — you may want to recruit some friends to help with the gruntwork.

Good luck and have fun!

Story: Copyright 2010, Shoestring LLC and Julia Scott. Image: