Yard sales are a great way to purge unused, unwanted items. Not only are you minimizing the clutter in your house, but you’re also making money. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a yard sale newbie, here are 15 things to consider. Downsize while maximizing your yard sale experience with these helpful tips.
Bad Weather
Summer weather is unpredictable. The day can turn sunny to stormy in the blink of an eye. Look at a weather report before you choose the day of your yard sale. If it looks like rain, choose a different day. Or, you could set up tents to keep your items dry. Be prepared not to get many customers if you decide to tough it out.
Overcrowding
Advertising your yard sale will bring you shoppers and thrifters. If you anticipate many people, ensure you have enough space so they can move around freely. Placing your items on a table outside is often the best route. Customers don’t want to feel claustrophobic while shopping, so plan how to use your space.
Thieves and Scammers
Generally, people who visit rummage sales are respectful. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get a customer once in a blue moon trying to steal some DVDs from the bargain bin. Ask a friend or family member to help keep an eye on customers. The more eyes you have, the less likely someone will try to steal something.
Rude Customers
Some people are just unpleasant. It usually has nothing to do with you and everything to do with their own problems. Customers can be rude and say condescending remarks like “I would never have bought this dress.” Be the bigger person and control your impulse to reciprocate negativity. Brush it off; haters are going to hate it.
Ruthless Haggling
Everyone in this economy is trying to save a dollar. Don’t be surprised when customers ask to buy an item for a price lower than what’s listed. Set your prices a little higher than what you expect to get, but be realistic. You don’t want overpriced things, or you’ll scare off potential buyers.
Lack of Shoppers
Customer traffic can sometimes be unpredictable. However, there are some things you can do to attract potential buyers. Don’t have your yard sale close to a holiday. People usually have other things going on and will be unlikely to attend. Pick a weekend that promises sunny weather. Also, place your yard sale signs in high-traffic areas. These efforts will maximize reach.
Off-Putting Neighbors
You can’t control what other people do, including your neighbors. If you have made enemies with a neighbor, they might decide to do yard work during your yard sale. The loud noise could shoo customers away. Before your sale, talk to the neighbor and kindly ask that they hold off on their outdoor projects. You will be glad you did.
Seller’s Remorse
You’ve heard of buyer’s remorse, but what about seller’s remorse? At the time, selling your favorite mannequin torso seemed like a good idea since you don’t make clothes anymore. But then you find out your granddaughter is interested in fashion. You’ve missed an opportunity to bond and regret selling it. Before putting a price tag on it, double-check with yourself to see if you’re ready to part with the item.
Customer Accidents
You are either graceful like a ballerina or clumsy like an ogre. You’ll see both kinds of customers. Your spacing is off if you see someone struggling to move around your glass vases. Be sure to leave plenty of space for shoppers to walk by. Be intentional with where you place things. Don’t put your bowling ball next to the expensive glassware; an accident is bound to happen.
Terrible Traffic
Yard sales attract interested buyers, but their vehicles can cause havoc. The busier the yard sale, the busier the traffic; if you don’t have adequate parking, your sale might be challenging. Monitor the parking situation. Mark off some areas for people to park. You want your yard sale to be safe and accessible.
Mispriced Items
As you set out your items for sale, you can finally sell those antiques stored in the attic. Check online for items you think might be worth a significant amount. It can be hard to tell what will be valuable, so it’s worthwhile to do some research. You don’t want to sell a million-dollar painting for five dollars.
Wrong Items End Up Outside
We all have our airhead moment. Yours could come during your yard sale when you accidentally put out the wrong items. Before you open the sale, check all your items on display. Ensure only the items you want to get rid of are out for sale. Well, there goes the microwave.
Kids Getting Into Things
Kids are cute when they aren’t getting into your things. Be prepared to kindly ask customers to watch their kids if they are getting too close to the table with the glassware. The only thing you can hope for is that the parent is receptive to your request. Lure kids away from dangerous areas with secondhand toys—that’ll keep them busy.
Items Getting Mixed Up
Boxes are great for organizing your miscellaneous items. Say you have a bunch of children’s toys and dolls—put them into a box. If you have hats and ties, put them into another box. Staying organized makes the shopping experience much more manageable. However, shoppers will sometimes mix up items. After inspecting an item, like a tie clip, they may place it in the toy box. Be diligent and put it in the correct spot when the customer has left.
Can’t Sell the Big Items
When you sell bigger items, you may never find the right buyer. Larger items like cars and furniture are usually more expensive, so customers risk more. Place the item at a low price, or give it away for free if you want it gone. However, a yard sale may not be the correct venue if you want to earn more money. Consider selling online or to a local dealer.
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