| Clean up with a garage
sale |
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Think like a retailer
Most of us like to shop in stores that are clean and feature attractive displays.
Garage sale shoppers are no different. "You want to show that this is a store,
not a garbage dump," Pedigo says.
Make sure clothes are
clean. Organize things, putting like items and sizes together. Use enough card
tables that you've got a place for everything. Hang dress clothes. Let shoppers
know whether all pieces of a set (of dishes, for instance) are included. If you're
selling electronic items, have extension cords so customers can see they're in
working order. Stock up on grocery bags that customers can use to cart away their
purchases. Use old newspaper to wrap any fragile items.
Make
sure every item has a price tag that's easily visible and includes the size, if
appropriate, says Pedigo. "People don't like to ask the price, and they don't
like to search for the size." If the item is new or almost new, indicate
that.
If several families are contributing goods to the sale,
make sure the tags indicate which items are from which family.
Heiska
recommends against using color-coded tags and telling shoppers that, for instance,
all items with blue stickers are $1. It's confusing and too easy for people to
switch tags.
Another tip: If you've got an item that still
is a hot seller, such as a kid's toy, attach a picture of it from a recent catalog,
advises Heiska. Customers can see that the price they're paying is a fraction
of what it costs new.
Stay safe
Most garage sale shoppers are just looking for honest bargains. A few, however,
would like more than that. Use a fanny pack or apron to collect money and make
change. Just about every garage sale expert has heard stories of unattended money
boxes that disappeared. Similarly, place small valuables, like jewelry or video
games, where you can keep an eagle eye on them.
Don't let
shoppers into your house. "They may be checking it to see if you have a dog
or to find out where your exits are," says Heiska. If they need to use a
restroom, provide directions to a nearby store or restaurant.
Finally,
try to have at least two adults on hand throughout the sale. That makes it easier
to handle any rushes and helps turn off would-be thieves.
Handling
the money
To get your sale going, have on hand about $50 worth of
change and small bills. Keep a calculator on the check-out table, so that you
can quickly total customers' purchases.
After the sale,
total up your take, and divvy up any money that goes to other families. Then,
you can decide how best to save or spend your hard-earned money!
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