Arrange items in a way that maximizes sales potential, says Tisha Tolar, who helps set up an annual town-wide yard sale in Frackville, Pa.
"If you have a big-ticket item, put it out closer to the street," says Tolar, a blogger for Wise Bread. "Kids are always looking for stuff like that."
People need to see things at eye level, so you put most things on tables, says Leist. Divide items up into categories, like tools, kitchen appliances, books, etc. Then, put signs in front of the tables telling people what category it is, Leist says.
High-value items that someone could hide in a purse or backpack should be kept at the checkout table, where you can keep an eye on them, Leist says.
Thomas and Tolar recommend putting clothes on racks, because customers mess up clothes on a table or clothes in boxes. Thomas suggests grouping clothes according to sizes and who they're for: men's, women's, kid's clothes, etc.
"I don't think anyone should ever put out unlaundered, dirty, wrinkled clothes," says Thomas.
Also, a full-length mirror helps people see how clothes look on them and should boost sales, Thomas says.