GARAGE SALE -- HOW YOU CAN MAKE IT A

GARAGE SALE -- HOW YOU CAN MAKE IT A

SUCCESS

Like to exchange that gold mine of junk in your basement for a

fistful of dollars? You can, by holding a garage sale.

You don't necessarily need a garage to hold a garage sale, but

you do need to know the secrets of success. Some careful

planning will assure you of a successful sale.

First, consider your location. If you're too far off the

beaten track, you might like to ask a friend if you can hold the

sale in their yard.

Next, check the bylaws in your area to find out if you might

need a permit to hold a garage sale. You may be required to pay

a fee, or to collect sales tax. Also, find out if you can put

up signs in the neighborhood to advertise your sale.

Choosing the date and hours for your sale should be easy.

Naturally, a weekend day would be the best and the morning (not

too early, though) and afternoon the best hours.

Make use of free advertising bulletin boards in your community

to publicize your sale. You can also advertise in your local

newspaper.

Now, what to sell. You may be surprised that what you have no

use for and in fact think is junk, someone else is thrilled

with. The following list will give you some ideas of what you

can sell:

appliances - large and small

books - paperback and hard cover

costume jewelery

sports equipment

plants

linens / bedding

children's toys

flatware - silver and stainless steel

baby equipment

phonograph records / tapes

shoes / boots

patio equipment

garden tools

kitchen utensils / gadgets

china / bric-a-brac

clothing, especially children's

pictures / frames

Now that you've decided when your sale will be held and just

what you're going to sell, the following tips will help make

your day a success:

Put a price tag on every item. Mark your prices clearly. This

makes it easier for a customer to browse. Masking tape is

excellent for price tags.

Make sure your merchandise is very clean. Goods that are

polished and in good condition will sell faster than old dusty

items.

Be ready to deal with customers promptly at opening time. Have

everything ready and be wearing a smile.

Be prepared to give your customers change by having coins and

small bills on hand.

Save your bags for a few weeks before your sale, so you can

offer your customers some wrapping for their purchases.

Be prepared to haggle with customers.

After your sale, if you should have any leftovers, perhaps you

would like to donate them to a local charity. Or you can always

save the leftovers for your next sale.

Garage sales are a lot of fun. Plan yours properly and you'll

be assured of a good time and a successful sale.