Great Tips for a Successful Garage Sale

Garage Sale Image

If the robin isn't proof enough that spring is here, then the crowds at the garage sales are a sure sign that spring has finally sprung!

Without exception, when spring arrives, we all feel the need to discard items that are cluttering the garage and house. That's what spring-cleaning is all about! Here are a few smart (and easy!) garage sale tips from Garaga to help turn your garage sale into a success! Getting Prepared for the Big Day Success depends on how well you organize your garage sale:

  • Prepare yourself several weeks, or even several months, in advance. Be aware that you have to sort, give up, clean, test, repair, label, and count all the odds and ends for your garage sale.
  • Review pertinent municipality bylaws. Certain cities require permits for garage sales to control the quantity of garage sales in each city. As a general rule, most cities do not allow homeowners to host garage sales on the street.
  • Limit yourself to the sale of used personal objects, otherwise you'll need a permit and tax registration numbers.
  • Engage your neighbourhood to get involved and bring excitement to help draw in crowds.
  • Finally, a little advice for those that want to sell used articles for babies (e.g., beds, carriages, car seats, or toys): make sure these items conform to Canadian security standards to avoid being held liable in the event of an accident.

Spread the Word! The big day is approaching, and you're finally ready. Be sure to promote your event effectively to attract as many people as possible!

  • Splash posters in and around your neighbourhood, but remember to double check that your poster is legible from 30 to 50 feet away.
  • Use social media to help spread the word or take out an ad in your local paper.
  • Prepare flyers or fact sheets as well as posters to put up in strategic locations in your neighbourhood, such as corner stores, grocery stores, community halls, recreation centres.

The Big Day

  • Hang a large poster with balloons at the end of your street as well as at busy intersections in your area to attract and direct people. Be ready early because the real garage sale pros tend to be early birds!
  • Make sure you have hangers for clothing and a big table available so your treasures are properly displayed. Organize objects by category, with smaller objects wrapped in sealed bags, to increase appeal.
  • Mark the articles with prices and leave some room for haggling.
  • Keep lots of change on hand as well as bags, boxes, and tissue paper for fragile items.
  • Have an extension cord and batteries handy to prove to buyers that your items are in working order.
  • If you’re planning on selling furniture, make it easy on your customers and have a tape measure available.
  • Prepare an “End of Sale” sign if you want to boost sales and sell everything at the end of the day. Alternately, you can donate your remaining items to a charitable organization.
  • If the competition is fierce, be creative and plan for entertainment, games for kids, surprise draws, and music.

Did we miss anything? Let us know what tips and tricks you use to make the most of your garage sale!


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