Do you have an extensive collection of ugly sweaters to unload?
Have people started mentioning your name and the word hoarder in the same sentence?
Or maybe you’ve just been walloped by a humungous OMG bill?
Yard sales are a great way to make money and cut down on clutter. But they need to be planned well to make them a success!
Here are a few tips:
Preparation – Pick a space in your home to collect items you want to sell. Sort them into categories (clothes, toys, glassware etc.) Make sure your items are dust free and clean. Gather the supplies you’ll need such as tables, loose change for customers, shopping bags, etc.
Pricing – Use stickers to price items or bundle similar items with a sign, “All books $1.00”. A general guide is the 50-30-10 rule.
- New, unused items at 50% of retail coast
- Gently Used items at 30% retail cost
- Used and ‘well loved’ items at 10% retail cost
Expect people to haggle and “get your game face ready”! Be polite but firm.
Permit – Boulder City requires a permit to hold a yard sale, it’s free and you can find the application here.
Place – Set location, date and time. If you don’t live near a busy road maybe a relative or friend does. Set up colorful signs, balloons and streamers – make it easy for people to find you – and remember to check the weather forecast!
People – It’s important to get the word out. The more people who come, the more items you’ll sell. Find the best places to advertise where local people will be sure to see it. Consider advertising in local newspapers and online community sites like Boulder Social! The link to advertise with us is here. It’s FREE and all we ask is that all yard sale ads be placed with us by Thursdays at 5pm sharp for that coming weekend!
Holding a yard sale takes time, preparation and work, but if done right can offer you cash in hand and less clutter in your home.
Written by Noreen Kenny for publication by Boulder City Social.
