DIY Life

Mid-spring to mid-fall is the best time to have a yard sale, so if you haven't had one already -- and you need some extra money -- you still have time. Go through your closets, garages, and junk drawers to see what you can sell. Maybe (like my father), you've collected too many old antique hooks and need to get rid of a few. Whatever you find; it's time to add some spare change to that empty coffee can by getting back to the basic art of selling your own things.

I'd always thought yard sales weren't worth the trouble -- especially with the introduction of ebay -- until I held one last summer and made more than $500. But to be successful, you will need to do some work. These are the three simple steps that work for me. They are, what I call, the three P's of a profitable yard sale!

Publicity, Presentation, and Pricing!

Publicity: This is the most over looked, but most important part. You could have the best stuff in the world, but if no one knows about it, no one will come.

1. Distribute pre-sale flyers featuring key items; post them on bulletin boards at locations like the grocery store, the local library, and your post office ... and stick them on mailboxes. You might find that one of your neighbors will buy something even before the sale.
   
2. Place ads in local newspapers and circulars – If you have not written an ad before, here are some tips: Write quick-read, concise ads. Write when, where and what. Note key items such as antiques, toys or furniture. I did, and my unique children's furniture sold first thing ... with more than a few interested customers coming to check on those particular items.
   
3. Online classified sites are great for pulling in buyers from outside your area. Mention as many items as you can to attract collectors and post two or three days before the when serious shoppers map out their shopping routes. Ads are free on Craigslist.com and Garagesalehunter.com; Garagesalegal.com charges a small fee of $4.99.
   
4. Post "For Sale" signs and "Yard Sale" signs. Make large signs for your front yard and street corners. Keep your signage bold and bright, but readable, making letters at least 2-3" tall at a minimum. Black ink works well for information and colored markers for gaining general attention to signs. Also do not put too much information on a sign. Just include all pertinent information about the sale including: address, dates, times, and items sold (if it can fit.)
5. Don't forget to invite friends, neighbors, family members, church members, sports teams, or parents of your childrens' playmates.