Garage Sales

Victor Tunggal Irawan asked:


Do you find yourself lost within the clutter of your home? Or do you always feel that a few extra bucks could help you make ends meet? Then why not have a garage or yard sale, after all one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

First and foremost, you don’t have to have a lot of stuff to start selling. You could ask for handouts from neighbors, family, or friends, something they think they can part with, this way combined with your things you are sure to provide your customers with a variety of purchasable items.

When you think you’ve got all the things you need to get started, then you should begin planning, starting with the sale date. It would be most effective to schedule the sale on a weekend far from any holiday or any special day within your community. You should probably also anticipate the weather for that day so that you can adjust if ever the weather is uncooperative. Regarding the time, it would be best to hold it in the morning.

The next step is to make the event official by having it announced in the most popular periodical in your area, or by putting up posters, or both. If possible, maybe you could also have a local radio station mention the affair. Publicize the event on bulletin boards.

Buy several stickers, post-its, and different colored markers, and use them before the day of your sale. This would help you organize your products. You may need to borrow some tables and racks so that you can better display your merchandise. Also, prepare smaller bills and coins for change. If you have a container with several compartments then you should place the money there, keeping in mind that this should be something you can carry around. Clean and remove some of the things from the garage if you are having the sale there. Make sure that the garage is well lit on the sale date. Place electrical equipment for sale near an electrical outlet or set up an extension cord. If you are having a yard sale, then have the grass trimmed and rake the leaves that are scattered around the place. Check signage ordinances in your neighborhood and set some of them up on nearby street corners, make them noticeable with big and bold letters, and eye-catching colors.

Have a friend or two on the day of your sale. Put your goods in order one or two hours before you open. Organize your wares and have them presented beautifully, always have someone near your more expensive ones. Last but not least; don’t be afraid to bargain with customers.



JUNIOR

Victor Tunggal Irawan asked:


A garage sale could mean crowded people and lots of spectators. It is necessary that you follow safety measures to ensure that your garage sale is safe for you and your customers.

Thieves, robbers, shoplifters, and housebreakers could be lurking around waiting for their chance to pounce. Don’t give them that chance. Be on your guard. Follow these tips on how to make your garage sale a secure one.

1. Get an aide. If you are going to attend to your customers and man the cash at the same time, your attention will be divided. And bad people could seize that opportunity and rob you quite easily. Get some help. Maybe a friend or a relative would be happy to assist you with your customers. Not only would you have a safe garage sale, it will be manageable as well.

2. Designate a permanent cashier. There should be only one person getting payments for purchases. Doing so will eliminate problems like asking payment for an item twice from a customer, or customers claiming that they have already paid for the item with someone else.

3. Secure your house. Before attending to your first set of customers, make sure that your house is safe. All doors and windows should be locked. There is a big possibility that somebody would unknowingly slip into your house and rob you of your valuables. Make sure to check every possible entry point to your house and secure it properly.

4. Keep your money. Just leave a handful of loose change on the counter. For safety purposes, don’t accept large bills for small purchases. If you accept a large bill, you will have to count a lot of change in front of the customers, therefore drawing attention to you and your earnings.

5. Set-up some alarm system. Again, for safety purposes, maybe you can install temporarily a 15-foot buzzer system that could alert people of burglary and stop the offender in his tracks. You never know how powerful noise can be to prevent thievery.

6. Carry a phone with you all times. If and when an emergency situation does arise, you can easily call for help. Make sure that your phone has a full battery and has all the important emergency numbers stored.

These are some of the things you can do to make sure that there won’t be any unexpected incidents that could arise as you hold the garage sale. Follow these and you, your items, your customers, and your earnings will all be protected.



FABIAN

Victor Tunggal Irawan asked:


A garage sale usually consists of clothes, figurines, toys, books, records and appliances that the owners or organizers of the garage sale no longer need. Simply put, their garbage is other people’s treasures.

So how and what are the best ways to sell appliances in a garage sale? The following are basic tips and advice to do so.

Promote your appliance garage sale with signs

It has been said that selling something with no means and forms of advertising is something similar to winking at a girl in the dark wherein you know what you are doing, but no one else does. The same goes for a garage sale. To make sure that sales will be a hit and appliances will definitely be sold, putting up a sign that stands out and announces a garage sale will bring more people.

If you have a computer, signs could very easily be made using this. Labels and price tags could also be printed out using the computer. As much as possible, try to make the signs visually appealing to the eyes. Flyers meanwhile could be simple and straight forward so that they will be easy to read. Try to also include a map of how to get to the garage sale.

Know what you want and don’t want, after which clean it

When deciding which appliances to sell, it would be best to ask your family first before going off and selling items that you think are okay to part with. After deciding on the appliances that are to be sold, they should be cleaned. It is also important that the items are still in good working condition. When selling, always remember the product’s perceived value is always more important than its actual worth.

Make sure that the price is right

Nothing is more irritating than a buyer asking how much a blender is and you – as the seller – deciding only at that moment the price of that item.

It also helps if you get an idea of how much the same items or appliances cost at other garage sales. If you are selling a microwave oven for thirty dollars but in other garage sales the same item is priced at ten dollars, then try to lower your price to make it more competitive.

Keep the box

Believe it or not, the best way that an appliance can be sold is when it is still inside the box. It adds to the item’s seeming newness, eventually making it appear attractive to buyers.

As much as possible, if the user manual of the appliance is still available, try to include it in the box.



ROSCOE

John Roney asked:


Home based businesses are often inexpensive to begin, some starting at just a couple hundred dollars. Some businesses, however, that can pay more substantial commissions of $1000 and more per sale can cost several thousand dollars to get started.

The majority of those who are engaged in finding a home-based business are simply not able to reach into their savings accounts and pull out $3000 or more to get started in this high-ticket business.

There are several solutions that exist for the man, woman, couple or family who are looking for the start up capital for such a business.

Traditional Bank Loan: This can be a pretty good way to go, but requires good credit and often requires a number of hoops to jump through. The advantage here is the lower interest rate that can generally be obtained as compared to a credit card.

Credit Card: This option will work for most as long as the credit is available. Sometimes an increase of credit is possible. The disadvantage here is often a high interest rate, although a successful business can produce a much greater positive return than the fees associated with its financing.

Borrow from Family, Friends and/or Relatives: This option is sometimes available. Often ego will play a part in the decision to go this route and an individual may not want to ask for the help.

I’ve started two home-based businesses before and I’ve borrowed the money to get started each time. Each time I’ve borrowed about $4000 in order to get started, but in each case it has paid off and I’ve earned that money back with just a few sales made. Both times I borrowed the money to get started in my business it was a no interest loan and I was able to obtain the money within a very short amount of time with just a call to a friend. This can be one of the easiest ways to go.

Rummage Sale/eBay: Some find that they don’t have any other options, and the only way they can get started is to sell some of the extra things they have. I’ve even heard a story about a time when someone sold a cow to get started in their business. Now that’s called commitment.

Company Financing: There are very few companies that provide financing or payment plans to its members to get started. The business I’m in, for example, offers its members financing to purchase their lifetime vacation membership (the product that members also sell) for just $85 a month to approved credit. However, the challenge can be if the applicant has a very low credit score which can restrict approval.

I’ve personally always been surprised by how little money most people actually keep in their bank accounts as liquid cash. When I go to the ATM (and I live in a wealthy area) I’m always surprised to find a receipt left in the machine from the previous user and the balance reflects just a few hundred dollars.

This is an important lesson to learn

GREGORIO

Jhona asked:


Garage sales never go out of style. It’s unlikely that you haven’t been to a few yourselves. If you like the thrill of bargain-hunting and free classifieds, then you probably won’t mind doing the selling for a change. Holding a garage sales doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be experienced in marketing; you just have to be confident.

While there really is no ultimate rule in displaying items, just spend just a few minutes thinking about what you’re selling, dust or clean them, then organize. This will help you sell more stuff at a considerably higher price. When it comes to rules in deciding which stuff to sell, there is none: anything can sell, what is junk to you may be treasure to someone else. Just make sure you won’t regret selling the stuff later on. A good idea is to browse free online classifieds and see what people are currently interested in buying (and selling), and then go by that.

Don’t just put everything out randomly. Ideally, you don’t want people moving things around on their own; you don’t want people left to their own devices making a mess of your system. If you can keep people from rummaging about, in, and underneath your carefully organized displays, you will save yourself many reorganizing headaches later.

Beg, borrow, or ’steal’ trestle tables so you can display items carefully and in full sight of prospective buyers.

Use old Hills Hoist and coat hangers to display clothes.

Group items by price. Again, check out free online classifieds to see how different items are normally priced according to model, integrity, slightly-used ness, rarity, etc.

When pricing, give yourself some leeway of a few dollars. That way, hagglers will feel they got a bargain.

Display books with their front covers or spines showing for easy recognition.

Divide tables into areas for different price ranges and put signs up letting people know what and where the items are.

The arrangement should make it easier for your customers to find what they need, and what they want. Be sure to put like things together and give people enough space to move around freely.

Let your kids be entrepreneurs too and have them sell their own stuff. Set up a separate table for them. You’ll probably find they will do a lot better than you will.

At the end of the tables, prior to walking out with the goods, have a vigilant cashier who’ll bag the items and take the cash. This will prevent items from being shoplifted.

Finally, post a classified ad about your garage sale so people will know about it. State the opening date, the venue, and a few helpful descriptions about what you’re selling. You can run a classified advertisement on your local paper, and for sheer broadcasting scope, go via the Internet.

And remember to have fun. After all, garage sales are the perfect way/excuse to meet the neighbours and make new friends. Now people know you and you have just ran the biggest free classifieds for yourself.

Still Looking For a Free Online Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .?

OzFreeOnline.com is Australia’s largest alternative free online classifieds for everything people want to buy and sell. It’s absolutely free to be a member. Then, post free classified ads and announcements. No fees, no hassles, no questions asked. Even if you’re just selling, browse our free classifieds too; you never know what you might need.

And the best part is, anything you’re not selling through your garage sale, or any leftover from ityou can also advertise at OzFreeOnline. This is free online classifieds at its best!



FERNANDO

Victor Tunggal Irawan asked:


Garage sales are usually done by people who would like to make extra money out of the old but still usable things in their possession. Garage sales are frequented by buyers who are hoping to discover some gold from somebody else’s trash, so to speak. A garage sale could be fun, considering the adventure of finding things you might never see in a regular store.

If you intend to hold a garage sale some time soon to get rid of your seldom-used things and equipments, here are some tips you can follow to make your garage sale a big success.

1. Gather all possible saleable items. Rummage through your closet and garage. Look for things that you do not use anymore but are still in good condition. These things could be your son’s bicycle when he was three. It could be the old desk that you removed from your last renovation. There are many possibilities. Just keep on looking.

2. Check your items. Make sure all your items up for sale are in good working condition. Otherwise, no body will take interest in them. Repair the items if you have to. Clean each and every one of them so that you can restore it to its original appearance.

3. Make a price list. Once you have all the things to sell, you have to price them accordingly. Make a list as to how much each item would cost. Then conveniently place them on stickers or tags for each item to carry.

4. Advertise. You have to inform people that you will be holding a garage sale in a few days. You can send your ad to the local newspaper for printing. You can also invite your family and friends. Make posters and put them up around your house. Try to get permission to post them all over your area as well.

5. Set-up the garage. When the date is near, you can go ahead and arrange your garage like a flea market. Put up tables to put small merchandise on. Designate where the check out counter will be and put arrow signs towards it on the walls. Make sure that you have loose change ready.

These are a few of the things you can do to prepare for your upcoming garage sale. Make it exciting to attract more customers. You can even give out refreshments if you wish. Just make sure it will be fun and then watch customers crowd your garage.



XAVIER

Victor Tunggal Irawan asked:


After all has been done and sold, you can now sit back, relax and count the fruits of your hard-earned garage sale labor — or not.

After finally getting rid of all that clutter, at the same time earning a bit of cash on the side, don’t think that this is the perfect time to throw your weight around.

There are many things to do right after a garage sale. The following are the to-do lists you should fulfill right after a successful garage sale.

Clean it up

Of course, it is a dirty job but someone has to do it, eventually. Delaying clean up further could result in problems and further procrastination, adding more unnecessary clutter to your space.

The best thing to do in order to go through a clean up is by taking stock of everything that happened in the sale, over a cup of coffee perhaps. Take this opportunity to also relax. It was a hectic and busy day after all, though it was very productive.

Make sure to also keep those proceeds in a place that is safe. This allows you to proceed through clean up with no distractions and stay focused. Doing so could also help you comply with regulations that require garage sale owners to immediately take down signs after finishing a sale.

Now you are free

After a garage sale, nothing beats the feeling of a house that is more spacious and free from unnecessary clutter. The money earned is really a bonus. Enjoy it, or better yet, keep it.

Keep promises and commitments

A post-garage sale is no excuse to forget earlier commitments and promises. As much as possible, try to return any ladders borrowed or items used. This is also the time to claim back the space used in the garage sale or any pile of stuff that used to occupy a whole room or a closet. Reclaim back this space, it is yours to conquer in the first place.

It is never too early to think of your next garage sale

After a garage sale, it is always best to think of the things done right and things done wrong. These details are a great way to make the next garage sale a perfect one.

All in all, a garage sale is an opportunity to make your trash other people’s treasures. Make it work for you.



ALVARO

Mark Etinger asked:


ten years have been a wild time on the Internet, especially when it comes to online shopping. The e-commerce industry has seen rapid growth, a shake out of the market due to security concerns, and finally, a rebirth thanks to new technologies and innovative ways to shop. EBay and Amazon.com: The Early Players While most businesses were still figuring out how to get their companies online, Amazon and eBay were enjoying success by finding new ways to look at old paradigms. EBay took the garage sale/rummage sale concept and put it online where millions of people could bid on used or overstocked items put up for sale. Amazon struck back against conventional bookstore thinking by using its infinitesimal amount of shelf space to stock practically every book in print. While these two industry heavyweights have had their share of ups and downs throughout the years, the fact that both are still going strong is a testament to their business model and the vision of their leadership. Online Security Issues Threaten an Industry It is hard to imagine it now, but only several years ago, the entire online shopping industry was at a major crossroads. Hackers had begun to infiltrate thousands of websites and the term “identity theft” found its way into the mainstream media. Shoppers began to flee the web over concerns about the safety of the credit card information and the industry looked to collapse under the stress. Flash forward to 2008. Although information safety is still a primary concern, and hackers still lurk behind many corners, innovations in web encryption have helped businesses protect their online customers like never before, and the sales are back in the growth column. Faster Connections and Technology Lead to Better Shopping Experiences With over half of the United States now using broadband connections to surf the web, online stores are able to provide a more robust, interactive shopping experience. Customers can now use cutting-edge technology to customize their purchases online and see what the finished product will look like. E-commerce sites can now use powerful algorithms to predict shopper’s tastes and make recommendations about purchases they might like. The Next Wave of Online Shopping Sites Now individuals can order products from their favorite brands and stores with the click of a mouse. And new shopping sites are popping up every day that change the way we think about online shopping. One of the fastest growing business models is the deal of the day website, where alert customers can grab a low price on a limited quantity item by checking the site on a regular basis. These sites place a single item up for sale every day, and open up small number of the item at the “opening bell.” It’s one of the fun, innovative ways that consumer are shopping online, and a reason why the e-commerce industry continues to grow.

JOE

Victor Tunggal Irawan asked:


You may already know how to organize a garage sale, but do you know what items could turn ordinary passers-by into buyers? Some people who hold garage sales get little to no turnover simply because they don’t know what consumers are looking for. This section will be helpful in giving wannabe garage sale people ideas for their merchandise.

The first thing garage sale shoppers look for is quality. Sure everything that is for sale is second-hand, but that doesn’t mean that what is displayed should quite literally be trash. A good set of clothes that you have either outgrown or you feel is out of style could be sold this way.

One thing buyers easily go for is collectibles. Old game cards, cereal prizes, and toys could be sold at quite significant prices nowadays. You may not know it but one of your neighbors may be an avid collector. You should also do research on a reasonable price for this type of items; you may be selling them at too much of a bargain. Collectors may haggle, but real ones buy nearly no matter what the cost.

Costumes could also be sold at garage sales, especially if you neighborhood is populated with kids and Halloween is around the corner. Try to sell timeless pieces, surely you won’t use them anymore.

Sets also do well in affairs such as this one. Sets that are nearly complete or complete usually don’t last long on exhibit. Examples are china and silverware. You could still get a considerable price for your damaged articles, just don’t forget to mention that they are damaged.

Knickknacks from around the globe or around the country are pretty popular. These are examples of items that tell a story, and people like that. There are also people who reminisce the time they visited that same place. A shirt or a cap from a place you have been to would be simple yet excellent.

Other pieces that tell a story are antiques. People love to be reminded of times past or their childhood. Lamps or furniture from a certain era would probably sell, so would games and consoles such as an Atari.

Although people may not see things as something worth their while, it is totally up to you to make the sale. Point out how some of your stuff helped you out in the past. Give them a chance to discover a need for them.



SYDNEY

Victor Tunggal Irawan asked:


Greg is one of those executives who has everything, a nice home, a fancy car and the right job that many people envy. Even with the fame, many consider this individual to be down to earth since there is always time spent with family, neighbors and friends.

One of the things that Greg loves to do when there is time is having a garage sale. This isn’t done in the home but in the residences of other people. The professional plans this carefully so that the client can get rid of the items and make a decent profit.

This talent for making the event happen just came by chance. After having done this at home and helping a friend get rid of some old stuff, other people who have no idea what to do asked for help and the rest is history.

Those who want to become a garage sale organizer don’t have to go to college or earn a certificate. Getting involved takes a bit of practice and experience since many unexpected things can happen.

Some who do this advise others on having a garage sale at home. This will take weeks to plan, advertise and execute in order for it to be successful but this all pays off in the end.

One of the most important things to do before it starts is pricing. If the items are too expensive, there must be some leniency so they can be purchased by a customer and some money can be made.

The first thing a specialist should do is talk with the homeowner. A level of trust should be established so that a good working relationship can develop. Some of the things that need to be discussed are the date, time and place as well an assessment of the items for sale.

Advertising, inventory and pricing should be discussed so that the resident is aware of the progress of the garage sale. The person should stay until it is over to assess the remaining goods and how to deal with them.

If the event is successful, other people will surely take notice and then perhaps ask for some assistance organizing the same thing. The organizer should charge a small fee for the work done so that the services can also be referred to relatives, friends and neighbors for more business.



ARTHUR