Garage Sales

David Fishman asked:


The concept of a garage door system arrived during the Second World War. Garage Door Openers have been saving Americans from back injuries for over 35 years, yet there have been few new modifications or major innovations in these garage door openers. Believe it or not some people have voice activated garage door openers instead of you having to place your finger over the button when you walk from your house to the garage.

Garage door can keep the home safe because when they close the doors are locked automatically, this way you don’t have to worry about locking the doors. Garage doors are important features in a security system for a number of reasons and those who use openers, however, need to be mindful of a few things. The main parts in a garage door opener system are: transmitter, the remote control, safety sensors, key pads, receiver/remote kits, ***** drive and much more.

The garage door openers are automatic and so convenient they are standard in most garages today. An automatic garage door opener is not just a convenience; it’s an investment in your house, and an important home appliance that will get daily use for many years to come. An automatic garage door opener is a terrific convenience and it may give you a sense of security as well.

When building a home it is sometimes confusing when trying to figure out the opening of the garage door. The rough opening for a garage door, simply put, is the actual size of the door itself. You should make sure the garage door is properly balanced you can do this by slowly opening and closing the door, when the bottom of the door hits the floor evenly and the door doesn’t sway back and forth the door is balanced.

The reason garage door openers do not burn out is because the springs allow the door to open easily by pulling the door up so the opener has less strain on the motor, the springs also help if you need to open the door manually. Usually two types of springs are used linear expansion and tensional springs. The springs on your garage door can pose a safety hazard. These kinds of springs are installed over a shaft that helps roll the door up to the open position. Garage door springs are very dangerous, even when the garage is closed, as they contain large amounts of potential energy (that’s just waiting to be suddenly converted to kinetic energy, ie movement) and have killed or seriously injured many people.

Some garage door openers offer heavier steel or a sturdier design. Some garage door openers do not use the steel chain pulley system; they use a ***** threaded steel rod that turns to move the garage door up and down. If you are deciding on which type of garage door to purchase keep in mind the differences between wood and metal, the wood doors need to be taken care of just like a deck, you need to stain or paint it so it doesn’t rot, a steel door is easier to maintain. If you decide to get a steel door the main thing to check is that it has been properly prepared to prevent rust.



GARTH

Victor Tunggal Irawan asked:


It is important that you display your garage sale items presentably so that they can catch the attention of your buyers. For maximum visibility of the items, make sure that your garage is large and wide enough. In this way, you can assure yourself that each item is displayed properly and orderly. Here are some tips on how you can display your garage sale items for maximum visibility to customers.

1. You should clean the items that you will display in your garage sale. Make sure that items are scrubbed, polished and washed before you display them. They may attract buyers if items are clean and when they look brand new.

2. Make sure that you allot parking space for those who drop by on your garage sale. You may create a large poster inviting people to come in and look for low priced second hand items.

3. You may place your items on tables so that they can be easily seen. Separate items according to their categories. You may categorize personal items such as shirts, pants, shorts, caps, and shoes. In this way, customers can easily find the items they want.

4. It is better if you have an organized display plan on the items. You may not want your customers to waste their time in finding the item on piles of boxes and bags.

5. You may use a masking tape to mark and write the items price. You may write the discount you will give to the customer on the item that is displayed. You may offer a $1 to $4 on special items like collectibles and other stuffs that may have a significant value on you.

6. You may ask for the help of friends to assist the customers on their search of their targeted item. Make sure that your sellers are able to locate each item in the garage sale. There can be customers that may not have the time to look around and search for the item that they need.

7. You may spread a large blanket on the lawn with a few toys. Kids are fond of toys. They may ask their parents to accompany them to look and check out the toy that is displayed.

Always remember to be cheerful and attentive to your customers. This is the best way you can attract and allow customers to look at the items displayed in your garage sale. With these tips, you can be assured of a successful garage sale.



WOODROW

Victor Tunggal Irawan asked:


Holding a garage sale simply translates to a series of preparation and planning. And one of the things you have to consider when setting up a garage sale is the things you are going to need for its success. You might need to go to the nearest office supply store and look for these important items:

1. Garage Sale Signs. An all-weather garage sale sign complete with arrows is what you are going to need to post these all over the area. These signs are essential because it is part of your advertising strategy. You need to inform people of the upcoming event. These signs would also help directing customers to your place.

2. Markers. Markers are important because you need to add important details to your signs like the address, the date, and the time with which the garage sale will take place. Get a felt-tip marker which is big enough for fine easy strokes.

3. Price labels and tags. You will be putting prices on your commodities, and you’ve got to place it somewhere. Buying price tags or price stick-on labels should be next on your list of supplies. These tags will facilitate the buying and the selling of your items.

4. Tracking Sheet. If you wanted to make an inventory of whats sold and what didn’t at the end of the day, this sheet is going to be crucial. All items for sale will be listed here. All you have to do is to update each item as you collect payments for each. This is also going to be helpful if you have consigned items coming from other family members and friends.

5. Table Cards. For special items, maybe you’d like to put up a card on the table showing customers of the features of the said item. This could be old camera kits, old baby toys and other electronic products that customers maybe curious of knowing more about.

6. Carrying Bags. You’ll have shoppers that just dropped by to see what you’ve got for sale. These shoppers won’t necessarily have bags to put their purchases in, so be prepared for these instances. Some shoppers would also prefer to their items in a separate carrier.

Here are just some of the things you might need for your garage sale. Shop for these things and you would sure hold a highly successful, a well prepared, and a less tiring garage sale.



HUNG

Rayven Perkins asked:


Ebay can be a great way to earn supplemental income as a stay at home mom. Nowadays, you can do everything from your home; list items, gather postage materials, have packages picked up by the post office. All that remains is acquiring items to sell!

A very common source of eBay items is local garage sales. Often, sellers simply do not know how much their items are worth. Either that, or they do not want to take the time to set up an eBay account and sell themselves.

The opportunities are there for the taking. But there are some methods of shopping garage sales for eBay finds that will make your profits soar.

Don’t mention eBay

The cardinal rule in garage sale, yard sale, or estate sale eBay hunting is to never mention the word eBay. If you have small children with you, make sure they understand this as well.

If you go into a garage sale and get chatty with the seller, telling him or her what you intend to do with their items, suddenly the items are more valuable to them. If a seller thinks you are going to resell the stuff to someone else, then they figure they are not charging enough!

Buyers who scream eBay are more likely to be given higher prices, with less chance of bartering a better price. Your best option is to remain nonchalant about the entire transaction, and if asked what you are going to do with an item, lie.

Yes, you heard me. Lie. Keep your kids home with daddy if you are concerned that they will witness this, but whatever you do, don’t tell the sellers you’re going to resell it!

The only reason you would ever tell someone that you sell on eBay at a garage sale is if they have some high quality, high priced item that you cannot afford. You may decide to offer them your services as a trading assistant.

Dress casually

When going garage saling, you want to make sure you blend in completely. Leave your designer clothes, purses and shoes at home. Drive the work truck instead of your new hybrid.

Look like you’re poor. Wear exercise outfits, old t-shirts, dirty tennis shoes. Your goal is to psychologically tell the seller that you cannot afford an item.

This may seem silly, but the next time you go to a garage sale, hang out for a few minutes and look at the other customers. You’ll find that prices are higher for well dressed people.

Group your items

If you are at a really good garage sale, and want to buy several items, ask the seller how much each item costs as you become interested in it. Then, if the price is reasonable, put it in a pile and do not say a word to the seller. Simply put the item in a pile and continue to scout the sale.

After you have completed your perusal of the sale, make one offer for all the items you have in your pile. This way, if you are lowballing the seller somewhat, he doesn’t know which item is the one he is offering the biggest discount for.

For example, let’s say that the seller is emotionally attached to a bowling ball. Note: you would never want to sell a bowling ball on eBay; it’s too heavy; this is for example purposes only. So he’s attached to the bowling ball and wants $20.

You want the bowling ball, 10 articles of clothing at $1 each, and a pair of snow skies for $20. You make one offer of $25 for everything. The seller, who was firm at $20 for his emotionally attached bowling ball, can justify to himself that he gave you the remaining items for only $5.

This way, everyone wins! Garage sales can be a fun way to find merchandise to resell on eBay if you know the right tips. Happy shopping!



DANTE

Victor Tunggal Irawan asked:


Are you in serious need of organizing your home? Are you the type of person who loves to keep things for sentimental reasons?

If you say “YES” to all these, then your garage sale that you have been thoroughly thinking about is highly justified. The need to justify your garage sale is very important so you may go through the hassles of organizing your garage sale.

Most people who hold garage sales are motivated by the need to organize and simplify their life but most don’t know where to start. Having a garage sale is a good start. If you are this kind of person, here are some valuable tips for you:

• Rummage through your things, get them organized, put them into clusters and label them. From there, you choose what to sell. Don’t include the same kind of items but have a variety of items on sale even if they are big ones. You can make good money from them.

• Decide a day or days and time for your sale. Also, you can invite your neighbors who have some things to sell as well to join you in your garage sale. Make sure you discuss and be clear about your arrangements.

• Advertise your sale. Before you put up anything on the corner street, please inform yourself about the laws or ordinances in your area about holding garage sales. If you are clear with those and have secured the necessary permit, then you can begin your advertising through community newspapers, posters on approved areas and bold signs just outside your house. Balloons can be used to highlight your house so people will see the garage sale. Be sure to post your ad several days earlier.

• Be sure you have the knowledge on how to display the items to be sold in the venue where you will hold your sale. You should group all same items together, items that are breakable and notify children or parents. Items should be clean and dust-free to attract the attention of the buyers. Put attractive items by the roadside. For clothes, put up a bar where you can hang them with hangers.

• Be prepared with a lot of change for your sale. Not only change but a wrapper to help buyers wrap the items they bought. This way, you won’t be hassled all the time because of lack change or wrapper when buyers ask.

• Expect buyers to haggle prices with you so be firm and prepared.

Follow all these and you will surely have a successful garage sale, guaranteed!



DELMAR

Victor Tunggal Irawan asked:


The best way to profit on your garage sale is to have creative garage sale ideas. Think of a profitable preparation plan and a selling team. It is recommended that you work on the preparation plan in advance.

In this way, you can sell easily while relaxing and enjoying the day you put up your garage sale. Here are some creative garage sales ideas that can make customers enjoy their shopping at your garage sale while you are earning more profit.

1. You have to schedule your garage sale in advance. You may place your garage sale in the classified ads of your local newspaper. You may also inform your friends and neighbors about the items that you are going to sell. It is recommended that you hold your garage sale during weekends so that many customers can drop by your garage sale.

2. Look for items in your attic, storage place, basement, and garage that you can sell. You may consider selling items that you would like to dispose like your old shirts, pants, bags, shoes, hats, old appliances, kitchenware and other stuffs.

3. Ask your friends and family to include their stuff in your garage sale. The more items that you can display, the more customers you can attract. You may even get a 25 percent commission on the things they sell in your garage sale.

4. Make sure that all items are properly cleaned. You may fix some damaged items to increase their price values. Make sure that they also look presentable.

5. You may create a selling team if you are expecting a large crowd on the day the garage sale. Your family and close friends may be willing to help you without anything in return. You can just treat them with a free meal after you have sold everything in your garage sale.

6. You may distribute flyers that will advertise your garage sale. You may go to your community’s commercial places like the coffee shop, grocery stores, community centers, laundries, and gasoline stations to post your advertisements.

7. You should put up your cash table closer to the entrance. Make sure to have plenty of dollar changes, a ledger book, plastic bags, pen, and a calculator that are important materials that you may need during your garage sale.

You should be always cheerful every time customers look at your items. Talk to your customers and make them feel comfortable with the place. You may influence them to buy your things if they are properly attended.



LUIS

Victor Tunggal Irawan asked:


In a garage sale, there are only two things a buyer considers when purchasing an item. And that’s first, the usability of the item and second, the reasonability in pricing. Pricing is very important in any sale, be it in a garage sale or otherwise.

And in pricing your items, you only have to answer only one question: Is the price worth it? Answering this question would lead you to properly pricing your items. Here are some tips:

1. Consider its functionality. Is the item in a 100% working condition? Is every part of it intact? Try to answer these questions as honestly as possible. If the item is still fresh, never been repaired, then you can price it a little higher than usual.

2. Consider its age. How long have you had that item? Was it always used or seldom used? Does it still look new despite its age? If your answer is yes to all of these, then you can sell the item at half-price or higher, with reference to its current store price.

3. Consider the demand. Is the item still in demand these days? Are a lot of people in need of the item? This is especially true on small items like digital cameras, cell phones, and the likes. If you think your product is still in-the-hot, then you can sell it at a relatively high price.

4. Consider its value. Does your item have an increasing or decreasing value over time? This is applicable on collections like coins and stamps, as well as antiques. These items are valued higher the older they get. Very unlike books and dictionaries, that decreases their value as time goes by.

5. Consider its rarity. Is your item unusual? Is it from a limited edition series? Rarity could also mean that the item has special markings or has a date in it that has high significance. Maybe it was signed by its famous maker, such as in paintings or books. If so, it can be priced higher.

6. Consider the assessment of an expert appraiser. Check out with an expert in antiques and other items of high value. They would be able to give a fair assessment of how much a particular item will be priced. Follow their expert appraisal and you are sure to be selling items worth its value.

Remember, your items may be of sentimental value to you, but that isn’t enough reason to price it high. You’ve got to be realistic and sell each of your items within a sound range.



KENNITH

Victor Tunggal Irawan asked:


While it’s okay to feel giddy, anxious or excited about the opening day of your garage sale, you must still make an effort to remain calm and focused at all times. Many things can go wrong on the first day of the sale. The few hours before the opening time of your sale can be used wisely by taking note of the following tips:

Check the Checklist

If you have a checklist already prepared, it’s no waste of time to use it once more and double and triple check if everything is in order. Review your checklist and see if you missed anything. Spend a few minutes thinking of other things you can possibly add to your checklist.

Count the Money

Your cash registry must have available change ready. Take note of the amount of money to make tallying of purchases easier later on.

Display Your License to Sell

Garage sales are required to obtain permits before they can operate. Make sure that you have your permit tacked in a highly visible area so that people will know your garage sale is an entirely legitimate enterprise.

Go Around the Store

Walk back and forth and around your store and try to visualize the direction of your buyers. If you imagine there’s one particular area that could be too crowded later on, make the proper adjustments to ensure that buyers will be able to shop in comfort.

Arrange the Products

Product arrangement is very critical to the success of your garage sale. Label items properly and hang signs on top of each area to indicate the product category. Make sure that there are physical borders to separate products of different categories.

Create and Post Reminders

Post important reminders around the store to minimize buyer hassles. There must be a poster containing price listings on each wall. Post another notice that will remind buyers to return products to their original place.

Prepare Refreshments

If you’re planning to serve or sell refreshments during operating hours, these are best prepared right before the garage sale’s opening hours to ensure its freshness. Make sure that you have cleaning tools nearby because refreshment stalls must be kept clean always.

Don’t Open in Advance

If you advertised that you’d open at nine in the morning, don’t open one minute in advance because that will be quite unfair to your other customers.

And last but not the least, check your checklist again. You can never be too thin, too rich or too sure!



MARION

Victor Tunggal Irawan asked:


Chaos is a word frequently associated with garage sales. It’s very rare for a customer to find a garage sale efficiently organized. It’s also because of this very atmosphere that sellers end up losing money rather than keeping it.

Prevention is Still the Best Cure

When you’re multi-tasking and feeling like a time bomb about to explode, it’s hard for you to consciously remember at all times to keep your money safe. And though there are many tips to help you keep your money safe 24/7, why not devise a way to prevent the need to do so in the first place?

Organization is and will always be the answer. Ask as many friends as you can to help you out with your garage sale. Make sure that each person has one specific task to focus on so that you’ll be free to guard the cashbox vigilantly.

Learn How to Say “No, Thanks”

There are good buyers and there are bad buyers. The bad buyers, however, disguise themselves as the good guys. They nicely offer to help you out when there are so many purchases to count. Although the offer may be sincere, it’s best not to trust anyone in such circumstances.

Be on Your Guard against Demanding Customers

Sometimes, bad buyers go to the offensive right away. They noisily insist that they counted the money before handing it to you and insist that it’s your fault for losing a bill or two. Don’t let this happen! Always ask your customers to count the bills slowly and by placing one bill at a time on the counter. Make sure that there’s a customer or non-biased witness who’ll be able to see the entire procedure.

Closer is Safer

Keep your money in a belt bag or any other bag that you could easily reach and can be kept on your body at all times. Unless you’re particularly dense, there’s no way for any person to manage stealing your money from you.

Merchandise is Still Money

You may not lose the cash you’re holding but you could still end up suffering financial loss when you realize that customers were able to snatch items from your sale. To minimize the chances of that happening, have a baggage counter established in front of your store. Ask your customers politely to hand over any closed bag they’re holding for temporary safekeeping.

Beyond these tips, the best advice we can give you is a reminder to be alert at all times. Don’t let the chaos get to you at all costs. Stay focused and the money will stay with you all the time.



RICKEY

Victor Tunggal Irawan asked:


There are many ways on how you can profit from your garage sale. You can use creative invitations to inform and invite targeted customers to your garage sales. These creative invitations can set the tone and determine the success of your garage sale. Here are some ways on how to create and write your garage sale invitation.

1. Decide on what theme you would like to use for your garage sale. You may have the option of handwriting the invitations if you intend to save money. You may also create printed invitations that you can post in any commercial establishment in your community.

2. Make the theme of the invitations more convincing and attracting to your customers. You may choose to include a preview of the items that you will sell. In this way, customers will have an idea on what to buy when they visit your garage sale.

3. You should decide on what type of paper or card you will order for your invitations. Buy supplies a little more than what you have estimated. There could be guests that you didn’t expect to drop by.

4. Make sure that the content of your invitation is a little business related since you are selling your personal items. You may include the prices of the items and the place where you have bought the products.

5. To add more appeal on your invitations, you may also include on your invitation that there are free tokens given if they buy items at your garage sale. You may also provide discounts for the customers who have purchased two or more items.

6. You can mail the invitations to special friends who are interested in buying your things. Make sure that you indicate the date the garage sale will be held. It is recommended that you schedule it on a weekend when more people have the time to drop by.

7. Distribute your invitations 3 weeks before the event. In this way, you can have enough time to prepare and set up your garage sale.

Don’t forget to include your name and the address of your house. Invitations should be the key factors for the success of your garage sale. Since it isn’t a formal event, you can also improvise on the invitations you make. Find some old papers on your drawer and design on your own.



COLIN