Making the most of a garage sale

YourLifeChoices Writers

5 years ago

What once was old is new again and the trend for vintage items is driving a demand to buy second-hand.

Having a garage sale as part of the Garage Sale Trail on 19 and 20 October is a great way to take advantage of this trend and make a little spending money from all those pre-loved items that you no longer need. Everything you own used to be money in your pocket, and some of it could be again. Here are four tips on how to maximise your takings at a garage sale.

Get lots of shoppers

The good old law of supply and demand still rings true with a garage sale. The more shoppers you get (and the better those shoppers are), the more items you’ll sell. Joining a program sich as the Garage Sale Trail is a great place to start. The event gets national media coverage and there are lots of shoppers out on the day. But it’s up to you to make sure you get your fair share of those shoppers.

Sharing your sale with family and friends online and using the website page you get as part of Garage Sale Trail is a great place to start. You could also send a sale notice to any local community groups you belong to. You’ll also get posters to download and put up around your neighbourhood. Make sure they go in high visibility areas with lots of foot traffic – and make sure you take them down again. You might even want to consider local cafes and businesses. Posters are the oldest, but also most effective way to let people know about your sale. There are also letterbox slips you can print and drop off to neighbours.

Unique items

Second-hand buyers are motivated to find unique items that can’t be bought elsewhere. It is this desire to find something special that is driving the increase in vintage shoppers. Highlighting items that fit the bill on your garage sale website page (which you’ll automatically get when you sign up for the Garage Sale Trail) and on posters and any other advertising you do is a good first step. On the day of your sale, place unique items where they can be easily seen and never underestimate the value of something unusual.

Tell a story

The other thing that sets pre-loved items apart from those that can be bought new is the story behind them. Knowing the history can add character and value to any item, so share stories about where or when you bought an item, how it was used or by whom, or any other interesting aspect.

Price to sell

Any unique items should fetch a price premium, but there are also plenty of shoppers looking for a bargain. By pricing everyday items cheaply, you’ll sell more items, make a little money and feel good knowing your goods have found a new home. Offers can also help, such as a free gift with purchases over a certain amount (even a cup of tea might work) or buy five and get one free.

If you haven’t already signed up to the Garage Sale Trail, you can do it here, then start clearing out those closets and get ready for a fun day meeting the neighbours, clearing the clutter and making a few dollars.

Have you ever had a garage sale? Did you enjoy the experience?

If you enjoy our content, don’t keep it to yourself. Share our free eNews with your friends and encourage them to sign up.