Jared Says for October 2000

I had promised a monthly newsletter on having a successful yard sale before I got distracted by other things, but here is what I see for you to get rid of unwanted items, make some money and have fun:

	Have a large variety of items: furniture, collectibles, antiques, etc.
	Price your items to move. Even with a posted price be prepared to go 10-20% lower.
	Price labels on all items. This is probably the most time consuming prior to the sale, but will save you much aggravation during the sale when you have many people around you.
	State that an item does not work, even a broken VCR can bring $5.
	If an item can be easily damaged keep out of reach of children and/or put protective cover on it.
	Welcome early birds, but not too early. These are the primary buyers with money to spend.
	If you have a large enough garage or enclose you can still have it in the rain. Yard salers come out anytime.
	Run the sale only in the morning. 8-12 is the best time and open at 7 or so. 75% of your business will be before 10:30.
	Fridays are an excellent day to have a sale. I have had mine on Fridays for years and have done very well with large attendance.
	Large, clear signs on all main roads leading to your house. Give date, time, address and directional arrow.
	Advertise in local paper. Give brief summary of what you are selling especially if antiques or old items.
	Have change available especially $1 and $5. Don't bother pricing anything below 25 cents (combine items), I have found that 15 ones, 5 fives and a ten can make it. Just about everyone pays with a $20 bill.
	One person keeps the money.
	Be aggressive. If a person shows interest in an item you especially want to get rid of work with them until they agree to buy it.

Most of all have fun dealing with people. I takes a little work, but can definitely be worth it. I would be interested in hearing how your experiences compared with mine.

Happy selling!

Jared