Garage Sale
Content
GARAGE/YARD SALE
DOs & DON’Ts
Let the “DISCOUNT GURU” teach you all you will need to know so that you will have a successful garage or yard sale this year!
PRESENTED BY: Record Publishing Company
Record Publishing Co.’s Ad Experts:
330–673–3500 or 888 –296–9650
Garage Sale Setup Checklist
DISPLAY
Tables Chairs Cardboard or poster board for signs Price stickers Markers Tape Trash receptacle Extension cords Hangers Batteries to test toys, radios, etc. Plastic or blankets for items displayed on the ground Plastic for rain protection Safety pins for clothing price tags Clothesline or garment rack (for clothing display)
CHECK-OUT
Cash box or money belt Change Sales record Pens “Pay Here” signs Bags, boxes and newspapers for wrapping Calculator Tape Sold signs Offer cards Magnifying glass (for closer inspection of goods) Cloth measuring tape & tape measure Paper towels
PERSONAL ITEMS
Wide-brimmed hat Sun block Sweater Small cooler for drinks/snacks Cell phone
Secrets of Money Making Garage/Yard Sales
1. Preliminary Planning
Establish the date(s) of the sale. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are usually the best days. More people have time to go to sales on the weekends. Check your calendar to see whether there are events or holidays that will either enhance or detract from a particular day or date. Plan an alternate date in case of bad weather. Obtain a permit, if necessary, from local officials. Your community newspaper can help you with this information. At least 10 days before the start of your sale, arrange for classified advertising in your local newspaper. Newspaper staff will help you prepare your ad, including listing date(s) and hours of sale.
To place your ad: Call the Record Publishing Company’s Ad Experts at 330–673–3500 or 888–296–9650.
2. Pricing:
During the course of your daily shopping trips, make written or mental notes of similar items and their pricing. Take into account appearance, usage and age of item offered for sale. You may wish to offer items at 1/3 to 50% below prices listed in newspaper or notes you have made while shopping. We suggest the following for your consideration when pricing items: Establish a base price for all items. Then, add 20% to this base price. Example: China items: basic price $3.00—add 20%. The new price on the pricing label now reads $3.60. Garage/yard sale shoppers like to think they are shrewd bargainers, and they love to dicker over prices. They think they have made a real buy when they are able to get 10% or 20% off the label price. Giving a price concession, which puts the final price above your base price, increases your profits. A $3.60 item with 10% off would sell for $3.25. You have just made an additional .25¢, or 12%, over your base price. Price every item. Most people won’t want to ask for the price of an item, even if they are interested in it. With larger items, it is a good idea to provide additional information, like “great condition” or “only used a few times.”
INVENTORY SHEET
Line # ITEM PRICE Line # ITEM PRICE
3. Inventory Sheet:
At least three days before the sale, gather all items to be offered. List all items on Inventory Sheet. As items are sold, write selling price in proper column. This will show you exactly how much money you made. Set it up as follows: Line No. 1. 2. 3. ITEM Toaster Iron Elec. Skillet PRICE $8.00 $6.00 $9.00
4. Antiques:
If you feel you have some antiques in your offerings, make sure you have them appraised by an antique dealer beforehand. Don’t give away big dollars, because you didn’t know the value of an item.
5. On the Day Local Delivery Local Delivery
Local Delivery Local Delivery
of the Sale
Available! Available! Plan to be set up at least 1/2 hour prior to your opening time. Set up a check out area. If delivery is something
you’re willing to offer, mark large items with a “Local Delivery Available.”
Available! Available! If you see people with their arms full of merchandise, ask if you can hold it for them at the checkout area. Once
Local Delivery Local Delivery
their arms are full, they are much less likely to buy additional items.
Available! Available!
6. Setting Local Delivery Local Delivery &
Local Delivery Local Delivery
Lighting
Available! Available! Your location should be clean, bright and free of any offensive odors. No kitty litter boxes or dog houses in the
sales area. These should be removed at least two days before the sale. Spray with lysol to help clear the air.
Available! Available! No grease or oil spots on the garage floor. Buyers do not like to track up their cars when they depart with oil or
grease from spots they walked on in the sales area. Bright lighting makes all items show up at their best. No dark corners—a dismal setting discourages interest.
7. Background Music:
Garage/Yard sale browsers oftentimes shop in pairs and like to make comparison comments without being overheard. Music makes for a more relaxed atmosphere—it encourages conversation.
8. Greeting Customers:
Always greet prospective buyers with a pleasant smile. Look them in the eye and welcome them to come in and browse around. Answer all questions promptly and truthfully.
Make us an offer!
WE LOVE TO HAGGLE!
9. “Haggling”
Don’t forget, one of your goals is to get rid of items that are cluttering your house. Even if you don’t sell an item for as much as you had hoped, it is still out of your way. If you feel you can get more for this item than the customer is willing to pay, have them fill out an “Offer Card,” so that you can call them if you do not get a better offer for the item. Most sales are made in the early hours of sales. Later in the day, you can reduce your prices on remaining items.
10. Multiple Family Sales and Block Sales:
This is an outstanding way to offer larger varieties of items, attract more relatives, bring in friends of friends to the PRE-sale sale and help spread the word about your sale. This is usually held the day or evening before your advertised sale date. When setting up a multiple family or block sale, make sure all items are coded to denote ownership and proper sales dollar credit. Example: Jones family uses the letter “J” in upper left half of price label with the price asked on the lower half of the pricing label. Smith family “S,” etc. If a PRE-sale is planned, split the cost of beverages among all of the sale participants. Note: If relatives, friends or neighbors don’t have many items to offer for sale, accept their items on a consignment basis and take a 10% fee for selling.
GARAGE 10. Garage Sale Street Signs: SALE
On a flat surface, use a permanent marker and write in your address and street. Draw a large arrow to indicate direction to the sale. The night before the sale, soak the ground at sign locations with about one gallon of water. This will make it easier to pound in the stakes. Place one sign at the end of your driveway. Tie on at least two balloons. Place one sign at corner(s) where your street intersects with another street. If you live in a sub-division or allotment with only one entry or, at most, two entries, place your sign(s) at these locations. On the morning of the first day of the sale and all succeeding days, pound stakes into ground at chosen locations with a hammer. Drives stakes approximately 6 inches deep. Loop rubber band over top of stake and allow it to settle approximately 6 inches above ground level. Center the sign. Bring rubber band up over the top edge of the sign and loop it around the top of the stake. The top edge of the sign should be about 1 inch below the top of the stake. At the end of each sale day, remove signs and stakes. Reposition in the morning. Note: In the event of rainy weather, use a clear plastic dry cleaner’s bag to protect your signs. They will still be visible. Be careful about local regulations if you want to post any signs on utility poles.
At:
Mini Garage Sale Signs: GARAGE 11. GARAGE SALE SALE The four Mini Signs are designed to increase public awareness of your garage/yard sale. Place them in local
At: Time(s) Date(s) As advertised in:
SEPARATE MINI SIGNS AND POST AT SUPERMARKETS, LAUNDROMATS, BEAUTY PARLORS, ETC.
Date(s) As advertised in:
At:
GARAGE SALE
Time(s)
stores that get a lot of people who will see them. By filling in the “As Advertised In” line, your prospective customers will know which newspaper your ad is displayed in, so that they may have a better understanding of GARAGE the items for sale.
Time(s)
Date(s) As advertised in:
12. Other Helpful Info:
Date(s) Time(s) As advertised in:
At:
SALE
An electrical extension cord should be available to test all electrical appliances. Cash on hand should consist of at least $20–30 in one dollar bills, plus a roll of quarters, dimes and nickels. If possible, obtain a Carpenter’s Nail Apron from your local hardware store. They usually have two pockets in front which makes handling money easier. The store will appreciate the free publicity. Save supermarket bags to package customers’ purchases.
13. After the Sale
If you have unsold merchandise, place a classified ad to sell the remaining items.
To place your ad: Call the Record Publishing Company’s Ad Experts at 330–673–3500 or 888–296–9650.
If you decide to donate unsold items to charity, remember most organizations do not accept merchandise with price stickers attached. Most donations are tax deductible, so ask for a receipt.
Make an
OFFER SOLD!
Make an Make an
Sorry,
OFFER SOLD! OFFER SOLD!
Make an Sorry, Sorry,
Sorry,
OFFER SOLD!
Offer Card
I’d like to make an offer of:_______________ For this item:___________________________ Name:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________ Phone:_________________________________
SOLD!
Payment must be made in full Item will be picked up:___________________ Name:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________ Phone:_________________________________
Offer Card
I’d like to make an offer of:_______________ For this item:___________________________ Name:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________ Phone:_________________________________
SOLD!
Payment must be made in full Item will be picked up:___________________ Name:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________ Phone:_________________________________
Offer Card
I’d like to make an offer of:_______________ For this item:___________________________ Name:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________ Phone:_________________________________
SOLD!
Payment must be made in full Item will be picked up:___________________ Name:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________ Phone:_________________________________
Offer Card
I’d like to make an offer of:_______________ For this item:___________________________ Name:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________ Phone:_________________________________
SOLD!
Payment must be made in full Item will be picked up:___________________ Name:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________ Phone:_________________________________
Local Delivery Local Delivery
Available! Available!
Local Delivery Local Delivery
Available! Available!
Local Delivery Local Delivery
Available! Available!
Local Delivery Local Delivery
Available! Available! Available! Available!
Local Delivery Local Delivery
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
INVENTORY SHEET
Line # ITEM PRICE Line # ITEM PRICE
At: Date(s) As advertised in: Time(s)
GARAGE GARAGE SALE SALE
At: Date(s) As advertised in:
Time(s)
At: Date(s)
GARAGE GARAGE SALE SALE
At: Time(s) Date(s) As advertised in:
SEPARATE MINI SIGNS AND POST AT SUPERMARKETS, LAUNDROMATS, BEAUTY PARLORS, ETC.
Time(s)
As advertised in:
GARAGE SALE
GARAGE SALE
RIGHT HERE!
PARK HERE!
PAY HERE!
$$$
Make us an offer!
WE LOVE TO HAGGLE!
DOs & DON’Ts
Let the “DISCOUNT GURU” teach you all you will need to know so that you will have a successful garage or yard sale this year!
PRESENTED BY: Record Publishing Company
Record Publishing Co.’s Ad Experts:
330–673–3500 or 888 –296–9650
Garage Sale Setup Checklist
DISPLAY
Tables Chairs Cardboard or poster board for signs Price stickers Markers Tape Trash receptacle Extension cords Hangers Batteries to test toys, radios, etc. Plastic or blankets for items displayed on the ground Plastic for rain protection Safety pins for clothing price tags Clothesline or garment rack (for clothing display)
CHECK-OUT
Cash box or money belt Change Sales record Pens “Pay Here” signs Bags, boxes and newspapers for wrapping Calculator Tape Sold signs Offer cards Magnifying glass (for closer inspection of goods) Cloth measuring tape & tape measure Paper towels
PERSONAL ITEMS
Wide-brimmed hat Sun block Sweater Small cooler for drinks/snacks Cell phone
Secrets of Money Making Garage/Yard Sales
1. Preliminary Planning
Establish the date(s) of the sale. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are usually the best days. More people have time to go to sales on the weekends. Check your calendar to see whether there are events or holidays that will either enhance or detract from a particular day or date. Plan an alternate date in case of bad weather. Obtain a permit, if necessary, from local officials. Your community newspaper can help you with this information. At least 10 days before the start of your sale, arrange for classified advertising in your local newspaper. Newspaper staff will help you prepare your ad, including listing date(s) and hours of sale.
To place your ad: Call the Record Publishing Company’s Ad Experts at 330–673–3500 or 888–296–9650.
2. Pricing:
During the course of your daily shopping trips, make written or mental notes of similar items and their pricing. Take into account appearance, usage and age of item offered for sale. You may wish to offer items at 1/3 to 50% below prices listed in newspaper or notes you have made while shopping. We suggest the following for your consideration when pricing items: Establish a base price for all items. Then, add 20% to this base price. Example: China items: basic price $3.00—add 20%. The new price on the pricing label now reads $3.60. Garage/yard sale shoppers like to think they are shrewd bargainers, and they love to dicker over prices. They think they have made a real buy when they are able to get 10% or 20% off the label price. Giving a price concession, which puts the final price above your base price, increases your profits. A $3.60 item with 10% off would sell for $3.25. You have just made an additional .25¢, or 12%, over your base price. Price every item. Most people won’t want to ask for the price of an item, even if they are interested in it. With larger items, it is a good idea to provide additional information, like “great condition” or “only used a few times.”
INVENTORY SHEET
Line # ITEM PRICE Line # ITEM PRICE
3. Inventory Sheet:
At least three days before the sale, gather all items to be offered. List all items on Inventory Sheet. As items are sold, write selling price in proper column. This will show you exactly how much money you made. Set it up as follows: Line No. 1. 2. 3. ITEM Toaster Iron Elec. Skillet PRICE $8.00 $6.00 $9.00
4. Antiques:
If you feel you have some antiques in your offerings, make sure you have them appraised by an antique dealer beforehand. Don’t give away big dollars, because you didn’t know the value of an item.
5. On the Day Local Delivery Local Delivery
Local Delivery Local Delivery
of the Sale
Available! Available! Plan to be set up at least 1/2 hour prior to your opening time. Set up a check out area. If delivery is something
you’re willing to offer, mark large items with a “Local Delivery Available.”
Available! Available! If you see people with their arms full of merchandise, ask if you can hold it for them at the checkout area. Once
Local Delivery Local Delivery
their arms are full, they are much less likely to buy additional items.
Available! Available!
6. Setting Local Delivery Local Delivery &
Local Delivery Local Delivery
Lighting
Available! Available! Your location should be clean, bright and free of any offensive odors. No kitty litter boxes or dog houses in the
sales area. These should be removed at least two days before the sale. Spray with lysol to help clear the air.
Available! Available! No grease or oil spots on the garage floor. Buyers do not like to track up their cars when they depart with oil or
grease from spots they walked on in the sales area. Bright lighting makes all items show up at their best. No dark corners—a dismal setting discourages interest.
7. Background Music:
Garage/Yard sale browsers oftentimes shop in pairs and like to make comparison comments without being overheard. Music makes for a more relaxed atmosphere—it encourages conversation.
8. Greeting Customers:
Always greet prospective buyers with a pleasant smile. Look them in the eye and welcome them to come in and browse around. Answer all questions promptly and truthfully.
Make us an offer!
WE LOVE TO HAGGLE!
9. “Haggling”
Don’t forget, one of your goals is to get rid of items that are cluttering your house. Even if you don’t sell an item for as much as you had hoped, it is still out of your way. If you feel you can get more for this item than the customer is willing to pay, have them fill out an “Offer Card,” so that you can call them if you do not get a better offer for the item. Most sales are made in the early hours of sales. Later in the day, you can reduce your prices on remaining items.
10. Multiple Family Sales and Block Sales:
This is an outstanding way to offer larger varieties of items, attract more relatives, bring in friends of friends to the PRE-sale sale and help spread the word about your sale. This is usually held the day or evening before your advertised sale date. When setting up a multiple family or block sale, make sure all items are coded to denote ownership and proper sales dollar credit. Example: Jones family uses the letter “J” in upper left half of price label with the price asked on the lower half of the pricing label. Smith family “S,” etc. If a PRE-sale is planned, split the cost of beverages among all of the sale participants. Note: If relatives, friends or neighbors don’t have many items to offer for sale, accept their items on a consignment basis and take a 10% fee for selling.
GARAGE 10. Garage Sale Street Signs: SALE
On a flat surface, use a permanent marker and write in your address and street. Draw a large arrow to indicate direction to the sale. The night before the sale, soak the ground at sign locations with about one gallon of water. This will make it easier to pound in the stakes. Place one sign at the end of your driveway. Tie on at least two balloons. Place one sign at corner(s) where your street intersects with another street. If you live in a sub-division or allotment with only one entry or, at most, two entries, place your sign(s) at these locations. On the morning of the first day of the sale and all succeeding days, pound stakes into ground at chosen locations with a hammer. Drives stakes approximately 6 inches deep. Loop rubber band over top of stake and allow it to settle approximately 6 inches above ground level. Center the sign. Bring rubber band up over the top edge of the sign and loop it around the top of the stake. The top edge of the sign should be about 1 inch below the top of the stake. At the end of each sale day, remove signs and stakes. Reposition in the morning. Note: In the event of rainy weather, use a clear plastic dry cleaner’s bag to protect your signs. They will still be visible. Be careful about local regulations if you want to post any signs on utility poles.
At:
Mini Garage Sale Signs: GARAGE 11. GARAGE SALE SALE The four Mini Signs are designed to increase public awareness of your garage/yard sale. Place them in local
At: Time(s) Date(s) As advertised in:
SEPARATE MINI SIGNS AND POST AT SUPERMARKETS, LAUNDROMATS, BEAUTY PARLORS, ETC.
Date(s) As advertised in:
At:
GARAGE SALE
Time(s)
stores that get a lot of people who will see them. By filling in the “As Advertised In” line, your prospective customers will know which newspaper your ad is displayed in, so that they may have a better understanding of GARAGE the items for sale.
Time(s)
Date(s) As advertised in:
12. Other Helpful Info:
Date(s) Time(s) As advertised in:
At:
SALE
An electrical extension cord should be available to test all electrical appliances. Cash on hand should consist of at least $20–30 in one dollar bills, plus a roll of quarters, dimes and nickels. If possible, obtain a Carpenter’s Nail Apron from your local hardware store. They usually have two pockets in front which makes handling money easier. The store will appreciate the free publicity. Save supermarket bags to package customers’ purchases.
13. After the Sale
If you have unsold merchandise, place a classified ad to sell the remaining items.
To place your ad: Call the Record Publishing Company’s Ad Experts at 330–673–3500 or 888–296–9650.
If you decide to donate unsold items to charity, remember most organizations do not accept merchandise with price stickers attached. Most donations are tax deductible, so ask for a receipt.
Make an
OFFER SOLD!
Make an Make an
Sorry,
OFFER SOLD! OFFER SOLD!
Make an Sorry, Sorry,
Sorry,
OFFER SOLD!
Offer Card
I’d like to make an offer of:_______________ For this item:___________________________ Name:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________ Phone:_________________________________
SOLD!
Payment must be made in full Item will be picked up:___________________ Name:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________ Phone:_________________________________
Offer Card
I’d like to make an offer of:_______________ For this item:___________________________ Name:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________ Phone:_________________________________
SOLD!
Payment must be made in full Item will be picked up:___________________ Name:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________ Phone:_________________________________
Offer Card
I’d like to make an offer of:_______________ For this item:___________________________ Name:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________ Phone:_________________________________
SOLD!
Payment must be made in full Item will be picked up:___________________ Name:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________ Phone:_________________________________
Offer Card
I’d like to make an offer of:_______________ For this item:___________________________ Name:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________ Phone:_________________________________
SOLD!
Payment must be made in full Item will be picked up:___________________ Name:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________ Phone:_________________________________
Local Delivery Local Delivery
Available! Available!
Local Delivery Local Delivery
Available! Available!
Local Delivery Local Delivery
Available! Available!
Local Delivery Local Delivery
Available! Available! Available! Available!
Local Delivery Local Delivery
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
AS IS
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
Only
WOW!
INVENTORY SHEET
Line # ITEM PRICE Line # ITEM PRICE
At: Date(s) As advertised in: Time(s)
GARAGE GARAGE SALE SALE
At: Date(s) As advertised in:
Time(s)
At: Date(s)
GARAGE GARAGE SALE SALE
At: Time(s) Date(s) As advertised in:
SEPARATE MINI SIGNS AND POST AT SUPERMARKETS, LAUNDROMATS, BEAUTY PARLORS, ETC.
Time(s)
As advertised in:
GARAGE SALE
GARAGE SALE
RIGHT HERE!
PARK HERE!
PAY HERE!
$$$
Make us an offer!
WE LOVE TO HAGGLE!
