Annual Garage Sale

Garage Sale Tips for 2010

1. If possible plan to set up your sale items in a covered area so that you can still hold the sale if it rains.
2. Provide as much parking as possible for buyers.
3. Clean and price all items (on top of item) and use different coloured dots for different family members if necessary. Be aware that some people will want to bargain.
4. Expect early birds. If you don’t want them, put up a sign “NO EARLY BIRDS”.
5. Set up the sale attractively. Lawn cut, items displayed on tables, garbage can near street.
6. Even if you have a friendly dog, best to keep it away from the sale.
7. Have plastic bags ready for purchases and check to make sure there are no credit card receipts in any of them.
8. If selling clothing, hang it up on hangers and make sure pockets are empty.
9. Background music is nice if it is soft and “easy listening”.
10. If selling a big ticket item, cut out a copy of an ad showing with the original price.
11. Have lots of change and small bills and GUARD YOUR MONEY! Fanny pack or carpenter’s apron work well. DON’T ACCEPT CHEQUES! Keep a calculator handy.
12. Testing — batteries + an electrical plug/extension cord for electrical appliances available.
13. Put up signs that say “All Sales Final” and “Not Responsible for Accidents”
14. Seal small children’s toys or ones with lots of pieces in clear plastic bags.
15. Check the government consumer website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/garage_e.html for hazardous items that should not be sold at garage sales such as baby walkers, crib prior to 1986, etc.
16. Make eye contact with the customer as they approach your garage sale and greet them.
17. Have someone to relieve you if you want a break for a coffee, lunch, bathroom trip, etc
18. Do not allow anyone into your home, for any reason.