Change can be exciting when moving into a new place.It's an opportunity to get rid of things you have accumulated over time.Instead of packing and moving, host a moving sale.If you clear out the mess, you can lighten the load on moving day and make a few bucks.
Step 1: Go ahead and plan.
The day before you plan to have the sale, don't start rummaging through your closets and crawl spaces.You should keep an eye out for items that you might want to get rid of as soon as possible.Set these items aside as you go along.You will have a lot of things to worry about as the sale gets closer, so make it easier on yourself by being organized in advance.
Step 2: You should clean your merchandise.
This may include touching up paint or mending a hole.People don't want to buy something that looks like it has been on the floor of their garage for a decade.If you want people to buy your stuff, you have to make sure it is clean.The difference between getting two dollars for an item and ten dollars is made by this.Before you display it, make sure you wash it.No one will buy your clothes if they smell like someone else.
Step 3: Sell items that are moving-sale appropriate.
People go to moving sales to find things.If you have items that are worth a lot of money, a garage sale may not be the best place to sell them.The item may get stolen if it looks expensive.They can be auctioned off on Ebay.
Step 4: Take your moving sale tools.
There are other items that are more important than the merchandise.If you plan on selling drinks or snacks, you need at least one trash can.It is easier to sell electronics if you have easy access to an electrical outlet.Provide plastic grocery bags to your customers.Hopefully, this will encourage them to buy more.It is possible to prevent theft by using grocery bags.If you see someone walking away with an un-bagged item, you will know they have not paid for it.Ask if the person has paid if you see it.The shoplifter will usually leave the item where they found it.
Step 5: You should check your local laws for garage sales.
Making sure it is legal to sell is the first thing you need to do.You may need a permit to host a moving sale.You can find this information on your city's website.You can call your local information hotline to find out if a moving sale is legal in your area.
Step 6: Prices should be reasonable.
People come to moving sales to find great deals.It is unlikely that anyone will buy your item if it costs more than 1/3 of the retail price.It's a good idea to price your items in small amounts of one dollar.A difference of 25 cents can make or break a sale.You should clearly display your prices.People are more likely to buy items if they know how much it costs.Consider giving your customers a bargain.If you have a lot of old books, you can give your customers a discount if they buy more than one.
Step 7: A good money management system is needed.
You don't want to have your profits taken at a garage sale.If you decide to use a cash drawer, make sure a trusted friend or relative is near it at all times.A money bag that clips around the waist is a safer alternative to a cash drawer.Change is on hand.You want to be well stocked because not many people carry correct change.If you are selling items in one dollar, make sure you have a lot of dollar bills.Consider using a credit-card reader.You can link your bank account to these in many electronics stores.You don't have to miss out on sales if you do not have change.
Step 8: Awareness for your moving sale.
Place large, weather resistant signs around your neighborhood.Before you put it in someone's yard, make sure you get permission.The time and date of the moving sale should be legible.List some of the more popular items you will be selling, such as outdoor furniture or baby clothes.Social media can be used to raise awareness and attract customers.There are websites that can be useful in attracting younger people.Take out an ad in your local paper's classified section.The newspaper is used by many older people to find garage sales.
Step 9: It is time for your moving sale.
Most people are paid at the beginning of the month.If you host a moving sale on the first weekend of the month, you are more likely to sell more stuff.Don't host your sale during a holiday or rainy weekend.You might not sell as much if you do.The most popular days for moving sale shoppers are Saturdays and Sundays.You may not see many customers if you host it another day.
Step 10: You should show off your stuff.
If you want to attractively display your merchandise, try to put it on tables.If you want to add some flair, place colorful tablecloths or scarves underneath everything and arrange the items in striking displays.Group the items into categories so that shoppers don't have to search for what they want.If you have a lot of kids toys to sell, consider putting a kids area on an old carpet.Kids can test the toys while their parents shop.The kids will ask their parents to buy them a toy when they fall in love with it.It's easier to browse through clothing that is displayed on a rack.
Step 11: Customers will be happy if your customers are happy.
Customers are more likely to linger at your moving sale if you sell inexpensive bottled water, sodas, and snacks.If it is hot, you can provide shade by setting up a canopy.To create a nice atmosphere, play some soft music.If you anticipate a large crowd, ask a trusted friend or family member to run the refreshment booth.If you don't have time, you may not be able to help customers with questions.