How to Coordinate an Attic Sale and Make It a Success

Triumph is down to careful planning when considering staging a garage sale. Preparation the key to success: To start with, are there a few of you wanting to sell merchandise or is it just you? Check with official bodies such as the local government office whether there are any regulations and your neighbour whether they have objections, then set the date and time. 

Clean any merchandise that you want to sell and make sure there is no damage and the merchandise are in working order. Merchandise such as books and DVD's can be boxed with their spines exhibited; it is also a good idea to label clothing so customers can see the size easily. Cover blades and dangerous objects with a piece of card as to avert accidents. Think about encouraging sales with gimmicks such as ‘buy one get one free’ and price clearly. Chairs where customers can sit down are a good idea, and you will also want tables to exhibit your goods on. Source some grocery bags for customers to carry their goods home in as well hangers to display clothing. Lots of change is imperative as your customers are unlikely to have the precise amount to pay you. If you are not running another sale ask your charity shop or homeless shelter if they want any left over merchandise and if they are willing to collect them after the sale has finished. 

you need to think about publicity. Free and attractive garage sale signs are provided for clients by some real estate companies. By using signs supplied by these companies your sale with have that polished edge to it. Community message boards such as in the church are a great place to advertise, as is the local paper and Internet. Information on merchandise for sale, the time the sale starts and ends, directions and whether refreshments are offered need to be included. 

Cleaning the area you are going to use generates a good impression to probable buyers, also hide away any items that you don't want sold accidentally. To stop yourself being run ragged ask friends and family to help on the day. Your first task on the morning of the sale is to arrange any tables and chairs needed to show your goods and provide a rest area. Make sure your rest area is away from the items for sale so purchasers do not trip over each other as well as providing a garbage can for rubbish. Put out the last-minute signs showing directions to your property. Set up a table to wrap up the merchandise and pay for the items, a calculator will be helpful. Review with your helpers the amounts you are willing to negotiate on each item so everyone is clear right from the start. 

Your sale room should look enticing and needs to be obstacle free. Make sure you have access to an electrical socket and batteries to show that your goods perform. Display your items appealingly and try to separate them into groups such as household, clothing or gardening. People driving or walking by can be enticed to stop by showing your most attractive products nearer your property entrance. It has been known for purchasers to try and return merchandise days later, therefore erect a sign that says 'all sales are final'. 

Early arrivals are an inescapable problem when you host a attic sale. Be affable, welcoming and engaging with all your customers and be prepared to negotiate on the prices. When it comes time to pack away for the day tell any buyers left behind, politely but firmly the garage sale is finished and there will be no more sales. You then need to clean up, this includes gathering up the signs that you put out first thing. Now comes the nicest part. Count up your cash while drinking that well earned coffee and think about what you are going to do with it. 

For a more elaborate article – please read our garage sale guide.