How Much Can You Make From a Yard Sale?

by James D. freelance writer and a content strategist.

Holding a yard sale can be a rewarding investment of your time. On average, a person can make $500 plus on their yard sale if they plan and advertise right. Find items around your house you don’t use anymore or want to upgrade and sell them in a garage sale. Use these tips and tricks to help make the most money at your estate sale.

9 Tips to Make Money at Your Yard Sale

1. Be Organized

When people are shopping at garage sales, they are on the move from one to the next. They don't have time to look through boxes of clutter. Organize your yard sale so people can glance to see what you have available. Set things out neatly, and group similar items together. Fill boxes where people see what is in them and dig through quickly. When people know what you have, they are more likely to buy.

2. Be Friendly

You may not think much of this, but buyers want to shop at a friendly yard sale. An approachable seller is one that people enjoy doing business with at any time. Try to say "Hello," and "Thank you for stopping by" as people come and go. Have a smile on your face and be pleasant.

3. Know What to Sell

Knowing what you have to sell is very important when looking through your unused items. You will want to research fair pricing and which products sell quickly, such as:

● Furniture: couches, recliners, etc

● Kitchen table sets

● Coffee tables

● Workout equipment

● Toys

● Clothes (especially kids' clothes)

● Electronics

● Tools

These items are fast sellers when they are in good condition and priced well. You can also sell items individually online to help bring in sales and expand your customer reach.

4. Payment Options

When you have high price tag items, such as a dining room set for $300, you don't want to lose a customer because they don't have cash. Offer to accept different forms of payment, such as PayPal or Venmo, so that people can pay for items without cash.

5. Pricing

Be bold and put no prices on your merchandise. You will be surprised at how many people will give you a higher offer than you would have asked originally. Unless an item is very particular, save time and money on price tags and tell customers everything is up for an offer. If they ask you for a price, give the ballpark of what you would like for the item.

6. Pick Your Day Wisely

Choosing the dates of your yard sale is vital to the success of your day. It used to be that Saturday and Sunday were garage sale days. Now people get out earlier on Thursdays and Fridays. They are more apt to pay higher prices because they know you still have a couple of days left in your sale. Have evening and morning hours to help bring in many customers.

Search for the weekend when you are having a city-wide yard sale. These are perfect garage sale days. You will get more people shopping because more people are out looking. In addition, you will have extra advertising through your city's promotions.

7. Sell with Neighbors

Neighborhood sales are great ways to bring in money for several families at one time. Get together with your neighbors and make a huge yard sale for people to come and shop. The more variety of items you have, the more people will stop in and take a look.

8. Sell Your Crafts

Sell your hobby or craft items at your yard sale to gain business and advertise with your community. If you make soaps or jewelry, this is a great place to build your business profile and make some money doing what you love.

9. Advertise

Advertisement is a significant component in making your garage sale profitable. Online marketing, posters, and signs are excellent ways to let people know about your sale. Spread the word about your sale several days in advance. When the day of your yard sale arrives, post flashy neon signs with directions to get attention and bring people to your sale.

Make Money

When selling your items, you can be sure to make money when you follow these tips. By being organized, having a friendly attitude, advertising, and having fair selling prices, you will have a profitable sale, and your buyers will enjoy shopping in your driveway.