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Checklist for Successful Garage Sale
I
love checklists because they help me get organized and
stay on track. It's spring time in Wisconsin and garage
sale signs are starting to sprout up all over the city.
Garage sales are an ideal way to get rid of "junk", as
part of our spring cleaning ritual, and make a little
money at the same time. Here, then, is my checklist for
a successful garage sale and I intend to use it for my
own garage sale next month.
Plan
Your Garage Sale
- Schedule
a date for your sale, but give yourself at least two to
three weeks to plan and organize the sale. You may want
to set an alternate date, in the event of rain.
- Set
a specific time for your sale (e.g. 8:00 AM), but be aware
of earlybirds -- some are dealers.
- Try
to hold your garage sale on weekends for maximum traffic,
but avoid conflicts with long weekends, when many people
are away.
- Contact
your family, friends, and neighbors to see if they want
to join you in the garage sale.
- Obtain
a garage sale permit, if it's required in your area.
Look
For Things to Sell
- Prepare
for your garage sale by doing some spring cleaning. Check
your attic, basement, closets, garage, and other storage
areas for items you no longer need or use.
- Ask
your friends and relatives to see if they have any items
they no longer want or need.
- Children's
clothes, toys, books, antiques, appliances, and furniture
usually sell the best.
Advertise
For Success
- Place
a classified ad in your local newspaper (and of course on Rummage
Wisconsin.com for FREE!). Specify a "rained out" date, if
you wish. Ask for your garage sale kit, if it's available.
- Advertise "cash only" if that is your preference. In addition, post
a "cash only" sign in a prominent location at your sale.
- Put
up posters
at the local laundromat, grocery store, or other community
bulletin boards. List key items that may attract customers.
- Investigate
use of online classifieds or messages on your local freenet
or newsgroups.
- Put
up signs
at strategic locations, on the day of your sale, to direct
customers to your sale. Be aware of local bylaws regarding
sign postings on public property.
Continue
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