Yard Sale Check List

To help with organizing your sale, here are a few points of interest you may want to consider.

Before having a yard sale you may want to call your local city or county government for yard sale regulations. If you live in a deed restricted community check with your home owners association as well. Also check to see if there are any "sinage" rules (size, shape, placement) or permits needed to hold a sale within your area.

Preparing Your Items For Sale

Sort each item into a category like kitchen, books, kids or clothes. Clean and repair your items as you go, to ensure they are in the best condition.
Label each item with a price or group them in a box or bag with a single price for all. Items should be priced around 25-35% of what they cost new with an exception for clothes 5-15%. Have the mindset that almost anything will sell if it is a bargain.
If you're participating in a community or multi-family sale, check with the organizer on how to mark your items to eliminate any confusion when it's time to count the profits. Providing a notebook with a list of your items will help the cashier during the checkout process.

Decide on Advertising

Write a draft of your sale for advertising in a local newspaper.
Include the date and time of the sale, address, directions, and items of interest.
Be sure to count the number of words and characters before you call for pricing.
Determine the length of your sale (days and hours) and if you will allow early birds.
- Advertise at least 1 day before and during the day of your sale.
Call your local papers for pricing and deadlines.

Advertise your sale on the Internet with us -- it's FREE.

Gathering Supplies Before the Sale

Batteries and extension cords will be needed for those "try-before-you-buy" customers.
It helps to have extra boxes, bags and newspaper (to wrap fragile items) on hand for those who buy more than one item.
Have plenty of change, at least $20 in small bills and coins.
Calculator, paper & pencil

Signs, Posters & Fliers

Visit our "Print A Sign" page -- it's FREE.
Determine where signs will go: In and around your neighbourhood is best; one in front of your house is smart too.
- put posters at major intersections and along your road
- put up fliers in local stores, laundromats, and churches

Night Before the Sale

Put up signs at major corners and infront of your house.
Set up your sale area using tables to layout items, hangers to display clothing; you want to create an area so people can browse and shop in comfort.
Prepare some refreshments like coffee, donuts, bagels, etc...

Morning of The Sale

Make sure your house is locked up and fully secure: You don't want to give buyers the opportunity to snoop around.
Place the refreshments on a table and play some soft background music.
Open the gates or door to your sale and greet all your customers with a freindly smile!

When your sale is over be sure to take down your signs, not only is this courteous and good for the environment, but you might be fined if you don't. Also, consider donating any items not sold to a local charity of your choice.