Skip to content

How to Host a Successful Garage Sale

Many people think of spring and summer as garage sale season, but fall may actually be a better time to host a sale. The weather is cooler and more comfortable, and shoppers will be looking for seasonal items for the upcoming winter. An organized and well-stocked sale can make a good amount of money, and, perhaps more importantly, get rid of unused or no longer needed stuff!

garage
photo credit: @clemono accessed 09/03/20 via CC0

How can you make your next garage sale more successful? We have a few tips.

Choose the Right Location

If you live in a quiet or rural neighborhood, consider hosting your sale at the home of a friend or family member who lives in a busier area. The more traffic you have, the more you’ll sell.

Advertise

In addition to big and bright signs, list your sale on Facebook, Craigslist, and garage sale websites. If you have any large or specialty items, list them separately online. This will not only increase the likelihood that they will be sold, but could also get additional traffic to your sale.

Focus on the Experience

Make sure all items being sold are clean and in good condition. When you set up the sale, organize in a thoughtful way, placing like items together. Ensure that everything can be seen and touched, and make pricing clear and obvious. Make sure you have the means to plug in appliances and ensure that they work. Get shopping bags and correct change.

Prepare for Bad Weather

Rain in the forecast? Rent a tent!

Price Items Right

It’s tempting to set prices high, but if you really want merchandise to move, price items honestly and accurately. If you reach the end of the day and you still have a lot of unsold merchandise, cut prices even further. Allow shoppers to fill a bag for $5 during the last hour, or a similar end-of-day sale. And don’t be afraid to negotiate.

Donate the Leftovers

Don’t want to bring the unsold garage sale merchandise back into your house? Check out The Spruce’s comprehensive guide to donating household items.

Broadway Tent & Event has everything you need to make your garage sale a success, including tables, garment racks, hangers and a cash box. Call us at 763-208-1357 to reserve your garage sale rentals today.