A day or two before the sale, price tag everything so there’s no question what the prices are. Use tags or masking tape with the price written on with a black marker. A good shortcut is to put $1 items on one table, $2 items on another table, and so on.
Next, spread the goods out as much as possible. Make it easy for shoppers to walk around tables and see what you’ve got. Put the best goods in front so that drive-bys can see this is a sale worth stopping at.
Make sure clothes are clean, pressed, and on hangers. If you have a lot of kids’ clothes, bag and label several same-size items for $x a bag. Have a table up front with tools, camping gear, and fishing stuff to attract the male drive-by. Likewise, package a few toys in plastic bags to sell to the kids for 10–25 cents to keep them happy and the parents around longer.
If you have appliances, run an extension cord to a table so buyers can make sure everything works before buying. Also important is to get a supply of small bills and change, since garage sales are a cash business. Have at least 20 $1 bills, 5 $5 bills, 5 $10 bills, and 2 $20 bills. For change, get a roll of quarters, dimes, and nickels. No credit cards unless you’re set up for it and can process the transaction on the spot—and absolutely no checks—no exceptions. Finally, make sure you have enough parking. Let the neighbors know what’s happening and thank them for being cooperative afterward. Good will is always important.
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