The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

Holding a garage sale? Here’s what you need to know to begin

The annual end of the world is coming
11/17/09
Ravioli, patriotism on school menu
11/16/09
Does exercising while pregnant put baby at risk?
11/16/09
On a day like today, a good-luck charm might come in handy
11/13/09
Calling all Christmas tree farms
11/12/09
> More lifestyle headlines

By Jill Kelley, Staff Writer Updated 12:09 PM Monday, May 11, 2009

It’s springtime, but that’s not love you smell in the air — those are bargains.

With the country working through an economic recession, it stands to reason that there will be more families conducting garage sales to generate income.

So, for those who haven’t held a garage or yard sale before or for others who might benefit from a few more tips, here is some information about how to plan, host and shop a garage sale.

Tips for planning

Call your city to see if it requires a permit to hold a sale. Permit requirements vary per city. For example, Kettering and Beavercreek do not require a permit, but Huber Heights does.

Weekends, primarily Saturdays, are the best days to hold garage sales, since more people are out in their communities.

But, if you have the time, you may want to hold a “preview sale” a day or two before your event to get the die-hard garage sale shoppers to come out early.

Post fliers in the neighborhood near your home, at intersections and at nearby parks that advertise your sale and its hours. Make the signs clear and noticeable, and make all the signs you post the same. (Also, make sure you take down the signs when the sale is finished.)

Submit information to the newspaper — for print and online.

If you have notable merchandise for sale, include that as well.

Coordinate your sale with others on your street so there is more of a draw to your neighborhood.

Ask friends and family to spread the word.

Tips for hosting

Make sure the items you have for sale are clean and organized.

Make space so shoppers can walk through easily and be able to reach the merchandise. Studies show that people more often buy items they have touched.

Be friendly and helpful. Be open to bargaining, but figure out ahead of time what price you don’t want to go below.

Have lots of change — $5 bills,  $1 bills, quarters. Make the change you have align with your prices.

Clearly price the merchandise, make the prices fair and either put a price on everything or lump similar items into one price group. To get a good idea of a fair price, visit some area sales before you hold yours.

Don’t put sale items on the ground.

Have an extension cord at the ready to test electrical items.

If you are selling clothes, have a full-length mirror nearby.

If you hold a joint sale with other families, and color-code the items so you know who gets what profits.

Have bags and newspapers on hand to wrap the items sold.

Enlist helpers to help prevent theft.

Have the kids sell lemonade or cookies.

Have a freebie section. Give your leftovers to charity.

Tips for shopping

If you are in the market for specific items, make a list beforehand.

If you plan to visit multiple sales, map out a route before you leave.

Haggle; many sellers are willing to negotiate.

Don’t insult the seller’s merchandise or their prices.

Bring cash, but don’t show how much you have.

If you find an unmarked item, ask the seller if they will take a specific sum instead of asking what they want for it. Your price likely will be lower.

If you like the items at a sale, but think the prices are too high, check back later in the day — the prices may have come down.

Don’t be afraid to leave empty-handed.

Be aware that some things are best not purchased at garage sales. For instance, car seats are only good for a certain number of years and should not be used if they have been in an accident.

Cribs are another area to be cautious. There have been multiple recalls in the last few years. If you can be sure of the make, model and year it was made, check it before you buy.

Toys also have been the subject of numerous recalls. Older toys might not meet current lead standards.

So, now that you have what you need to know, get out there and have some fun — the bargains await!

Share this article