The old adage, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” is definitely true when it comes to the bustling business all seem to participate in – the yard sale.  Whether hunting for these bargains or dishing them out, we all enjoy the feeling of satisfaction we get leaving/completing a yard sale.  Buyers get great bargains and sellers unload unwanted items for a little cash in their pockets.  If your home has become more of a storage facility than a home, maybe you should consider unloading those unwanted items.  Summer months, even though hot, are the best time for these yard thrift stores – clothes, knick-knacks, furniture, toys and kitchen items are usually popular.  In order to have a successful yard sale, here are a few tips for the hosts!

• Planning is essential.  Don’t think you can wake up one morning, throw out a few items and call it a day.  The organized you are the better.  Start organizing and pricing items you plan on including in the sale at least two weeks in advance.

• Know your neighborhood.  In many areas, you’re limited to the number of yard sales you can have each year.  Several communities require permits to have sales, so it’s best to check the rules and regulations in advance.

• Avoid the holidays.  Most people are busy either traveling or planning their own events on holidays, so scheduling a yard sale on those days would almost guarantee low turnout.

• Look ahead at weather.  Especially in Houston, weather can change quickly when it’s been consistently beautiful.  Make sure you check the local forecast to ensure you will have nice weather for your yard sale.  People will be less likely to come out on a rainy day, unless you have a large canopy to shelter them while they browse.

• Team up.  Have a family or neighbors pitch in items to the sale.  When you can advertise a multi-family sale, it is more enticing to bargain hunters; they feel there will be a wide variety of things to grab.  Plus, you get the added bonus of splitting the time with more people and having a break.

• Advertise.  Use signs to direct shoppers to your sale, and be sure to include your address, date and duration you will be open for business.  Think about using a site like Craig’s List to advertise the sale too.

• The early bird gets the worm…or the pretty glass vase or couch for that matter.  Bargain hunters make it a point to get to yard sales early for unpicked merchandise, so make sure you start early.  Plus, you will be more comfortable not sitting in the midday sun.

• Cash only!  Unless your neighbor, whom you’ve known for years, wants to buy your coffee table and a few other items, and asks to pay with a check, take cash only.  Personal checks are easy to duplicate fraudulently.  If the check is returned you have no recourse against the scammer.

• Be smart with all that cash.  Do NOT use a cash box.  Keep your cash on you, particularly in a less than fashionable fanny pack or something that’s not easy for people to access.  If someone hands you a large bill needing change, leave the large bill out in plain view until you’ve given the buyer change, then put the bill away.  This will prevent a scammer from saying they gave you a $20 bill as opposed to the $10 bill they did give you.

Taking your time, getting a team together and planning accordingly will assure your yard sale success.  Happy vending!

Do you have a big neighborhood event or sale you’re planning and want a little extra advertising?  Contact us, and we will be happy to put it on our NoPlaceLikeHouston.com fanpage on Facebook.  All we need are the details, and we will let our fans know!