Looking good - organize!
Dust off the merchandise and display it in attractive groupings. Use tables and hangers to keep items at eye level. Gather bags and boxes to pack up purchases for your customers.

Advertise
Run an ad in the newspaper and be sure to feature special items you'll be offering. Best selling items include furniture, books, children's clothing, baby items, tools, camping equipment, plants and old jewelry. Post signs and be sure to use directional arrows so customers can find your sale! Use our garage sale kit to download signs. Wear hats or crazy shirts so people can recognize who to go to with questions, put balloons and streamers on your house or yard so customers know where the sale is.

Price everything
People hate asking for prices, and you may be too busy to answer questions, so mark prices clearly. Also, set up tables that are "everything one-price".

Keep prices low
Remember you are trying to unload stuff -- right? A good rule of thumb is to price at 20 to 30 percent of retail. Don't waste too much time bargaining.

Financial planning
Have plenty of small bills and coins on hand. Keep your cash close at hand! Wear an apron with big pockets or carry a small purse to prevent theft. Don't accept checks!

Inventory
Having lots of merchandise attracts those drive-by lookie-loos. Spread your items out and think about having a combined sale with neighbors. If you do have a multi-family sale, color-code price tags to keep proceeds separate and try using the inventory sheet in our garage sale kit to keep track of everyone's cut.

Hungry hunters
Bargain hunting can really work up an appetite. Have baked items and hot and cold drinks for sale to bring even more cash. You can have the kids help out at the goodies stand.

Donate left over items
Many local agencies will schedule pickups after garage sales including Northwest Center for the Retarded and Community Services for the Blind.