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Ten Tips For a
Top-Notch Tag Sale
By Rosemary Chieppo
1. Attracting
buyers to the sale should be your top priority. But first make a call to town
hall; some towns require a permit to hold a tag sale. Once you know the local
rules, advertise in your daily newspaper (on Friday for a Saturday sale), as
well as in a weekly newspaper in your area. PS: These websites offer free
virtual bulletin boards for tag salers nationwide: www.craigslist.org,
www.garagesalehunter.com, and www.yardsalesearch.com.
2. Post large cardboard signs around the area and on main streets directing
people to your house. Use black marker on a light-colored background, big
arrows, and the address so they can find your house easily. Use a single color
of paperboard for all your signs so potential shoppers aren't confused by
inconsistent signage.
3. A yard sale with friends and neighbors will boost enthusiasm as well as help
divide duties so the sale will run more smoothly, but keep in mind that having
more sellers also requires more delegating and organizing, such as using
different-colored price stickers for each seller. And since nothing attracts a
crowd like a crowd, create an inviting party atmosphere by tying up balloons and
playing music with mass appeal. Upbeat tunes are an instant people magnet at an
outdoor sale. PS: Make sure you have someone on hand who can help move heavy
objects or load items in buyers’ cars.
4. Here’s what you’ll need to get rid of what you don’t need: a fanny pack with
lots of change; a calculator for tallying sales; measuring tape so shoppers can
measure furniture; extension cords to test electrical appliances; a full-length
mirror so shoppers can see what clothes look like; bubble wrap, boxes, and old
newspapers for packing; and plastic bags to make it easy for shoppers to buy
multiple items.
5. The top-selling tag sale items are: sports or soda memorabilia, such as old
Coca-Cola or Pepsi bottles; collectibles such as vintage chrome appliances and
Elvis mementos; DVDs and CDs; children’s/baby clothes; classic toys; and
decorative household items such as candleholders and lamps.
6. Create zones for the different kinds of items you’re selling. Organize things
into labeled sections, such as “housewares”, “sports gear”, “tools” and “kids”.
PS: Clean everything to make it look as new as possible.
7. Encourage browsing by setting up tables to form aisles so items are
accessible from all sides. People backtrack a lot at yard sales, and you want to
make it easy for them to return to things for a second look. How you display
items can also work to your advantage. Put the most valuable items on tables so
they can be more easily seen. Toys should be on the ground where kids can pick
them up and get attached to them. Put big ticket items like furniture and
electronics where drivers can see them.
8. Price it right. For a list of popular tag-sale items and suggested starting
prices, go to www.realsimple.com/tagsale. Most tag-sale items usually end up
selling for 10 percent of retail. Use removable stickers to price everything, no
matter how small the item. PS: Be creative with pricing, like “buy one get one
free”, and don’t be afraid to mark things down as the sale progresses.
9. Let’s talk about men! They are a totally different type of tag sale shopper.
Even when just browsing, they shop with a goal in mind, and want to shop
quickly. If you’ll be offering tools or building supplies put them up front
where they’ll be easily seen, and have an extension cord handy if anything is
electric powered. PS: Items must be marked; many guys won’t take the time to ask
a price. Sort of how they won’t ask for directions.
10. When the sale is over, don’t take unsold items back to your house. Pack up
what’s left and donate to charity for a tax break.
The most popular period for tag sales nationwide is between June and October. In
college towns, the moving months of August and September can be particularly
profitable. Dedicated shoppers get up early, so expect the biggest crowds at
8AM. Sundays are generally poor days for sales. Good luck!
About the Author
Rosemary Chieppo
has been a professional organizer, writer and public speaker since 1999. The
costs of not being organized are enormous: time, money and stress. Organizing is
the greatest gift people can give themselves; it clears the path to life’s more
important destinations! Visit Rosemary's website at
http://www.borntoorganize.com
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