Buying and Selling at a Garage Sale

Scripps Howard News Service

How to hunt

• Look in the newspaper the night before for classified ads of sales. Figure out a route and stick to it, only stopping at other sales on that route.
  
• Shop early for the best selection. Don't wait until Saturday. If the sale starts Thursday, go that day.
  
• Pack snacks and drinks in the car to avoid any unnecessary stops.
  
• Cary cash in small bills. -- Have an open mind as to what you may find.
  
• Wear comfortable shoes.
  
• Nab a friend or two to go with you.

How to sell

• Make sure items are clearly priced.
  
• Be sure to get at least $50 in change the night before the sale.
  
• Avoid pricing anything for less than a quarter. It will make money handling easier.
  
• Sell only junk you can get money for.
  
• Have a yard sale with friends instead of alone.
  
• Don't choose a start time that is too early or an ending time that is too late.
  
• One day only. You don't need a two-day sale, especially when the best items have already been sold.
  
• Advertise, advertise, advertise.
  
• If you say "no early-bird sales," try to abide by your word.
  
• Put out clearly marked signs to guide people to your sale.
  
• Donate whatever is left over to charity.