Yard Sale Season is in Full Swing, Buckhannon!

May 28, 2022

Community Connections | The Editors

Get ready for your sale!

BUCKHANNON, WV - Summer is near and that means it's Yard Sale season again in Upshur County.

This year, we're here to help you make the most out of your sales. The strategies presented in this week's -Community Connections- will help you make the most out of your yard sale this season.

Today we're covering:

- When to have your sale (ideal days & times)

- Must have supplies

- Organizing Tips

- Pricing your items

- How to price those handmade items YOU made (even those that others give you to sell)

- What to sell

- Presentation

- Set up

- Marketing

- Item suggestions to help you with your sale!

- Templates

- Handmade/Crafts Tips & pricing

What to sell at your sale:

- Clothes - These go pretty fast

- Toys - All varieties

- Accessories

- Tools - These people show up early

- Jewelry

- Handmade items- don't sell yourself short. Check out an 'equation card' or download the craft calculator from Amazon

- Books - Doesn't matter what genre it is

- Music - (Vinyl & Tapes are making a comeback

- Movies - Do you have a hidden gem of rare DVDs or collectible VHS cassette collection?

- Video games - Most are looking for some PS & PS 2, Sega Saturn, Nintendo DS and/or any vintage games or consoles.

- High end items like vases, candelabras, computer equipment, furniture, bikes, electronics, exercise equipment, etc.

Printable Checklist:

When should I hold my sale?

The best months to have a Yard Sale is from May through September, and sometimes during October/November, depending on the weather .

The best days are usually Saturday and Sundays (and sometimes on Friday's).

You need to give yourself at least 2 hours to set up unless you have a few people helping out.

Start Times: Have your start time begin at 9 or 10am. This will give you some time to set up, depending on the amount of items you have for sale and the number of people helping.

Closing Times: From 3 to 5pm is usually best. Be sure to include cleanup time as well.

Have a backup plan by setting a rain date or two, usually for the following weekend(s). You could also make alternate plans in case of inclimate weather, such as moving the sale to an outdoor pavilion or somewhere indoors.

Must-Have SALE Supplies:

- Grocery bags for sales of a few items

- Boxes for bigger items or fragile ones

- Packing for fragile items with so it doesn't move around.

- Blank or pre-priced tags

- Small tags on string for the jewelry

- Pen and marker

- Pieces of cardboard or card stock

- Tarp - For anything you will put on lawn

- Extension Chord(s) - to test that it works & show how it does

- *Balloons (optional)

- *Almost forgot the MOST important... TABLES and somewhere to hang clothes

Pre-Production:

Advertise

Online, community newsletters, Mountaineer News (coming soon), local groups, etc.

Provide Enough Space

Be sure to leave lots of open space around areas where people will linger, such as areas to look through books, flipping through or sizing up clothes, etc.

Make your stuff more sell-able.

- Clean it up: Dust it, wash it with proper cleaner or better yet just use a bit of dish soap (or vinegar and water)

- Display it well: Group it with like items. Make a floor plan. Place clothing (like T-shirts etc.), large tools, sports equipment, paintings and other desirable items should be well in view from the street.

- Dress up the area: However possible.

- Up-cycle: Turn something old into something new, i.e., shirts into a quilt.

- Refurbish goods: Worn wood coffee tables. Sand and re-stain.

- The price is right: Research prices. Set your beginning price points at 20% off the current retail price or 50-90% off the original retail price.

- Demonstrate HOW it works: We think this is pretty self-explanatory, but a quick demo for items like electronics, appliances, machinery, etc., may procure the transaction.

- Bargain Bin/Freebies: Some things simply don't sell well at sales... like promotional items. These can be given away for free or for a small price (even bundle 2-4 items for $1).

- Correct Change: Have enough small bills on hand to make change for your customers.

- Price Negotiations: If the customer wants to negotiate, then let them negotiate, but stick to your guns if the price is too

- Drinks & Snacks: Purchase a case of spring water and just give them away as a welcoming gift! You can also sell a bottle for anywhere from 25 cents each to a dollar. If you can find a package of snacks that come 5 or more to a pack (especially when it gets close to lunch and towards the end, give those out, too. Be sure its something you would eat as well in case you get stuck with it.

And remember, you can always try consignment shops, pawn shops, flea markets, local shops, etc., for any high ticket items that go unsold.

If Selling Online:

• Take Great Images: Use natural light and take pictures from front, back and INSIDE, as well as a variety of different angels (especially if its purses, bags and wallets).

• Great Description: Use bullet points, key words, etc... describe features and flaws.

What Doesn't Normally Sell?

- Old records - Best to sell on ebay

- Old shoes (okay if gently worn or brand name)

- Big Furniture shouldn't be included

- Stuffed animals - If collectible, sell on ebay (otherwise donate to thrift store)

- Souvenirs - Place them in the bargain/free bin

- VHS tapes (usually only if rare or collectible)

- Old looking exercise equip.

- Partly used beauty items (make-up NOT hygienic)

- Outdated books (donate to thrift store or library)

- Poorly maintained toys

- Promo Items- Such as souvenirs

We hope you find these tips useful. Feel free free to share any input and your ideas with us on Facebook. If it's important to you, it's important to us.

Coming soon to Mountaineer News (Summer 2022)...

This summer, you'll be able to advertise your yard sale for FREE on our website. Keep checking back soon.