ADVERTISE THE GOODS:  When placing an advertisement in the newspaper make sure it has different ad copy for each day.  Instead of your ad saying “Garage Sale this Saturday & Sunday” for both days have it read “Garage Sale Today!” both days.  It gives people the impression that it is a one-day sale and they won’t find leftovers on Sunday that didn’t sell Saturday.  When placing an ad in the newspaper have the person taking down your information read back the address to you, making sure they print it correctly.  You can also list your sale on many free local social sites in your community.  But the most important type of marketing is just basic signage.  Hang signs to point people on side streets in the right direction.  Home Depot, Lowe’s and Fred Meyers have a large variety if you are not the crafty creative type.

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT:  you’ll get more money for items that are clean and in original packaging.  Buyers appreciate comparing original retail price tags, when possible, but price your stuff to move.  The standard for a garage sale is 15%-20% of retail, but be realistic.  Very few people would pay that percentage of a $300 pair of Kate Spade shoes so that item may be better taken to a resale rack (check our RESALE directory for a list of good consignment shops).  On the other hand, if you find yourself trying to price some ugly hillbilly rinestone ”Mom Jeans” from the early 90’s you probably can’t go low enough and letting them RIP at the Goodwill is a better bet.

PLAY HOUSE:  putting furniture out as close to the street as possible because it is the number one best seller at garage sales and people will “drive by” and shop your sale before stopping.  Having your furniture out front will entice them to stop.  Also arrange your furniture like you would in your house with end tables by couches and chairs tucked under dining room tables to give buyers an idea of how good it would look in their house.

BE CHILDISH:  put children’s items close to the ground where they can see, and become attached, to them.  Kids can’t beg their parents for toys or books they can’t see.  So don’t pile them high on a tall table because they will never know what they are missing.  Also place children’s items in the back of your garage sale so parents have a chance to shop without worrying about their kids being too close to the street.

HANG IT ALL OUT:  clothing is tricky because some people have great success selling it at garage sales and others don’t.  For your best luck hang-up clothing so customers can see quickly what size and gender it is.  Few people have the patience to paw through a pile so hang them all up and clearly price them.  Button and zip-up all your shirts, coats and pants so it’s clear that all the hardware is intact.  Remember that people  DO NOT have a right to try on clothing in your house.  This is not Nordstrom and you should say no if they dare ask.  The kind of people who would ask to go into your home to try on a $2 sweater are exactly the kind of people you do not want in there.

BE ELECTRIFYING:  the burden of proof that items work falls on you, the seller.  To prove your stuff works properly run an extension cord out of your home and into your garage sale for people to test items that need electricity.  Even on sale, it is only a good deal if it works.  Having a couple types of batteries on-hand also gives people the chance to check out electronic treasures.

SHUT UP:  have lots of small bills and change so you don’t have to lower your prices just to break someone’s $50. and keep your cash on your body in an apron so no one walks off with the cash jar.  Keep security in mind because these strangers may be very friendly but they are not your friends.  Resist the temptation to be talkative because you may give out too much information that can make you vulnerable.  For example, if you are selling a Playstation don’t let them know it is because you bought the new Playstaion 3 recently; you do not want to be a target for thieves.  Also keep your profession private so your work schedule cannot be guessed.  Obviously don’t tell them when you are going on vacation, tell them your guard dog’s name or disclose that you live alone.  And finally, clearly mark where your garage sale ends so people don’t wonder back onto your private property.  Shut gates or hang a sheet to clearly define where the sales ends and make sure to lock your back door. 

Having a garage sale with a buddy or neighbor is even safer (and more fun) and a great way to cleanse your collection of unwanted things and make a little extra money to do something special…like go to seaside brunch with Mr. Perfect.  Have fun and if remember if your garage is a rockin’, buyers will come a knockin’.

More of Nicolle’s Tips for a great garage sale: VIDEO HERE!

Written by Nicolle Camarata

The Kelly Skirt in the “Hello” print, $48. CAN

The Market Dress in Red, $68. CAN

Check out more Redfish designs and order for back-to-school at www.RedFishKidsClothing.com

written by Nicolle Camarata

Written by Nicolle Camarata

You spend way more at the grocery store then you think you do.  The average household thinks they spend up to 40% less on food a month then they actually spend.  Keep track of your budget by asking yourself these simple questions before you leave for the store:

Who are you?  Identify what kinds of products you consume and then go straight to those aisles, resisting the urge to cruise the whole store.  If you eat fresh foods then you should shop the perimeter of the store where the fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy are kept.  If you are on a diet then skip the cookie aisle.  Out of sight, out of mind is a famous saying for a reason.

What’s for dinner?  Plan your meals before you make your list so you don’t get distracted once at the store.  Nothing is more frustrating than spending a hundred dollars at the register just to come home and try to make a meal out of brussels sprouts and enchilada sauce.  Even if you don’t like making a list challenge yourself to write down what meals you plan on making.

What you looking at?  Product placement is very important to stores and the items at eye level are there for a reason. Look up and down for better deals.  Also realize the bigger the chain the bigger their research budget on how to get you
to buy.  You can also make a list of what you are NOT buying, if you know your weaknesses.

How do you juggle it all?  If you are only going shopping for a few items then don’t get a cart or basket.  If you are going in for milk and cat food then you should be able to carry it to the checkout.  This way you won’t be able to pile things endlessly into your cart absent-mindedly and you’ll get free exercise. 

Does size matter?  Only buy in bulk for the products you’ll never stop using. Laundry detergent, toilet paper and shampoo are good choices for the bigger quantities that usually mean cheaper prices.  However, you will never use a gallon of soy sauce and your vanilla extract is too big if it has a handle.

Are you a less is more person?  Avocados at most big chain supermarkets are a dollar or more and to make guacamole you need to buy several of them since they are so small.  Zupans Markets, and other organic stores, have HUGE avocados that are twice the price but three times the size so you end up needing fewer of them and therefore spending less money.

Portland’s cutest and most successful country duo, Cloverdayle.