10 Tips to Maximize Yard Sale Profits this Spring

As the days lengthen and the cheerful yellow of daffodils begin to dot the sidewalks, you can breathe the familiar sigh of relief that Spring has finally arrived. It seems like human nature that in Spring, your brain suddenly realizes how much stuff you have accumulated while hunkering down during colder months.

Hosting a yard sale could be the perfect way to turn your clutter into someone else’s treasure. Spring and summer are typically the best seasons for yard sales. Warm weather encourages people to get out and look for deals. As a self-proclaimed veteran at finding yard sale deals, here are a few tips that could help maximize your profits and clean the house at the same time. 

Power in Numbers 

If you are friendly with your neighborhood, try to team up with other folks who would also like to participate. More houses mean more people, which means more stuff, and leads to more customers. It could also be more fun to host with other people. 

Spread the Word 

Let your community know that you are having a yard sale ahead of time. The most effective ways are to join local social media groups and to hang signs. A simple graphic made for free using Canva could be a great way to promote it online. Even a photograph of a few of your best items neatly displayed will go a long way.  

Keep in mind that if you post pictures of things in piles it means that people will treat it like junk. You will maximize your profits by taking the time to display things with care in photos. 

Signs posted around the neighborhood have been working for years and continue to be efficient. Choose neon paper and use big, simple letters and arrows. The clarity of a sign could make the difference between someone who just keeps driving by and someone who stops at the yard sale. Just make sure to check your neighborhood ordinance before plastering signs in businesses or public places. 

Event Timing 

Saturday is the most lucrative time to host a yard sale, followed by Sunday. While 7:00 AM might seem extremely early, in my experience people will show up early anyway. Be prepared for the early birds looking to scope out the deals. 

Get Ready for Sales 

There are more payment options than ever these days. If someone doesn’t have cash, offer Venmo or Square as an alternative. You could leave serious money on the table if you lose a sale because someone doesn’t have cash.  

Take the time before the day of the yard sale to download the Venmo or Square app to your phone, and make sure your profile is up and running. When selecting your location for the yard sale, consider whether there will be cellphone service. Remember, the goal is to make it easy for someone to give you money. 

Prepare Essentials

Make sure you have all the essential items needed to prepare: 

• Bags and boxes 
• Price stickers
• Chairs and tables
• Extra cash for change (I suggest $50 in ones, and $50 in fives)
• Tarps
• Tablecloths or bed sheets (to give a neat appearance on tables)

Curb Appeal 

Think of the curb of your yard as a window display to your store. Put the most attractive items on the curbside, such as furniture. This is also helpful because the heavier things would be located closer to a vehicle for loading. People love to drive by a yard sale to assess whether they will stop. If you put the attractive items in the most visible place, it will attract more sales. 

Also consider displaying similar items together. This will help to give an organized appearance. 

Know What Sells 

These are the items that tend to attract most buyers: 

• Kitchen gadgets 
• Antiques
• Furniture
• Hand and power tools
• Baby gear
• Toys

Pricing 

Keep in mind when you decide on how much to sell something that anyone who comes to a yard sale is looking for a deal. They either intend to resell the item, or they are looking to save money on a purchase. You should be realistic and sell things cheaply. I know you are attached to that doll house from 1970 that your father built in the garage with scrap wood, but is it really worth $500? If it feels like you are pricing something because of its sentimental value, rather than its actual value, give yourself a reality check. 

For smaller items, you can sort things into bins and then price by the item or the lot.  

Another helpful method is to use color dot stickers and then indicate on a key what the cost is for each sticker.  

Everything doesn’t have to have a price on it, but people do need to understand the system and who to speak to. Be prepared to haggle! 

Linger Longer 

Give people a reason to stay at your yard sale. The longer they stay, the more likely they are to spend money. You could have the kids hand out lemonade, you could bake fresh cookies to sell, or you could play fun music to make it a festive environment. 

Have a Post-Sale Plan 

The window of inspiration to get rid of your clutter is short. So, while you still have the energy to do something with these items (believe me, you will be tired after the yard sale!), formulate a plan for the items that do not sell. One option is to host the yard sale in the morning and then arrange for a charity to pick up the remaining items from your home in the late afternoon. This will ensure that everything is gone by the end of the day. 

By taking the time to implement these strategies, you could turn clutter into cash, strengthen relationships with neighbors, and create more space in your home. Welcome to Spring and may your yard sales be fruitful. You survived mud season!