Bastrop Garage Sales
Ok Bastrop it’s that time of the year and if you’re looking to do some Spring-cleaning and declutter your home, Yard sales might be the best way to eliminate junk, and make a little extra money.
As you drive around Bastrop on a Saturday and Sunday morning you will see garage sales popping up in every neighborhood. You can find the most concentration of garage sales in Riverside Grove, Hunters Crossing and even The Colony. So, what makes one-yard sale good and another a failure?
Being a good haggler doesn’t hurt because, at the end of the day, the point is to have visitors leave with as many items as possible. Sometimes that means bartering or selling some of those unwanted items in bulk or bundles. It might also mean creating “clearance” bins and offering buyers a cookie with lemonade. Shoot, you might even throw in some of my real estate business cards while you’re at it.
Here are a few basic tips to holding a good yard sale, based on the best practices observed at area yard and garage sales over the past month. By mastering these, the only hard part will be picking and choosing which items you are ready to say “goodbye.”
Don’t be afraid to invite friends.
Crowds attract more crowds. By inviting your friends and neighbors, it will make it easier to attract people who are driving by. Larger crowds mean more merchandise will be sold.
While you’re at it, advertise your yard or garage sale on area bulletin boards, Craig’s List, in newspapers, at work, online and at grocery stores.
Signage
Make sure you have plenty signs and the bright colored ones are the best. On the signs you want to have your address, dates and times of the sale and maybe even some arrows directing them to your home. Place them throughout the neighborhood and have somebody check on them during the day to make sure somebody hasn’t removed them.
Treat your yard like a store
There’s nothing more unattractive than an unorganized yard sale. Buyers want to get in and get out without having to sift through piles of junk. So set up display areas and separate items by theme or use.
For example, if you’re selling a dining set, consider reconstructing a dining table setting that places sale items among your own things. Set the scene and buyers will be attracted to the area.
This also means making sure that the “hot items” are closest to the road. Feature them in an attractive way to draw attention.
Be flexible
The whole point is to make money, so be willing to barter. Visitors likely will only carry between $30 and $50, so be willing to negotiate package deals or two-for-one sales.
It also wouldn’t hurt, as a selling strategy, to price items and then immediately slash them. Dump them in a clearance bin and everyone will take a peak.
Equip yourself
Make sure you have all the tools you need to run the sale properly. This means keeping plenty of small bills on hand, as well as a few rolls of quarters. If you need, make sure a calculator is handy.
It also doesn’t hurt to wear an apron or a loose shirt with pockets. This gives you mobility so you can make change and interact with customers away from the buying table.
Offer refreshments
Food attracts people. Free refreshments will attract even more people. But if you think your yard sale will have a steady flow without a lemonade stand, you can always sell food items for a cheap price.
Good items to have on hand include water, juice, coffee and tea, as well as small munchies like chips, cookies or nuts. I knew a guy in Bastrop that sold breakfast tacos and sausage wraps and let me tell you, he made a killing.
Price accordingly
This isn’t the place to be a stickler for what something is “worth.” The key to a good yard sale is getting items to move quickly. Unless an item is large like a bed or desk, or expensive like stainless steel kitchenware, keep everything below $2 or $3.
To make your job as cashier easier, avoid strange pricing. It’s easier to deal with dozens of $1 and $2 items than it is when they’re priced at $1.25 and $2.60.