A day later, his mother noticed half her living room was missing.
By the time he was 25, he hadmade $1 million flipping items he purchased at garage sales.
He also wrote a book called The Garage Sale Millionaire.
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How to Host a Successful Garage Sale
Want to make the most of your next garage sale?
Heres what you’re gonna wanna know, with advice from LaPedis and other experienced sellers.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help…
1.
Hold a Themed Sale
J.D.
Roth ofGet Rich Slowlyonce had a Geek Garage Sale thatearned him $2,400in three days.
Figure out what youd like to sell, and see what the most appropriate theme might be.
Consider themes like sports, garden tools, outdoor gear or tech.
Or schedule your sale in conjunction with a local event that will bring people into the neighborhood.
The larger your sale, the more enticing it is for potential customers.
Dont just throw some items outside and call it a garage sale be sure to spread the word beforehand.
Put up fliers in your neighborhood and use online ads to let people know about your sale.
Use Craigslist or local messaging boards.
Specialty forums also cater to those specifically looking for garage sales, includingGarageSaleHunter.comandYard Sale Search.
Also, be sure to use social media, includinggarage sale groups on Facebook.
In your promotion, list the special and big-ticket items that will help lure people in.
Consider putting up pictures of furniture, antiques, entertainment centers and other particularly appealing items.
Put up a lot of large, brightly colored signs, at least 3 feet square.
LaPedis recommends 15 to 20 signs per sale.
A simple arrow pointing the way along with the word SALE should do just fine.
Plus, simple signs are reusable, because they dont have specific dates or details.
Be Prepared
When preparing for your sale, think about what people might need or want.
Do you have a lot of accessories for sale?
Have a mirror available so people can see how they look when they try them on.
Selling electronics or small appliances?
Have batteries or an extension cord handy so they can see how it works.
Also, have change!
Bring more than you think youll need, and secure your money during the sale.
Make It Look Like a Store
People leave disheveled stores quickly, often without buying anything.
Dont recreate that problem at your garage sale.
Make everything look nice and tidy.
That will help people efficiently evaluate what you have on offer.
Put big-ticket, bright and colorful items closest to the street to draw people in.
Tidy up throughout the day.
Or dont price it at all.
(Conversation can draw people out.
you’re able to meet new neighbors this way and hopefully get a better price.)
Another useful technique is bundling like items, such as books or DVDs.
Five DVDs for $5 will catch a shoppers eye.
Wear comfortable clothing, shoes, a hat and sunscreen.
Have water or other beverages handy.
Crank up the tunes, put out some cookies and lemonade, and make people feel welcome.
Its best to keep big bills in your pocket, but consider an apron for small change.
Cash boxes can also work, but you have to be mindful to always have an eye on it.
Sometimes people will work in groups to cause a distraction and snatch cash or goods.
Kristen Pope is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder.
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