When you think of simple ways for teens to make money, the idea of holding a yard sale probably comes to mind. As books and movies show, a yard sale is a tried-and-true way to declutter your home while making some cash. However, holding a successful yard sale is a science. Here are a few yard sale tips that will ensure you're profitable.
1. Plan Ahead
If you want your yard sale to be successful, you will want to start planning at least a week or two in advance. This will give you ample time to find items to sell and to choose the ideal day for your sale. When you're choosing a date for your yard sale, be sure to select a day when you think buyers will have the time to browse or when you know there will be more foot-traffic on your street.
2. Advertise
To make sales, you'll need lots of costumers! Be sure to get the word out about your yard sale. Posting signs and flyers in your neighborhood is a great way to attract potential buyers who live nearby. However, if you want to reach a wider audience, you may be interested in getting the word out on the internet, advertising on sites such as Nextdoor or Craigslist.
3. Sell items that are in good condition
Offering high-quality items is essential if you wish to have a profitable yard sale. While you may be tempted to put out all the clutter that's taking up space in your basement or garage, you'll want to limit your sale to gently used items. Most buyers won't want to spend the time sorting through junk only to find one or two useful things. If your items are in good condition, buyers will be more likely to spend time looking at them.
4. Group your items
When you set up your sale, be sure to place similar items close to each other. This will make it easier for buyers to find the types of things that interest them. To do this, you will want to take an inventory of your goods and break them down into categories such as clothes, toys, knickknacks, etc. This will allow you to set out a table for each type easily.
5. Price your items fairly
If you want to make sales, you will need to pay careful attention to how you price your items. Researching the original prices may help you calculate how much you should charge for a gently used item. Additionally, if you can't accept credit cards or Venmo, you may want to stick to prices that can easily be paid for in cash. $5, $10, and $20 are great prices to stick to!
