Garage Sales

One method that is fairly easy to do, and you see almost instant results.

For me, I find at least 20 items I know will sell for $10.00 or better, than I find as many small priced items as possible. I also make an inventory sheet, that list the items, the prices and the lowest price I will except for that item.

You can advertise with signs around your neighborhood. For a free listing that will be seen, try Craigslist for this ad. They have a section just for garage sales.

If you don't want to commit to an entire weekend, just start with Saturday. If it is a slow sale day, you can either leave your signs up and advertise it again in Craigslist for the next day.

I suggest trying to have at least one other person helping you. This is good for handling any larger crowds, moving the stuff to a dry place if the weather turns bad, to give you a bathroom break.

Have plenty of change on hand. I highly suggest using a fanny pack type item, so you know where your money is at all times.

NEVER let anyone use your restroom, or enter your house for any reason. Also, beware of someone asking you for a drink, so that you leave the merchandise.

Another great EXTRA money making idea. Set up your coffee pot outside. Have a small, iced cooler-for cream. Have doughnuts. You can sell them both for a nice profit.

Also, have a cooler of sodas, water, and fruit drink boxes to sell.

If it's going to be an all day event (or past lunchtime), grill some hot dogs and possibly frozen burgers. You can make a killing on these.

On haggling-I hate hagglers. I set my items at a fair price, but do always have a price for less I will settle for. If someone tries to haggle for even lower than that, I refuse. I'd rather donate my items and use them for a tax write off at the end of the year.