Cooperative Effort

 

Another form of cooperative effort is when you team up with a friend or neighbor and work the sale together. This is a great idea resulting in having more tables and a larger variety of items to attract more people to the sale. Another benefit of this kind of sale is that you have more help in waiting on customers and someone to talk to during the slower moments. 

 

TIP: Use a coded sheet for a cooperative sale. This Way you can "cash people out" quickly at the end of the day. Simply create a code for each person involved and keep a running record of items sold. On your record sheet, "B5.00", would mean that Betty sold an item for $5.00.  

 

Cash on Hand

 

Remember, this is a garage sale and not a bank! Too much cash on hand might invite a visit from Jesse James! Not enough cash on hand can lead to disaster too. I suggest starting with $10.00 worth of coins and $50.00 in small bills. You can have more cash locked inside your house just in case you need it. As your sale progresses, remove excess cash from the sales area and take it to the secure area in your locked house. 

 



 

TIP: A carpenter’s apron is terrific for carrying your cash with you. A cash box works fine, but you can’t wear it! The important thing is to keep your hard earned cash secure.  

 

Involve the Family!

 

Consider making your sale a grand family project. You can do this by coming up with a family reward for contributing to a successful sale. This "bribe" may come in the form of a family trip to an amusement park or even a cash reward.  Or you might say, “Help us at the garage sale or you get no supper!”  Just kidding. 

 

 

TIP: Assign family members specific jobs: run the refreshment table, be in charge of music, keep clothes neat, fill up empty spaces on tables, etc.  

 

Bags and Boxes

 

 

People need to haul the spoils of garage sale hunting to their car. You can help them do this by providing a supply of bags and boxes. A small stack of newspapers will be appreciated too for wrapping any glass items.