5 Tips to Make Money at Your Yard Sale

While the art of a yard sale may seem pretty straightforward, simple alterations in timing, pricing, and display can make the difference between a successful sale and a full-on flop.

In honor of National Garage Sale Day-Saturday, August 13-we talked to Ava Seavy of GarageSaleGold.com on the dos and don'ts of selling your unwanted wares the good old-fashioned way. Follow these tried-and-true tips and you may just strike gold.-Jessica Dodell-Feder


See all our expert yard sale money-making tips at thisoldhouse.com!


1. Drum Up Attention

Place ads in local newspapers, online, or on public bulletin boards. Reserve signs for the day of the event, and only include the sale's date, time, and directional arrows to its location.

Make sure your signs are readable from a distance that will give a driver time to slow down and turn. That means bold, thick, black letters on large, brightly colored posterboard, readable from a few hundred feet down the road.

MORE: Best Reader Reuse Ideas 2011



2. Don't Forget Friday

Many experts maintain that Sunday is the best day for a sale, since people tend to reserve Saturdays for running errands. But Seavey advises, "Start your sale earlier in the week than you think. Believe it or not, the best day of the week to hold a sale is Friday, as this is when most dealers and retired people will come."

MORE: Best of 10 Uses for Common Household Products






3. Time It Right

Most business generally happens in the morning, says Seavey, so it's best to get an early start. Open for business at around 9 a.m. and finish up in the late afternoon.

MORE: The Best Neighborhoods to Buy an Old House








4. Get the Go-Ahead from Officials

Before a sale, check with your municipality to ensure you're following local rules and guidelines. For example, some towns require permits or restrict you from having more than a few sales a year. You should also make yourself aware of federal regulations regarding the resale of items like baby furniture, which can pose risks because of recalls.

MORE: The World's Wildest Houses





5. Display Merchandise with Care

Never place items, unless they're pieces of furniture, on the ground. Rather, hang items or place them on tables, and cover those tables with sheets or tablecloths to give your sale a neater look.

Don't miss even more tips to make money at your yard sale at thisoldhouse.com!







More from thisoldhouse.com:

Best Curb Appeal Before and Afters 2011

DIY Fixes for Annoying Home Ailments

World's Weirdest Home News

Summer Outdoor Fun and Games