7 tips on how to run a successful yard sale.

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Photo By: David Sacks/ThinkStock
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According to Fox News, do these 7 things, and you'll have the best yard sale in Kalamazoo!

  1. Get the word out

Craigslist may be a go-to, but you should check out some different sites to spread the news, including GarageSaleHunterYardSaleSearch, and GarageSaleFinder. As a reminder, repost your sale a week ahead and the day before.

If you go the “old-fashioned” sign route, you should invest in a sturdy oak tag instead of construction paper.  They'll stand up better to the elements (wind, drizzle). But don't post them to telephone poles or trees, because in some areas, it is illegal to post signage without a permit.  You should attach signs to wooden stakes and poke them into the ground the day before or early in the morning of your yard sale.

  1. Arrange for change

You need money to make money! Gather plenty of ones, fives, and quarters - and don't forget a calculator. It’s always smart to have some larger bills on hand, too. Set up your till in an old lunch box, or wear an apron with a deep front pocket. Be ready to start selling on time -- or even early. If your sale starts at 9 a.m., you might get a few early birds at 8:30 a.m., hoping for first pick.

  1. Lure 'em in

Put your best items right up front, either at the end of your driveway or on the edge of your lawn. Then set up the rest of your items in an organized fashion. Place dishes and small items on folding tables, line up books with spines in the same direction, and hang clothes on a collapsible coat rack or clothesline strung between two trees.

  1. Price it right

You'll drive yourself crazy if you try to put a tiny sticker on every single thing you own. Save time by grouping similar items together and then pricing the whole section. Typically, items sold at garage and yard sales are set at a third up to a half of the price you paid for it new. You can also price items by the bundle too…like (3 for $1) in order to get rid of multiples in one fell swoop.

  1. Negotiate nicely

You want the stuff to disappear, so be reasonable when it comes to lowering prices. If you're asking $5 and the offer is $3, it's easy to say $4 and be done with it. Of course, there are times to stick to your guns. Like, if you know your practically new wheelbarrow is $65 at Home Depot, don't be swayed by people trying to offer you less when you're already giving them a deal.

  1. Offer drinks

It's not a cocktail party, but if it's a nice warm day, a cooler of sodas or water is a nice touch. At $1 a can, you might make a small profit on the beverages and you'll make people want to hang around a little longer. And if your kids are in the right age range, let them sell cookies or brownies with the drinks. Oh, and putting out a trash can is a good idea, too.

  1. Mark it down, or make it free

Remember, you don't want to haul any of your stuff back into the house, so think about filling a big box labeled "free." Or spur sales by creating a "gift with purchase" table.

"For every $25 spent, let the buyer pick an item for free, or wrap some up as 'surprise gifts' with purchase and let the buyer choose one.”  You can probably expect folks toward the end of the sale, looking for last-minute bargains. Be prepared for this by slashing prices in the last hour or two.

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