First, she says be the first gal on scene; you’ll get dibs on the best items.
Next, know how to bargain; rule of thumb: don’t be shy. Money talks, and you’re actually expected to haggle over garage sale prices.
Another tip: look for neighborhood sales. Often, you can hit 100 sales in a small area. Plus, consider the Valley area your perusing. Older, more established communities will generally offer antiques, while you’ll see rather current stuff spring up in newer neighborhoods.
Finally, trust your gut—if you love it, buy it. You might fear it doesn’t match your style, or maybe the paint is chipped, but Hammond suggests putting those hesitations aside—you can work it in somehow, change the color, or if all else fails, re-sell.
However, if you happen to have a lot of extra “stuff” lying around, Hammond is sharing how you can get the most bang for your buck.
First things first—spread the word! Internet sites are booming with garage sale locations, and you can also list your event on Hammond’s hub: www.garagesalegal.com.
Next, make colorful signs bound to stop traffic—use orange, red, or green. Avoid detailed advertisements; instead, create a large, simple sign with “SALE” and an arrow pointing in the right direction.
You’ll also want to organize your sale similar to a store. Hammond suggests displaying items in an organized manner, making your event visually appealing. People are usually on the prowl for something specific, so they’ll head directly to their area of interest.
Here’s one that might come as a shocker—skip the price-tags. Yes, Hammond says you’re better off not pricing your stuff. That’s because people often offer more than what you think your item is worth.
Lastly, instead of concentrating on Saturdays and Sundays, start a day early. Hammond says Fridays are the hottest for those on the hunt.
Moral of the story—ditch designer boutiques once in a while. Spring-time is prime-time for Valley garage sales, and you’re bound to find a savvy steal thanks to Hammond’s tactful tips.
To purchase her book, visit www.garagesalegal.com.
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