Chronicles of
Dear Readers,
Few phrases excite me more than the words “Yard Sale”! The proverbial yard sale has evolved from a casual, haphazard event put on by an individual or entire neighborhoods, to an art! Ah, do you doubt my words? Just take a look at these numbers.
The most recent available figures are from 2025 and for the U.S. only. One in four people hold a weekly sale. Weekly buyers: 690,000. Total weekly revenues: $4.2 million, yes, I said million. There are important rules and strategies that ensure a successful sale. A small sale nets between $300 to $500. Larger sales net between $500 to $1,500 dollars and beyond.
The most effective way to advertise your sale is yard signs, usually from 6 to 8. Ads in local newspapers or neighborhood flyers are also a good way to get the word out. A permit is required from the city coding department a few days prior to the sale, but many fail to meet this requirement.
The best day to hold your sale is Saturday. The optimal price for household items is $5. Make sure prices are marked clearly. Be willing to negotiate. Tiy to be as organized as possible. Display sale items in as attractive a way as possible. You don’t have to buff brass or silver items to death. According to my favorite PBS show, “Antiques Roadshow”, cleaning off too much patina can render some items almost worthless!
Have an extension cord connected to a power source to verify lamps, toasters, hair dryers and the like are in good and safe working order. Procure a cash box and a couple of hundred dollars in small bills and some change for small items. A large key calculator and a good friend to help you with your sale are good ideas. Going all day without a bathroom break is unwise. Last but not least, gather up a supply of all those plastic grocery store bags that you have been meaning to take to the recycling center for your customers to have a way to cany their treasures home. Several small cardboard boxes might be a good idea if you have large glass items. Maybe gather some newspaper for wrapping fragile items.
Well, I think I have covered all the bases. Pray for good weather and good customers!
Sincerely,
Scarlett
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