A hot marketing campaign can mean the difference between a busy, lucrative yard sale or garage sale and an exhausting event that reaps scant profits.
Granted, many elements go into holding a successful garage sale: the purge, the sorting and the set-up, to name a few. But the pre-sale chore that many people pay too little attention to is effective promotion.
Think of your sale as a mini-business. People need to know where, when and what kind of sale you are holding. Any signs, posters or online listings should clearly describe what you are offering — kids stuff, tools, camping gear, sports equipment, decor, collectibles, kitchen gadgets, furniture, patio items and so on.
Here are some ways to streamline your yard sale and garage sale marketing:
Check with local authorities to determine whether you need to worry about any garage sale ordinances or sign restrictions. Signs are the No. 1 way that people find garage sales, so make a stack of big, bold signs with lettering that’s easy to read from a passing car. Outdoor signs should be on foam board, not construction paper. Post them legally at every corner leading to your home.
Separate yourself from the pack. Place signage away from crowded polls, posts or bulletin boards. Then, check postings frequently as signs are often bent, ripped, rained on or taken down.
Make two or three descriptive, directional signs on colorful foam-board with an arrow pointing the way to your event. Instead of simply writing “GARAGE SALE” with an arrow, opt for “UPSCALE GARAGE SALE” or “NEIGHBORHOOD YARD SALE.”
Run your sale concurrently with others in your area. Nearby rummage sales, flea markets and so on can pull traffic into your event.
Place ads in all local newspapers, on social media and websites, and on CraigsList. Enticing details and clear descriptions are key.
Post sales on Internet mapping sites that will allow free listings such as G salr.com, my site of choice. It identifies sales and offers mapping capabilities. The service also is available as a smartphone app.
Barb Tobias is a Colorado blogger, speaker, author and online radio show host. Her book, “Tossed & Found: Where Frugal is Chic” (Diva Press), chronicles her journey from farm girl to fashion model to thrift-store fashionista. Read more at ThriftTalkDiva.com.
The very best garage sale ad, according to the “Thrift Talk Diva”
Reeling in the weekenders
This is a Craigslist.com ad that I once posted for a garage sale. I was targeting women who were looking for furniture and décor. The ad was purposely playful and included details and pictures.
Two decorating divas are putting on the GLITZ!
It’s not your ordinary garage sale… It’s a Diva Sale!
This fun-filled, yearly event has decorators emptying their coffers to bring you fabulous items at great prices.
Join the fun! It’s all under cover, so RAIN or SHINE, catch the thrift wave!
FRIDAY-SATURDAY, September 22-24 9 a.m.-4 a.m. (address here)
Check out the goodies:
• Patio: patio set, pots, containers and chimes
• Gourmet kitchen & small appliances: Two cooks with too much stuff!
• Clothes: Designer duds sizes 12-16
• Furniture: From trendy to antique, includes retro and vintage
• Décor: Lamps, table accessories, plant stands, throw pillows, rugs
• For the boudoir: lovely bedding, comfy bed throws and chic pillows
• Beautiful glassware, stemware and colorful dishware
Barb Tobias