Spring is here and with that comes Seattle’s Garage Sale and Yard Sale Season!
If you are a current or past client of Chuck Cady & Associates, you may use our Garage Sale Signs for FREE! This is on a first come first serve basis so contact us at (206) 528-4457 or via email at chuck@chuckcady.com and reserve yours today!
Garage and Yard Sales are covered under new product safety laws. It affects resellers of used children’s products. Anyone selling these products that have been recalled or banned by the act is in violation. The act covers everything from toys with lead paint to cribs that might strangle babies. Check CPSC’s Web sitehttp://www.cpsc.gov/info/resale/recalls.html for recalls before hosting or buying at a yard sale.  As a reseller of goods, you must verify the items you are selling have not been recalled.
Following are a few of our favorite tips found at http://www.yardsalesearch.com under their 101 tips for a successful garage sale:
- Check into your local and community laws concerning yard sales. Some communities require a yard sale permit.
- If you have tons of a certain item (kids clothes or toys), consider a set price for filling a bag.
- Put a “Free” box out front to attract and pull in “lookee loos.”
- Be sure you have electrical outlets nearby to plug in any electronics to show buyers that they work.
- Put the bigger stuff towards the front so they can be clearly seen as people drive by.
- Post a sign that says “All Sales Final.”
- Make sure that you have lots of change! Especially quarters, one and five dollar bills.
- Accept cash only. If someone doesn’t have enough cash on them, offer to hold the item for them for a certain period of time.
- Keep your money safe and on you at all times.
- Have newspapers handy for wrapping fragile items.
- Keep a calculator handy for adding items up.
- Drop your prices in the afternoon.
- If someone makes an offer on an item that you aren’t ready to come down on, offer to take their name and number in case you don’t sell it during the yard sale.
- Consider selling some beverages or snacks, especially on a hot day. It’s a great way to teach kids entrepreneurism.
Have fun and happy selling!