Hutchinson Garage Sales & Yard Sales (2024)

FAQs

Can you haggle at a yard sale? ›

Sellers are ready to part with their things, so it's perfectly acceptable to haggle on pricing, especially if you are interested in a high-dollar item or have a grouping of things. Either ask the seller if they can lower the price or feel free to make an offer. However, don't suggest too low a price.

Like we mentioned, you can try to sell lots of things at a garage sale, but that doesn't mean they'll actually sell. It's important to keep in mind some things are in higher demand than others. Selecting in-demand sale items like books, dishes, and tools helps you have a more successful yard sale.

Hosting a garage sale can turn rarely used items into extra cash for a big splurge, paying off bills, or donating to a good cause. A successful sale takes lots of planning, prep, and execution, so before you post any signs, use these tips to make the most cash possible for all your hard work.

Set Prices in a Simple, Honest Way

Nearly new items can be priced higher, but used or worn items should be priced accordingly. Use round numbers that are easy to add up, like $1, $5, $10. This makes transactions quicker and easier for both you and the buyer. Remember, many garage sale buyers expect to haggle.

Those in the know recommend online selling far above organizing a garage sale or hiking down to the local consignment shop. “With garage sales, you only get local buyers,” says veteran online peddler and blogger (My Money Chronicles) Jason Butler.

Early spring (around late March, April, and May) is the most popular time for a garage sale.

Best Time to Have a Garage Sale

Late spring to early fall is the ideal time of year, so aim for this timing if possible. As for the day of the week, you'll have better luck with foot traffic on days where people aren't at work, so it's best to stick to weekends. Both Saturdays and Sundays are good options.

What is the best weekend for a yard sale? ›

Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings are usually the best time to hold a successful garage sale. Consider scheduling your sale on the first weekend of the month—when people have just gotten paid and haven't spent all their fun money yet.

Post your garage sale flyers around the neighborhood a few days before the yard sale. Make sure to place them in high-traffic areas like marts, parks, office elevators, and churches so people will see them. You can also ask your friends and family to help out.

“Anything that is antique or vintage should do very well at your garage sale,” said David Bakke at DollarSanity. “Just make sure you research it well so you're not selling something for a few dollars that is worth big bucks.”

Choose a date, gather items to sell, and organize them in a way that makes browsing easy for buyers. Sometimes I've started with only $30 but always make sure and have the 10 $1 bills because a lot of people will buy a one or two dollar item and give you a five.

The give and take of street market negotiation is a subtle art, but you won't be able to participate if you don't have an ideal price in your head. Whether you are willing to just get close to that number or have to land exactly on it, you must decide beforehand or crafty vendors will see right through you.

Get two rolls of quarters, a stack of 50 $1 bills, 10 $5 bills, and 5 $10 bills. Do it two days before the sale so that, if you forget, you can still get the change on the day before.

While negotiating land offers is often a multifaceted, time-consuming process, thorough research, accurate appraisals, and applicable contingencies can all help level the bargaining field.