The signs have started to pop up. As the economy slowly opens again, yard sale and garage sale season is starting back up this summer, too. But it’s hard to know what to do and how to stay safe during a pandemic. This year, yard sales you host and your yard sale shopping experience will look a little bit different. Here are a few smart and safe yard sale tips to help fuel your passion to make a little extra money and save some, too.
Consider online
Not everyone has the same comfort level right now. So if you’re not comfortable with the idea of people being too close, you may consider an online option for both shopping and selling your stuff. Facebook Marketplace easily lends itself to this practice as does the popular website Craigslist. You’ll need to clearly state payment methods and pick up arrangements to keep things contactless.
You’ll also need to be sure you’re available to communicate clearly with potential buyers. Set your notifications and set aside the time to receive messages and questions.
If you’re shopping, set your parameters while browsing. One of the best aspects of shopping online is being able to view only the items you can afford. Set those filters to acquire the specific items in your price range and other features like colors and size when you can. Ask good questions of the buyer about usage, wiggle room on prices, pick up and payment procedures. To have a satisfactory experience, no question is a dumb one.
check with your HOA
Be sure your neighborhood is currently allowing residents to even host yard sales. You wouldn’t want to invest hours of work only to be shut down as soon as you open. Ask clear questions about any potential limitations or different practices for this year. It’s unlikely that we’ll see too many neighborhood sales of years past. But some neighborhoods may still allow you to conduct a sale.
Spread items out
If you choose to host a yard sale this year, be sure you provide plenty of space that allows socially distant shopping. Consider providing a wide berth between tables. Provide hand sanitizer, too. You may also want to position big-ticket items like furniture, exercise equipment and large toys at the end of the driveway. These hot ticket items attract more foot traffic from shoppers.
Timing is everything
The hot summer temperatures mean that a lot of shoppers will begin their day up with the birds. If possible begin your garage sale as early as 7 a.m. It’s also a great idea to have a definitive end time. If someone offers less than the priced amount but you think it could fetch more as the day wears on, you can encourage them to return at the end of day and purchase said item for that price.
Traditionally, Fridays and Saturdays make the best days for yard sales, but with people working irregular schedules and traveling less, you may be able to set a sale for Thursday or even a Sunday afternoon and still attract customers. It’s OK to think outside of the box.
Offer a presale
Consider allowing friends and family or those in your smaller social circle to have an evening to browse before your sale actually begins. Advertise on your social media channels and post photos of your inventory.
Sanitize frequently
Whether you’re shopping or selling, cleaning is key. Disinfect as many surfaces as possible. Wear a mask when you can’t be six feet away from others. Pack disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer. Wash your hands more than you think necessary. While it’s fun to score a bargain, becoming sick isn’t worth any savings. We try to keep a bag in our car with extra masks, wipes and sanitizer so we’re never without what we need right now.
always next year
It’s OK to sit this garage sale season out, friends. There will be more bargains in the future and more opportunities to make cash by selling the clothes, toys and home goods you no longer use.
The decision to shop at or host a garage sale is up to you (and potentially your HOA). No matter what you choose to do, be wise about how you approach your experience this year. It’s not business as usual.
