Yard Sale: It's a technique

Yard sales can be a great way to make a few extra dollars in a hurry, but there are some techniques that can help improve yours. Here's a few tips and tricks to think about when planning your yard sale:

Advertise: If people know, they will come. Advertise on Craigslist, put up many signs and put them out early. Let friends and family know before hand about the sale so they can spread the word.

Have a good variety: People who yard sale chat with one another about where the good yard sales are, so make sure you have items that will appeal to a wide variety of buyers.

*Note: One way to do this is to go around to neighbors and ask if they have anything they would like to get rid of or donate to your yard sale. As an added courtesy you can offer them a deal to take the item to the local thrift donation center and give them 50% of the profits with little to no work on their end of the bargain.

Don't overcharge: people come to yard sales with the idea of spending LESS, not MORE. So, the best way to earn money is not to overcharge your products. Instead sell more items for less money, and you'll be surprised how the money adds up.

Combine with another yard sale: You won't be able to make money on their products this way, but more items equal more foot traffic, so there is a better chance that your products will sell.

Offer a raffle: Put together a basket full of goods. I've actually gone online and ordered many freebie samples online to put together a sample basket at no cost to me. (This is a good way for companies to have their products advertised as well.)

Then, sell raffle tickets for the basket at $1 a piece and have people write their names and phone numbers down. You can then call or email the person who won their prizes to come and pick it up. Make sure the products are something that you would want.

Sell baked goods: Have an old family recipe that you're famous for? Bake it and sell it off in plates. You can even offer a sample plate so people can try a small taste of what they would be buying.

Sell beverages: My two recommendations: Sell water if it is hot outside and hot chocolate if it is cold.

*Note: Many people take the route of trying to sell soda, but not everyone drinks soda and if it doesn't sell it can be expensive. However, you can pick up very cheap hot chocolate packets at your local dollar store and large packs of water for under ten dollars. Put them in a cooler or thermos and charge 50% to re-hydrate your parched customers.

List it high: Don't be afraid to list your products a little bit high and let your customers haggle.

Last, have a good time! Put balloons on your posters and around the yard sale and play some fun music to create an exciting atmosphere