How to host a successful yard sale

MURRAY, Utah — Every year, Lori Bagley clears out the clutter in her home by throwing a yard sale.

“I really think Americans have way too much stuff,” said Bagley.

If you want your yard sale to be successful, Bagley recommends starting by pricing your merchandise right.

“Remember, this is used stuff you don’t need any more and so don’t price it too high,” explained Bagley. “If you’re not going to use it, price it so somebody else thinks they got a good deal and they’ll feel happy.”

A good starting point is the one-third rule. If you paid $100 for a vacuum a couple years back, price it at around $30 for your yard sale.

“One of the things I look at when I’m saving things for a yard sale,” said yard sale veteran Kurt Cochran, “is that something I’d be interested in buying and what I would be willing to pay for it. I think some people think their stuff is worth more than it is.”

Both Cochran and his neighbor Bethany Ebling do research on their more valuable items.

“I look at Amazon and eBay, what different things are going for and price it for less than that,” said Ebling.

The yard sale veterans all say to expect haggling.

“Sometimes, I’ve had people haggle me to death,” recounted Bagley.

Cochran says you can stay firm on your prices at the start, but if stuff isn’t moving as the day goes on, then by all means, haggle.

“I think the key is, ‘do you want to take it home or do you just want to move it?’” asked Cochran.

Another key is to have plenty of small bills on hand so you can make change.

“A lot of ones, a few fives, a lot of quarters and that’s about as fancy as we get,” said Bagley.

Next, make things easy by grouping like items together.

“I lay out things by price,” explained Ebling. “A blanket for 50 cent stuff, a blanket for $1 stuff. And I organize by room. Here’s the kitchen stuff, here’s the garage stuff and here’s the sport stuff.”

Other advice from the veterans: hang up the clothes.

Put up yard sale signs with addresses and arrows large enough for people to see as they’re driving past.

And plan on starting early. Bargain hunters will be out at the crack-of-down.

“You want to be prepared,” said Cochran. “Start putting your stuff up at 6 a.m. because people are going to be stopping by 7 a.m.”

Cochran, Bagley and Ebling all say you don’t have to go it alone. Team up with your friends and neighbors.

“It’s a whole neighborhood yard sale. So, there’s a lot more people that come through,” said Ebling.

Yard sale ordinances vary city from city. Some cities require permits. Others might have rules about the signs. So it’s also a good idea to check the rules before a code enforcement officer swings by to shut down your sale.