Jul 24 2008
How to Have a Successful Garage Sale Tip #5
Tip #5: Advertise the day of your sale
Put up signs the day of your sale. Check regulations in your area to see what kind of signage is permitted. Some municipalities do not permit signage in the public right-of-ways (commonly defined as both sidewalks and the area in between, including any grassy areas between sidewalks and streets), signs attached to existing signposts (such as posts for street signs and stop signs), or signs attached to light and telephone poles. It’s a good idea to not attach your signs to telephone or light poles even if it is permitted, as the staples, nails and tacks can present hazards to the utility workers.
Make your signs on colorful poster board, or use pre-printed sale signs that you can purchase at most hardware and discount stores. These signs will stand out more than a plain white sign, especially if there are several sale signs in one location. If you use white board, attach balloons or streamers to your sign if possible. Try to make them grab the attention of passing motorists. Attach your signs to inexpensive wooden stakes or posts.
Print the days, time and address of your sale on your signs. Make sure they are legible. Remember that most people who will be viewing your signs will be passing by in a vehicle. Don’t use a ball point pen or a fine-tip marker for your signs. These are almost impossible to read when passing.
Use at least an 8 ½ by 11 inch piece of poster board when making your sign. Small signs are worthless, in my opinion. I recently saw a garage sale advertised with signs that were about the size of those signs that the fertilizing companies use to let you know they’ve been at your house. You know the ones I mean. They’re maybe the size of a 3X5 index card. I didn’t even pay attention to the first one of these signs I saw. It was only after I saw several others that I realized they were advertising a garage sale.
Use your signs to direct customers. Post several signs along the way from a main thoroughfare to your sale. If you post several signs, make them all look alike. This will help people pick out your sign from among the masses.
Another way to make signs is to use boxes or bags weighted down with rocks. Write your sale information on the outside.
However you choose to put up your signs, remember to take them down after the sale.
I have always used boxes for my signs. There free at the local Ingles in my area. Free is free good advertising.