Planning a successful tag sale is like planning any major event. You need time, organization, a date, and certain materials to make sure your event is a success. Read on and our local experts will show you how to do it right.
It could be as exhausting as planning your daughter's wedding. But it does not have to be. We have consulted some local experts who will simplify it for you.
If you are planning a massive project, such as an estate or moving sale where just about everything is going to go, you might want to contact someone like Donna Pfister of DW Estate Sales to organize it for you. Pfister covers most of Fairfield County and has held sales in Stratford, Trumbull, Shelton, Fairfield, and Milford. There is something to be said for not dealing with the sorting, labeling, and having the expertise to know what is going to sell.
“There isn't a whole heck of a lot that isn't going to sell. People will buy almost anything. We had a man who threw out old suitcases and we retrieved them, and they were among the first things to sell,” said Pfister. “There is no rhyme or reason to what sells, it is just a matter of bringing in a large, diverse crowd.”
If you are planning a simple affair, give yourself plenty of time to plan this occasion. Susan Gieir of Bethel said, “I work full time, so it took me months to go through everything.”
Her partner in this seven-family tag sale needed much less time. Bonnie Clark, also of Bethel, said it only took her two weeks.
Online guides suggest that you gather all of the items together and place them in an out-of-the-way space, like a corner of the garage, for labeling. You may want to create a list of the more important pieces so that if the tag falls off before the buyer reaches you, you will not have to come up with a price at the spur of the moment. Don't let treasures go for nothing! Remember, eBay is also an easy way to sell your more exciting items.
If you remember to check the local town and school calendar, and have it coincide with a time and date when there will be a lot of traffic in your neighborhood, you may draw a much bigger crowd. Holding a multi family sale is also more likely to draw a larger crowd.
Getting attention for your sale is also important.
If you have a lot of items for sale, you might want to consider donating a portion of the proceeds to your favorite charity. They may be willing to post an announcement to their email list or help with posters. Take advantage of free advertising, such as on Patch, Craig's List, and Tag Sell it. Place signs in heavily frequented areas, such as your local coffee shops or grocery stores, and even in downtown areas. People with GPS systems may not think twice about going out of the way to visit your sale.
Making signs is key. Some people create signs that are an event unto themselves. Make them readable from the car, and be very clear about the details. Engage people; a sign that says: "You are only 5 blocks from the tag sale," and progressively counts down the blocks becomes fun in itself. Write what you are selling on the signs: "Tools! Appliances! Furniture!"
If possible, set up the tables in your garage the day or even a week before. You can bring them outside fully loaded in the morning. Those early birds will be there at the crack of dawn, and sometimes even the night before, and it is hard to set up properly with people milling about. If you are totally against early birds, it is best to say so in your advertising.
Lock your doors.
Sgt. Dan Semosky of the State Police Department in Oxford had a lot to say about staying safe during your sale. “Don't let anyone in the house to use the phone or facilities, and make sure you have plenty of people to help. It happens from time to time that someone will engage the owner in a conversation and another guy will run off with the money.”
Semosky also advised that you check with your local police for zoning laws about parking and signs. “Don't block the road. Sometimes if it is a large sale, people arrange to have officers there to help with the traffic. It is illegal to put signs on telephones, but people do it anyway. Just make sure they don't interfere with sight lines or block street signs. ”
Presentation of your items is an important key.
A hodgepodge of stuff on one table will have no results, whereas careful placement can make even mundane items seem attractive. Keep kitchen items together, and tools in another area. Make sure everything is clean and fabric goods are folded or hung neatly. Clothing is a big seller, especially if it is a brand or designer name, so having a clothing rack or a clothesline between two trees will help you sell your items.
Keep your hours fairly short. Most regular tag salers know that the best stuff sells first, so by 2 pm on Saturday, everyone will have lost interest.
Invite your friends to stop by, and have some coffee and donuts on hand. Have the kids sell lemonade and baked goods. Having food may bring in more people who are passing by, and will keep your friends hanging around longer. Drive-by gawkers are more likely to stop if they see a crowd, and the food will bring in a little extra money.
Are you a painter? Do you make jewelry? Are you a baker extraordinaire? Set up a table for your personal wares as well. Remember that anything goes, and everything will, if it is displayed well. Whatever is left over can be donated to a local charity. If there is a Westy's Self Storage near you, give them a call. They often collect donations for various local charities. Above all, enjoy yourself and have fun. Spending the day talking with friends, neighbors and local community members is what Americana is made of!
If you want even more info than we have presented here, check out this link:
50 hot tips to make your GARAGE SALE sizzle!
Here is a short list of tag sales this weekend in the Fairfield County area.
1 E. Hayestown Road, Danbury CT 06811, 5/14/11, 9-4:30 Sponsored by the Southbury Volunteer Fire Dept Ladies Auxiliary Benefit; Families, Free, Kids, Open to All, Outdoor, Seniors, Teens, Volunteer
25 Old Lantern Road. 10-4 May 12,13,14 DANBURY 3 FAMILY Rain Date May 19, 20, 21 Toys, 54 Chevy, books,Vintage, Lamps, Collectibles, Crystal, Linens, Clothes,Furn.
775 Main St S, Southbury, CT 06488 (On the Green near the Gazebo), May 14, 2011, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Sponsored by the Southbury Volunteer Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary
15 Andrews St., Bethel, CT 06801, May 13, 2011 / May 14, 2011, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Large collection of household items. Dining Room set w/ 6 chairs, buffet w/ glass china cabinet. Patio Bistro set w/ 2 chairs. Refrigerator, TV, Air Conditioner, Computer Equipment, Scanner, Celestial dishes, glasses, accessories, Pfaltzgraff dishes, framed prints, rugs, Food Processor and so much more good stuff. Hand-crafted wooden rowboat and 12ft wooden speedboat with 40 hp motor and trailer.
32 Blue Ridge Dr., Trumbull, CT 06611, May 14, 2011, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Household items, furniture, twin mattress frame and bedding, girls clothes size 6-8, portable DVD player, books, CDs.
1 Dutton Road, Oxford, CT 06478, May 14, 2011, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Come and Join us for our St Peter's Episcopal Church Annual May Faire. Featuring a quilt show in the church, baked goods, crafts, plant sale, food and tag sale.
