(NC)-One person's junk is another one's treasure. Whether a follow-up to spring-cleaning or to raise funds for a worthy cause, garage sales can benefit both buyers and sellers. Through its Shelter Foundation, Royal LePage Real Estate Services will hold a Canada-wide garage sale on May 23, 2009. Follow these helpful tips to ensure a successful sale.
The basics
• Decide on a time and place. If outdoors, set a rain date or place items in a garage or sheltered area.
• When considering the location, invite friends, neighbours, or a community group to join you. A larger event will attract more buyers and help create a sense of community. If you have children, have them set up a lemonade stand.
• Advertise your event in local shops, churches or libraries and tape flyers to non-moving surfaces near the place of sale. Whatever means of advertising you choose - be sure to emphasize the date, time and location.
• Be prepared, have a cash box with lots of change as well as extra bags, boxes and paper to wrap items.
The finer points
• Take the time to price all the items. This will help identify what the item is worth and what you expected to receive.
• Plan out your display. Clothes tend to sell better if they are neatly hung and items should be sorted by category - gather sports equipment together, toys in one area, etc.
Garage sale etiquette
• To avoid interference to your set-up by early comers, you can choose to charge a premium to those who show up earlier than the appointed time.
Although you likely won't become a millionaire from your garage sale, you can make a sufficient amount to replace furniture or donate to charity. You will surely clear some space in your home and make someone else happy with their new find.
Join the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation's, www.royallepage.ca/shelter, national garage sale on May 23 at Royal LePage offices around the country to raise funds for local women's shelters and provincial violence prevention programs.
- News Canada