Estate Sale, Part 2 or What do I need to know?

Having just held an estate sale, I thought someone out there might wonder if there were any tidbits of advice that might be helpful. I think so!

1. Don't throw away anything beforehand. People might be interested in that very thing. For example, We threw away spices beforehand, and were told that there are people who like to collect those old tins and bottles! People will buy old kitchen tools, not even knowing what to do with them, just because they are interesting! A man bought an odd piece of drain tile that he saw out the window!

2. You need lots of card tables because you need to get EVERYTHING off the floor, grouped together with like items, and priced.

3. Be sure to advertise in the paper AND on Craig's List.

4. Put up GOOD signs - preferably yellow with a red direction arrow and big, neat, bold, black printing. Thankfully hubby is the master at that!

5. Have money in the following increments: 30 ones, 15 fives, 15 tens, 1 twenty, and one roll each of nickels, dimes and quarters. You need at least two people: one person as a cashier and another one to roam around, answer questions, help get items to the car, etc. When you acquire some big bills, lock them in your trunk every so often - do not keep lots of money exposed.

6. Do not accept checks - duh!

7. Have lots of newspaper and bags available to wrap and bag the items. It's just nice to do that.

8. As things sell, consolidate items and remove a table so that the selection doesn't look skimpy.

9. Be willing to negotiate especially on the last day and the last 2 hours.

10. Be prepared to meet lots of nice, interesting, and fun people. But the one I'll never forget is the lady I mentioned in my previous blog, who bought my MIL's monogrammed and embroidered hanky, and then turned around and gave it back to me!

One more thing....we were so fortunate to have friends in the business who brought the tables, grouped and priced the items, and furnished a cash box. Hubby and I worked the sale, but we could not have done it in a timely manner without their help. They really researched items and gave them an accurate price.

Hope this helps if you face this situation, or if you have a garage sale in your future. We actually enjoyed it, but these tips from our friends made all the difference! Linda