     
     
     
     Prepare To Garage Sell!


                                     
                                                  By Gary Bryant

           Tens years of going to K-mart has finally resulted  in the
     loss of your basement and attic.  It's time to  have a garage sale! 
     You, of course, have never had a  garage sale, and would prefer
     skipping the experience  entirely.  But wait!  This could be fun
     and profitable.  At least that's what your friends have told you. 

           First of all, you don't need a garage to have a  garage sale. 
     You could have a yard sale or a basement  sale or a front porch
     sale for that matter.  Just so  long as you are willing to part
     with some of that wonderful stuff you've been hoarding in your 
     attic.   

           A garage sale requires you to do three things.  Collect and
     price your goodies, advertise the sale so  people actually show up,
     and finally, be there to take the money when they do.  

         When setting a price on  items, try to keep things in
     perspective.  The reason  you are selling this stuff is because you
     haven't used  it in five years or you simply didn't realize you
     owned  it.  Keep your prices down and prepare to bring them  down
     even further if someone makes an offer.  

          It is usually worth the money to place a small  classified ad
     in the local paper.  This will be the main  source of your
     potential customers.  Make sure you have  signs up and visible in
     front of your home on the day  of the sale.
     Park your car and anybody else's you can  get a hold of right
     in front of your house so it looks  like a real event.  Stay
     visible with as many friends as  you can muster.  

          In your ad and on your sign, make sure you state  the hours of
     your sale.  If you decide to have one  beginning at 9 am, expect
     people to begin arriving by  seven thirty.  Believe me, I'm not
     joking!  Make sure you  have plenty of nickels, dimes and quarters
     as well as a  wad of one dollar bills.  Don't take checks and don't
     spend it all in one place!  


              


