I live quite rurally which makes a tag sale quite challenging. A newspaper ad will be important so the community is aware I’m out here and have some fantastic buys for them. It isn’t like living in the heavily populated areas where you can just flip up a sign and everyone sees it while driving about their day. Since I do live rurally, people will have to decide if it’s worth coming all the way out here. They want to know if there is something they need or have been looking for. The ad should tell them about any big items or the most popular items to spark their interest. Timing is imperative. Take into consideration when everyone has some cash available. The first of the month is usually good, as many are paid bimonthly or monthly and will include those who are paid weekly as well. Attracting the most people as possible to come check things out. With the Internet, there are areas on Facebook or similar social media groups, that you can sell your larger items or post the tag sale even itself. You will get people who are definitely interested as they are looking around already for items they need. Once you set the date, you can let your neighbors know, as they too may have a plethora of goods to sell. Then, you have a neighborhood tag sale which is a real encouragement for people coming out your way.
Signs should be large and easy to read as one is driving along. 
Accidents happen when people are squinting and off focus trying to read a silly sign. Weather proof signs are a must. A humid day will wilt and sag any thin paper signs. Have weather resistant material and markers. Nothing is worse than a sign with running letters. Bold wide lettering for easy visibility. When the event is complete, go and remove all of the signs you have placed. No need to create litter. There may be fines if signs are left. Check out your local ordinance. For ideas on signage, have a look at these sites:
A few tips about money. Have a calculator present. Some folks buy lots of little things calculators just make life easier. Simplify by marking your merchandise in easily added increments, i.e. 25 cents or 50 cents. You don’t want to be messing with pennies, dimes and nickels. The day previous, go to the back to get plenty of bills and quarters to make change. Have a lot of ones and quarters. I would suggest $50 in ones and at least $30 in quarters. If it is too much, you can simply go back and cash it in. A good supply of 5’s and 10’s will be needed as well. Do not use a money box. You will be taken away from a box to answer questions or help a customer figure out something. A fanny pack is great because it will be on you at all times and has a zipper enclosure should you bend preventing money from spilling out.
Ensure that all items are marked clearly with price,. If each item is labeled there is no question on the price, as opposed to placing a general sign regarding various items. Be specific. If there is a bag of 10 hair clips, place 50 cents for all on the bag. People will barter so be prepared. This is your merchandize so have readily fixed limits on how low you will go on any given item, i.e. 10% or 20% less. Always create yourself some wiggle room.
If possible, hang your clothing. It saves on a jumbled mess with things going everywhere. People are more apt to browse through when it is made so easy. It will stay looking attractive for the next person. Keep like things together. All clothing in one section, larger items (i.e. furniture) in another area, kitchen items on one table, books with books and reading materials together and so on. That way people are not confused and getting in each others way. You yourself will know where everything is and can point people in the right direction. With organization the day goes smoothly.
I am going to try something different. There will be a table for my craftwork. Not my expensive pieces but smaller ones that would make an inexpensive yet creative gift for children’s birthday party giving or small gift for Mother’s Day, etc. Just a test run to see how it goes. Never miss an opportunity.
Once afternoon hits, the temperatures rise rapidly. Here in SE Georgia, people start finding something cooler to do. So, be prepared to lower your prices. The object is to place all your merchandise into new homes where they can be used again not restored in the attic, closet or shed. If all else fails, you may want to try selling on EBay, CraigsList, or simply donating the items to your local thrift store. Habitat for Humanity is willing to come pick up any usable larger items for a home. Keep in mind donations are always tax deductible. Above all else, be flexible.
A Few Helpful Extras
- Measuring tape for furniture or anything else a measurement is needed for.
- Extension cord so electrical items can be tested.
- Notebook and pen to keep track of sales. You won’t remember what went for how much by the end of the day.
- Lots of bags.
- Packing material for breakable items.
- A “Free” box filled with things of lesser value that you really do not want left over. Set this box down by the curb creating curiosity.
- Rubbish can.
- Block the end of the driveway so people are not turning around in it or parking there.
- Keep your garage closed and doors locked. Better to be safe than sorry.
“Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
It is a bit of work but make it fun. Invite family and friends to join in. The rewards and self satisfaction are amazing. You can make back a bit of what you’ve spent out. Success.