How to Run a Large Group Garage Sale

Appoint a committee. Rules and regulations are needed to run a successful venture. People should be appointed to attract, temporarily store and price sale items, to find a location, to promote the sale and to clean up and distribute leftover items that did not sell. Individual vendors also need guidance in preparing for the sale.

Find a location for your garage sale. If it's a community sale, each homeowner's driveway will work. If the sellers come from different areas, find a vacant lot, a parking lot, a community park or any open space that will accommodate the displays and ensuing traffic. Get permission to use the site. A fee may be charged.

Set a date. Choose one that does not conflict with other community events. Establish an opening and closing time. Appoint a traffic coordinator to prevent automobile accidents. If the sale is within a gated community, be sure the gates are opened during the hours of the sale.

Establish an entry fee to offset the cost of securing the sale space, sineage, permit fees and advertising. Print an entry application and distribute to members of the group. One committee member can coordinate these details and collect the fees.

Get any community permits that are required. If the sale is within a homeowner's association, the board must approve. If the sale is on a vacant or open lot, a permit may still be needed.

Print flyers advertising the sale. Distribute them to local businesses to display in windows. Post the flyer on bulletin boards in grocery stores, churches or in community display cases. Place an advertisement in your local newspaper. Most papers have a garage sale section and seasoned buyers plan their day by the location of the sales. Free ads may be availalbe in smaller community papers and community association newsletters.

Organize the site with specialty areas, if the sale is run for one beneficiary. Gardening and lawn equipment, kitchen items, clothing, books, music, and furniture sections are suggested. Price every item.

Purchase directional signs announcing the sale and pointing to the location. In the early morning on the day of the sale, plant these signs at major intersections throughout the community and continue to the location. Follow the trail of the signs to be sure they lead directly to the site.

Appoint several committee members to collect money on the day of the sale if the beneficiary is one organization. A table placed at the entrance is effective. Have change for large bills.

Clean the location of any leftover debris. You don't want to be charged by the owner of the property for rubbish removal. Leftovers can be donated to local charities with collection points.