Advertising is the most important thing you need to do for having a successful
yard sale (garage sale). The following is some advice:
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Until a couple years ago signs were your best publicity tool. Today online
advertising plays an important role in advertising your yard sale (garage
sale).
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There are many web sites that you can use to place a yard sale (garage sale) ad
for your sale. Yard Sale Portal does not charge a fee for posting an ad. Also,
it is the most visited web site on the Internet dedicated to the yard sales
(garage sales).
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Physical signs are also effective publicity tools. Be aware that, with few
exceptions, all cities and counties have laws that prohibit posting signs. Most
of the time, as long as you take your signs down when the sale is over, the
police have better things to do than enforce the "no sign posting" law.
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Make your yard sale sign large enough to be seen (at least 2' x 2'). You need
to use paint and a brush because the letters need to be big and wide in order
to be seen by people driving by in a car. It is a good idea to use a bright
color, such as flourescent orange, on a bright poster board. If you want to
save money, you can use large pieces of cardboard cut from boxes you can get
free at your grocery store. Make arrows separate from the signs. This way, you
can use each sign for any direction simply by adding an arrow pointing in the
correct direction. The arrows should be large enough to be seen, at least 4"
wide. Keep the amount of words to minimum. Simply say "Yard Sale" with the
address and date. It is important to have the address on each sign in case some
of the signs are taken down. It is important to put the date so everyone will
know the sale is current and not an old sign.
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Put your yard sale (garage sale) signs up using a staple gun or staple hammer
on wooden poles and strapping tape or wire for metal poles. Signs should be at
least 10' high. Take along a step stool or milk crate to stand on so you can
post the sign high. When cars are parked, a sign lower than 10' will be
obscured. Also, a high sign is harder for kids and local zealots to take down.
It helps attract attention to the sign if you have a couple of colorful
streamers hanging off the sign. The wind will make them move and catch the eye
of drivers. You can make streamers from old cut-up clothes, or, you can buy a
couple of cheap rolls at a party or hobby store.
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Standard signs can also be purchased on Yard Sale Portal's web site. Just click
on the Shopping icon at the top of this page to order some.
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Be sure to take your signs down at the end of the sale. This is important to
keep the neighbors and police happy.
Readers Reviews
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a review...
Apr 12 2008
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Diane:
The streamers are an excellant idea! I've tried balloons and they "wilt" in the heat and can be expensive if you have several signs or the yard sale last a few days.
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Sep 27 2008
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Joe, Saint Louis, MO:
DO NOT attach signs to trees or other living objects.
The verge is private property. The city has an easment - the rest of us do not.
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