African-Spectrum Online


AFRICAN-SPECTRUM
June 2000	Volume II - Issue 3

21 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL YARD SALES AND AUCTIONS

by Arthur A. Hawkins II

I was recently challenged by Pauline Owusu, editor of this fine publication, to do more. This comes on the heels of African Spectrum’s first anniversary of bringing a fresh new voice to Chicagoland and the Internet. We both agree that we need to get the word out and sound a general "call to arms." Now I would like to issue the challenge to you.

Frankly, Africa faces grave problems too numerous to name and far too many people here in the U.S. are not much better off. One way to heed the call is to donate some surplus items and a small amount of your time to the cause. Remember donating to progressive non profit organizations is also tax deductible. No excuses. Pick up the gauntlet today and enjoy the many rewards.

Yard sales and auctions are fun easy ways individuals, groups and charities can raise money without straining themselves. Another benefit is that you can get rid of things wasting away in your closets, basement, attic, garage, drawers, cabinets, storage rooms and shed too. But you must plan your sale out carefully to maximize its success.

Here are 21 tips for successful sales:

1. Carefully select items you want to sell.

2. Location, Location, Location. Pick a suitable sales area, i.e., your front or backyard, web site, garage or a store, auction, festival, flea market, parking lot, etc.

3. Sell only items attractive enough to buy. Repair, restore or refinish if necessary.

4. Schedule the sale at an appropriate time.

5. Set prices ahead of time.

6. Make it easy for people to buy from you.

7. Sell more with "bulk" discounts, customer referral rewards, etc.

8. Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate.

9. Target your market. Know exactly who is most interested in buying what you have and what they will pay to get it.

10. Let people know you are having a yard sale or auction: Publicize, Promote, Market and Advertise.

11. Create a customer database.

12. Build a loyal following (important if you plan to have additional sales) and stay in touch with them.

13. See what others are doing. Visit other sales, even online.

14. Work out issues like set up, presentation, storage, delivery and guarantees before the sale.

15. Don’t forget about your costs: fees, expenses, rent, transportation, repair, etc.

16. There’s strength in numbers. Band together with friends, relatives, churches, neighbors, organizations, community groups, colleagues, companies, etc.

17. Protect yourself. Have some form of security, especially if you use a cashbox.

18. Check to see if you need any permits or licenses, especially local

19. Review sale items again prior to the sale. You don’t want to accidentally mix in any family heirlooms, priceless antiques, one-of-a-kind items or necessities.

20. Know what you are getting yourself into before the sale. Step back and review the process.

21. Donate items directly if you want to skip the sale. Check with your accountant about tax deductions and credits.

Use these 21 successful sale strategies as your road map to success. Avoid problems, rake in the dough and be sure to give part or all of your proceeds to the movement. Good luck!

For more visit The Easy Way to Yard Sales & Auctions at: http://www.inforesearchlab.com/easysales.chtml

This information was adapted from Arthur A. Hawkins II’s The Easy Way to Yard Sales & Auctions web site at http://www.inforesearchlab.com/easysales.chtml.

African Spectrum readers can order a personally autographed copy of Mr. Hawkins’ book "THE Self-Employment Resource Guide" today and receive FREE shipping & handling. Send $25 US currency ($29 international) to: Information Research Lab 9824 Western Avenue, PMB 144, Dept. African Spectrum, Evergreen Park, Illinois 60805, USA. Also you can order online from Amazon.com.

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