Here we have answered frequently asked questions about garage sales.

How to plan for a Garage Sale ?

Most importantly, plan your garage sale well in advance.

- Clean up the house, shed, car and place all the items for sale in one place, because then on the day its a relatively easy job to bring it out and not forgetting anything.
- Its a good idea to have an aproximate selling price for each item at least in your head.  You don't have to display the price on the item, in fact its best if you don't, because then you are able to engage in conversation and a little bit of haggling!
- Give the sales area a spruce-up and consider how you will display the items for sale.  Will they be on the ground [consider a drop sheet or blanket] or small items on tables.
- Be ready on the big day to have fun.

Advertising

- Let the world know when and where your garage sale is on.
- The internet is a good start and many web sites [like this one] advertise your sale for free!
- An advert in the local paper is also good promotion and often well worth the cost.
- Posters on community noticeboards, shop windows and stations.
- Put up posters at the ends of the street and busy intersections nearby.  On the day, a couple of balloons together with a sign is a sure-fire winner for attracting passing traffic.

On the day - [sellers]

- Make sure all items are clean and well displayed.
- Hang clothes where possible.
- Group items together: electrical, books, clothes, tools etc.
- A couple of balloons on the front fence or gate helps direct people to your sale.

Early Birds - [buyers]

- Expect early buyers.  They often will be professionals and know exactly what they are looking for.  Don't be surprised when some even knock on your door before you are ready, but stand your ground and do not get flustered which is quite often their aim.

Top Tips

- Make sure you have enough change [coins and notes].
- Make arrangements for pets during the sale.
- Keep your house locked and the keys with you.
- Keep rearranging goods throughout the sale.
- Be a friendly seller but let buyers have their own space. 
- Put on your alarm clock the night before.

Pricing - [sellers]

Remember to be practical when pricing items. Forget the original cost and evaluate what the item is worth today. Do your homework before pricing valuable items.

Be ready to negotiate. REMEMBER - EVERYONE LOVES A BARGAIN!!!

Before the sale - Do's and Dont's of Garage Sales

After the sale - Why not throw a street party after the sale...

Diary - Garage Sale Advertising Cost?
We do not charge for listing garage sales in the diary but if you are feeling generous and do well at your sale consider a small donation to one of the charities we support.

Are there GST implications?
Providing you are not an "enterprise" [defined in the legislation] you do not need to register for GST.

The ATO has advised Australians that "private sales by registered or unregistered people, such as at a garage sale, will not be subject to GST".

Contact the Australian Taxation Office ("ATO") or a taxation advisor for information on the GST. The Australian Tax Office can be contacted at the following address: www.ato.gov.au

Who designed the wonderful graphic at the top of the page?
A young graphic designer Nicholas Tait from Melbourne Australia.

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Learn what is a street garage sale or how to plan your own street garage sale or view the diary to see where they are on near you?