HOAs are in the unique position of being able to coordinate and host a community garage/yard sale. This helps homeowners with the daunting task of decluttering their home, while also giving them the opportunity to make some extra cash.
If your community is considering hosting a garage sale, here are some tips to help you get started!
Check your governing documents.
Before you start planning dates and setting up shop, make sure to check your governing documents to verify whether garage sales are allowed within your HOA.
Make sure to also double check with your city, as some require permits or have rules regarding garage sales. It is also important to note that your HOA might be required to obtain a business tax registration certificate (a business license) if one of the following applies:
- More than five sale events per calendar year.
- The sale of goods purchased with the express intention of reselling them for a profit.
- Each sale lasts more than two consecutive days.
Pick the perfect time and date.
Picking the perfect date and time is one of the most important steps in ensuring a successful garage/yard sale! There are many things that should be considered when determining a date such as weather, temperature, and if there are other local events or holidays.
Related: Preparing Your HOA Community for Warmer Weather
Try finding a day when it is nice to be outside and there are no conflicting events. Also consider picking a weekend near the first and fifteenth of the month between the hours of 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., as people will be more willing to spend just after payday.
Location, location, location!
Determining beforehand where each homeowner will host their sale will help everything go more smoothly the day of the event. Many communities might choose to have their homeowners host in their driveway or lawns, while other communities might ask residents to set up in a common area.
No matter where you choose to set up, make sure the location is clearly communicated not only to homeowners but also to people stopping by to shop.
Prepare ahead of time.
It’s important to have a checklist of all the small tasks that need to be completed before hosting a garage sale.
- Have plenty of coins and small bills.
- Have items priced individually or have signs indicating prices.
- Have plastic bags and newspaper for buyers to carry their items.
- Have a lockable money box or bag.
Spread the word!
Now that a date, time, and location have been decided, it’s time to advertise your sale! To really kick off sales, create flyers to post online, consider advertising in the local paper, and prepare signs for day of to direct passersby toward the sale.
Encourage homeowners to advertise with you. If everyone is sharing, then the more chance of shoppers stopping by to find their next cool thrift!
Donate what doesn’t sell.
After your community sale, before packing things back up and into homeowners’ respective garages, consider donating what isn’t sold. Donating gives items a second chance at life and helps clear up space in homes for new treasures!
As your community makes plans to host a garage/yard sale, keep these suggestions in mind for a smooth process from start to finish!
