Signs are as important for the success of a yard sale as the items offered, the pricing and the seller's bargaining abilities. Signage can get overlooked while people are choosing which items to keep and which items they can live without. After all, one person's trash may be another person's treasure, but if that person doesn't know where to look, that treasure will remain hidden.
Local Laws About Garage Sale Signs
Before any signs are posted, it is essential to refer to the city's laws regarding where signs can be displayed and how long they can remain up. Homeowner's associations can also have rules about placing signage, so check with the association before the signs are made and posted to save time and money.
Though the laws are city-specific, generally signs cannot be placed in public right-of-way areas, which include sidewalks, roads and medians, without a permit.
Materials That Make Successful Signs
Once it's clear where a yard sale sign can and cannot be posted, it's a good idea for sellers to invest in quality supplies to make signage that will attract more buyers to their sale, and increase their profits.
Materials to have on hand before making signs include:
- wide-gauge permanent markers in black and red;
- large pieces of durable cardboard or extremely thick craft paper that will stand up to wind and precipitation (regular 8.5 in. by 11 in. computer paper is too flimsy and get damaged easily);
- heavy-duty scissors for shaping the signs, if desired; and
- wooden posts or other devices to hold signs up if city ordinance prevents sellers from attaching signage to city posts or traffic signs.
For sellers who aren't crafty, pre-fabricated signs in a durable plastic-like material can be purchased that only require a bit of personalization before being displayed.
How to Make a Yard Sale Sign
The most important thing to consider when making a yard sale sign is it's readability from a moving vehicle. If the lettering is not dark enough, the sign is too small or the type is in a fancy but unclear font, it's less likely that a passing motorist will see it and check out the garage sale.
When crafting signs keep the following rules in mind:
- Use thick, dark lettering in a large size that can be seen from many feet away.
- Don't include too much information. If there is too much text on a sign, the message may get lost. Don't use clip art, either, because it ads little informational value.
- Using colored paper and cutting the signs into shapes, like arrows pointing in the direction of a house, can make it easier for potential buyers to notice the signs, and find the garage sale.
- If you have enough space, include a simple map with stars at the sign's location and the location of the sale.
- Avoid specific dates and times, so the signs can be reused for the next garage sale. Place a yard sale advertisement in a local newspaper, tell friends about the sale beforehand and put up the signs the night before to get the word out.
Garage Sale Sign Removal
After the sale has ended, remove any posted signs as soon as possible, preferably the same day. Neighbors and other residents may not appreciate their streets full of advertisements for a sale that is already over.
By following yard sale sign etiquette, keeping aware of local ordinances and sticking with clear lettering on durable materials, improved outdoor signage can lead to more profitable yard sales.
Sources:
Heidi Lowry - Heidi Lowry is an American writer.
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