Some ideas to help sellers:

¢ Most garage sales are on Friday and Saturday. Get a jump on the competition and hold yours on Thursday.

¢ If most sales in your neighborhood begin at 8 a.m., start yours an hour earlier.

¢ Advertise in newspapers, online and with neighborhood signs.

¢ Post easy-to-read directional signs. Bright paper plates with bold arrows are inexpensive and eye-catching. Your sale is only as good as your signs, Kincaid says.

¢ Wear your money. Keep cash close in a fanny pack for speedy transactions and to discourage theft.

¢ For the convenience of shoppers, keep a tape measure and extension cord handy.

To entice shoppers to linger and buy, merchandise should be clean, clearly priced and attractively displayed.

¢ Have a toy box to keep kids amused while adults shop.

¢ Position large items out front. Dealers and people in need always want furniture.