• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Because dads don’t always think like moms™

  • Dad
    • Celebrities
    • Gay Dads
    • Sex
    • Single Dads
  • Pregnancy
    • Labor or Delivery
    • Pregnant Wife
  • Baby
    • Baby Naming
    • Feeding
    • Sleep
    • Toilet Training
  • Kids
  • Teens
  • Activities
    • Local
    • By Age
    • Movie Reviews
    • Celebrations
  • Toys
    • We Recommend
    • Toys
  • Coaching for Dads
  • Great Dad Talks Podcast
You are here: Home / Money / Frugal fathers guide to garage sales

Frugal fathers guide to garage sales

August 21, 2008 by Paul Banas Leave a Comment

If you have small kids, you know that every year brings new needs and wants, which means more things outgrown. That includes toys, accessories and clothing. Some things you’ll want to keep, but many things lose their utility very quickly after the stage has passed. I’m thinking toilet training especially. The good news is that a lot of things can be sold easily in a garage sale, and you can use some items to draw more visitors.

  • Place Craigslist or other ads in the paper the day before. Headline anything in your ads that might be remotely collectable.
  • Unless you want early-birds knocking on your door, plan to be outside your house a half hour before the announced time of your sale.
  • Play some music like they do in retail stores. This will keep the atmosphere upbeat.
  • Make sure you have batteries and power cords for any item that needs electricity.
  • Price your items 10-20% higher and be prepared to discount items as you go. You’ll feel freer to deal and even give things for free to make a sale.
  • Organize and present your items on tables waste high. No one wants to stoop on the ground to see something lying on the floor and placing them on tables, like in a store will make them seem more valuable.
  • Consider having a grab bag of items that you’ll give “free with purchase,” like free books or specialty clothing, which are usually slower sellers.
  • Keep extra bags and boxes on hand. If potential buyers can’t carry their purchases, they might not buy as much.
  • Be prepared to take unsold articles directly to the Goodwill at the end of the sale, instead of letting them pile up in the garage. Document your donation and you’ll get a good tax deduction.

Keep in mind that bargain hunters look for slightly used toys for their own kids or grandchildren and these are a draw. If you can attract as many people with children as you can, you’ll have better luck selling some of the kids’ clothing.

Filed Under: Money

About Paul Banas

Paul Banas is happy married dad of two great kids living in San Francisco. He writes now about kids, new technology and how the two interact for GreatDad.com and for Pregnancy Magazine (pregnancymagazine.com) where he is also the publisher.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks
Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks is a series of conversations with experts on all aspects of the family adventure. With the perspective that “dads don’t always think like moms,” our mission is to support dad voices and our slightly different approaches to parenting. We’ll try to find solutions to every day challenges like getting kids off the couch and making STEM classes available for both boys and girls. But we’ll also tackle bigger issues when they come. The one main theme will be to support dads in the most important role of their lives that of being a great dad. Connect with us at greatdad.com and watch the video version of these podcasts at YouTube.com/greatdadnews

150. The Power of Humor in Parenting with Gavin Bellour
byPaul Banas

How does humor shape a happy family? In this episode of Great Dad Talks, explore the power of laughter in parenting with director, creative, and dad of four, Gavin Bellour. Gavin shares stories from both his advertising career—featuring celebrities like Jason Biggs, Martha Stewart, and Norm Macdonald—and his life as a father trying to find joy, even amid chaos.

From embracing dad jokes to making humor an essential family value, we discuss the challenges and hilarity of parenthood. We cover playful family rituals, the importance of laughing at yourself, and practical tips on bringing more humor—and less stress—into your home.

Check out Gavin’s website at www.gavinbellour.com

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

– GreatDad.com/coaching 

– GreatDad.com/pq 

– Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC  

50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

150. The Power of Humor in Parenting with Gavin Bellour
150. The Power of Humor in Parenting with Gavin Bellour
June 17, 2025
Paul Banas
149. Winning College Applications with Hamada Zahawi
June 10, 2025
Paul Banas
148. Healing Generational Trauma with Dr. Sasha Reiisi
June 3, 2025
Paul Banas
147. Discovering Dad’s Purpose with Adam Landrum
May 27, 2025
Paul Banas
146. Balancing Business and Family with Dr. Travis Parry
May 20, 2025
Paul Banas
145. Understanding Children’s Emotional Needs with Dr. David Marcus
May 13, 2025
Paul Banas
144. Exploring Mindful Fatherhood with Odeani Mc Bean
May 6, 2025
Paul Banas
143. Overcoming Dad Burnout with Scott Anderson
April 29, 2025
Paul Banas
142. Building Resilient Kids with Dr. Richard Oelberger
April 24, 2025
Paul Banas
141. Exploring Men’s Sexual Health with Dr. Elliot Justin
April 22, 2025
Paul Banas
Search Results placeholder

More to See

Father’s Day 2025: The Best Grilling Tools and Accessories for Dad

May 31, 2025 By Paul Banas

Balancing Business and Family with Dr. Travis Parry

May 20, 2025 By Paul Banas

Copyright © 2025 . GreatDad