Garage Sales in Grand Blanc, Michigan (2024)

FAQs

What is the best selling item at a garage sale? ›

Best Time to Have a Garage Sale

Late spring to early fall is the ideal time of year, so aim for this timing if possible. As for the day of the week, you'll have better luck with foot traffic on days where people aren't at work, so it's best to stick to weekends.

The US 12 Heritage Trail Garage Sale is aptly called, "Michigan's Longest Garage Sale!" Every year individuals clean out their attics and stake out their front yards along the US-12 corridor stretching over 200 miles from New Buffalo to Detroit.

Many experienced sellers recommend having $100 in cash for your garage sale. Not only is this a good amount to get your sale started, but it also makes it easy to calculate your profit quickly.

Baby & kids clothing, toys, and gadgets sell super well as well as kitchen stuff (dishes, cookware, etc). Adult clothing can sell, but it's generally not as popular as kids clothing. If you don't have many of the best selling items, a garage sale might not be worth your time.

Post your garage sale flyers around the neighborhood a few days before the yard sale. Make sure to place them in high-traffic areas like marts, parks, office elevators, and churches so people will see them. You can also ask your friends and family to help out.

Early spring (around late March, April, and May) is the most popular time for a garage sale. It's just after winter, when people are eager to head outdoors, and will give you time for some spring cleaning, so you'll know what items you want to sell.

Set a date.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings are usually the best time to hold a successful garage sale. Consider scheduling your sale on the first weekend of the month—when people have just gotten paid and haven't spent all their fun money yet.

Do you need a permit to have a garage sale in Michigan? ›

Do I need a permit for a garage sale? Yes you do. Permits for garage sales are $6 and can be obtained online and at the Clerk's Office. You must know your sale dates.

Set up your stuff even earlier than that to account for early birds. Don't advertise too early; if you set a 6am start time, expect people to show up at 5am. From my experience as a buyer, garage sales peak before 9am. You typically don't need to have it running past 11am, noon at latest.

They can be a fun way to get to know your neighbors or meet interesting people. One of the largest downsides is that people set aside things for a garage sale and then never have one. The unwanted items continue to take up space in their homes and create a mountain of clutter that can often become a fire hazard.

On average, a garage sale can bring in a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars, but this is just an estimate. Some garage sales may generate more income if they have valuable or sought-after items, while others might earn less if the items are less desirable.

Set Prices in a Simple, Honest Way

Nearly new items can be priced higher, but used or worn items should be priced accordingly. Use round numbers that are easy to add up, like $1, $5, $10. This makes transactions quicker and easier for both you and the buyer. Remember, many garage sale buyers expect to haggle.

Advertise your garage sale strategically.

Call it something catchy but simple, such as "Shannon's Huge Sale!" or "Friends' Ultimate Group Sale!" so your sale stands out. If you have sought-after items, such as kids' toys or clothes, specialty tools, craft supplies, or collectibles, note that in the ad.