Smart Shopping 101

Tag Sale Supplies Checklist

Illustration of woman looking at a price tag

Holding a sale? Here's the gear you'll need.

  • Clear signs. Mead makes a waterproof poster board that won't wither in the rain; you can find it at Staples, Wal-Mart, and Office Depot. Use a permanent marker, and write neatly and legibly. Note: Always check whether there are restrictions on placements of signs in your community—and whether you need a permit to hold a tag sale.
  • Money to make change. Start your selling day with $50 in ones, $30 in fives, $50 in tens, $60 in twenties, and $10 in quarters (one roll).
  • Fanny pack or carpenter's apron. Stow bills in one pocket, change in another.
  • Calculator. For tallying sales.
  • Notebook and pen. Keep track of sales—especially important if this is a multifamily event.
  • Card tables. Set up an attractive display of wares, and refresh it whenever you sell something.
  • Measuring tape. Shoppers may want to measure pieces of furniture.
  • Garment rack. Target (target.com) and the Container Store (containerstore.com) are good sources.
  • Full-length mirror. So shoppers can see what clothes look like.
  • Extension cord. Allow shoppers to test lamps, radios, and other electrical appliances.
  • Packing supplies. Have old newspapers, Bubble Wrap, plastic bags, and boxes on hand.

    Related: The Ultimate Tag-Sale Guide

  • Price tags. Put them on top of your items, not on the bottom, where buyers will have to search for them.

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Did we forget anything on this checklist? What would you add?

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