Welcome back to my blog,

The rain streak broke long enough last week—and just in time for my Saturday tag sale, and the results were nothing less than amazing as 20-30 people arrived early to be first in line to get in on the deals. A garage sale, yard sale or tag sale may be all the same but but a “Mar” sale is unlike any you will ever experience. Unlike your traditional tag sales I begin by creating a catchy ad complemented by memorable signs (a large price tag with a silk ribbon looped through.) I also add silent auction items and beautiful displays. This prompted the question several times: “Who’s in retail and did your displays?” To have a “Mar” sale one needs to create “departments” such as living room, garden items, things for the kitchen, etc. By grouping your items into these departments they look like they belong together, helping potential buyers better imagine them in their own home. Doing this means your items have the best chance to get top dollar. Wipe things down, showcase them in their best light.

Mar's fabulous tag sale display--yes this was a tag sale! I never have anything priced less than a dollar, so no small coin change is necessary. I create a music list on my iPod that plays fun, upbeat music throughout the day; I even had a nostalgic twist this year by downloading old sitcom theme music such as “The Love Boat”, “Three’s Company” and “The Jeffersons,” to name a few. I even updated my Twitter/Facebook account throughout the day and before I knew it some of the people who follow me showed up, too. This tag sale offered a gift with purchase bonus: you buy anything and once you were done shopping you were invited to a garden tour. People came back with their husbands, wives, friends and neighbors to show off my garden and garden design concepts. Several returned with my book at hand and our local Barnes & Noble could not keep their shelves filled. All in all a fabulous day, as we had fun, made some money and met lots of new people and fans. The tag sale was a hit and once again Rosebrook Gardens offer the perfect backdrop for the event.

Having a silent auction item is perfect for those things you just don’t want to give away. I had several items—including a large chair and a corner unit—that didn’t qualify as “tag sale bargains” but I wanted to take advantage of the tag sale crowds to try to find a buyer. So I posted a clipboard at each of these items, with a minimum bid, stating that I would call the winner, who had to come at the end of the day to pick them up. I quickly got two that met the opening bid, and once one bid was on the list it seemed to take off. Others added to the list in increments of 10.00. My first bidder came back at 4:00 to make the last bid on the furniture. I was so delighted to see my furniture go to a happy home.

So what can you take away from this success? If you heard my recent segment on Martha Stewart Radio you know that I really do take my own advice! Create a great ad, do fabulous signs, market your things in departments, and offer a gift with purchase. Make it an experience and a fun event, not just a way to sell your stuff.

For more fabulous ideas check out my website at www.marjennings.com