Safety is a primary concern for all of us. Be sure to check out the tips below for ways you can make sure your day is both fun and safe!
Vendors
–Lock up. Be sure to lock any doors that lead to your house or car
–Keep watch. Keep kids and pets out of the way by corralling them in the yard. That way you know they’ll be safe and your customers will be able to browse more easily.
–Have backup. It’s important to never leave your sale unattended. In case you need to break, call a backup with your cell phone. Have them watch over the event while you grab a snack or run to the bathroom.
–Stay hydrated and cool. When you’re spending long hours outdoors, it’s a good idea to stay in the shade, wear sunscreen and stay hydrated in order to avoid dehydration and overheating. Portable canopy tents are perfect for garage sale check-out areas. You’ll manage purchases in the shade and will be able to oversee the event without cooking in the sun.
–Organize with care. Be mindful of how you arrange your goods to reduce liabilities. Never place heavy items in locations they can topple over and keep items out of the way so people don’t trip.
–Keep cash close. Instead of keeping a cash box, consider an apron or fanny pack. That way it can’t walk off when you’re not looking. After a big sale, move larger sums of cash into a safe place in your home or locked car— keeping only enough on hand to make change for purchases.
–Offer online payment options. From Square to Venmo to Facebook, options to make payments electronically can be both convenient and help to hide funds from would-be thieves.
–Consider in advance whether you’ll accept personal checks. Unless you know the buyer well, accepting a personal check from a stranger can be a bad idea. You may want to disallow personal checks and save yourself the hassle of dealing with bank fees and the headache that comes with them.
Shoppers
–Plan your route in advance. Knowing where you want to go will reduce stress and make your day more fun.
–Make sure your cell phone is charged.
–Be patient and respectful of others. As the day progresses, people will get tired and hot. Don’t let potentially bad interactions ruin your day!
–Stay hydrated and cool. When you’re spending long hours outdoors, it’s a good idea to stay in the shade, wear sunscreen and stay hydrated in order to avoid dehydration and overheating. Carry several bottles of cold water with you during the day.
–Obey all traffic laws. Don’t stop suddenly in the road if you see a yard sale you want to visit. Instead, pass it and make a U-turn or drive around the block and come back. Be mindful of drivers behind you.
–Don’t park in the middle of the road or too close to busy highways
–Be mindful of drivers when walking to and from your car
–Likewise, be extra cautious when driving in and out of sales. Shoppers may be overly excited or be carrying heavy objects and not paying attention to the cars around them.
Downloadable Sign
Download this printable sign and attach to your back windshield. Let drivers behind you know that you’re on the hunt for deals so they don’t follow too close. But always remember to follow traffic laws and drive safely. It’s better to drive around the block or even miss a deal than to risk your safety or that of those around you!
Southside Virginia's 100 Mile Yard Sale 