If I want to organize a garage sale... Do I need authorization? Need to pay taxes? Besides cleaning the house... Is there anything I have to do??? Just curious....
Thanks
You do not need to pay taxes. Some cities require you to get a permit, which sometimes has a small fee.
In my town, we have to have a permit and limited to 2 per year. Otherwise, if police pass by they can stop and ask for one. They ca nissue a citation and tell us to shut it down. We are also restricted to how we post signs and where. Check with you local official or city hall for anything that is required. As for taxes, no you do not have to report them since you are not selling new/retail items.
If you are able to actually setup in the garage, I would sweep it out really well. Start setting up as much as possible the night before so you are ready when it is time to open shop. Group like items together and if you have stuff you just really want to get rid of, put a free box away from the other stuff. A friend did this and it got more people in but someone tried to pull her chain and put something in the box that was not free. The box was right next to a table with other stuff and he slipped the item in the box.
We don't have to do any of that around where I live, but you might check around, ask your neighbors and friends, if no one knows maybe you could call the city offices and ask about garage sale authorization. Hope you make a ton of money!!
Check with your county government... many require you have a garage sale permit (which typically has a minimal fee associated with it).
I've never known of any town that requires authorization, however, your city my have certain regulations so you may want to check with city hall.
No you do not need to pay taxes.
I recommend pricing items. So as you clean out the house, stick a price tag on the items as you pack them up. It also helps to organize them by catagory, so set up a box for toys, a box for eletronics, etc.
You'll want to advertise. Both signage and an ad in the paper are good ideas. You can also put info on Craig's List.
You need to contact a city official to ask these questions...it's different everywhere you go. Where I live, you can have as many as you want...there are a few families that put up the same sale ten times each summer with the same junk. You'd think they'd get the idea. :)
However, standard things you need to do...make sure everything you're selling is clean and clearly priced. Get tables. Get change. I usually start with 20 1's, 2 10's, 4 5's, and a roll each of dimes, nickles, and quarters. Keep your roll of masking tape and a marker with you at the sale so you can mark things down as the day goes on. Advertise. Have fun!
I would recommend lots of tables, everything or almost everything priced, and shade. These are the three things that get me to stay at a sale longer. Also when you price your stuff, decide if you want to keep it or get rid of it. I know this sounds like a stupid statement, but if you REALLY want to get rid of it, price it cheap. Some will bring you down, but others will just walk away. And it is easier to say no to someone who "just wants to get it cheaper", than loose the person who will just walk away. Fans are always a nice touch in this heat. As an avid garage saler, I won't look on the ground much and I won't stay in the straight sun for long. -- Just a few tips. Sorry I don't live in Tampa to know what they require for sales. Also, be ready for rude and obnoxious cheap people. If you expect it, you won't get so frustrated when they want you to come down on everything!!!
I don't know - do you live in a HOA that requires it? No, you do NOT pay taxes on money earned from yard sales...who ever told you that?
If you do not live in an HOA - then put out signs on Thursday night and post on Craigslist on Friday night - pictures of items that you REALLY want to sell...
Cleaning house? why? you aren't going to have them in the house....
Organize your items as best as you can Friday night....clothes by size, books, etc. and price things to sell...
I don't know about FL but here in VA books usually are 25 cents to $1.00 and $1.00 is RARE!!! Clothes are usually 50 cents each...
If you have larger items - like TVs and such - all depends on what you want to do - get rid of the item or make money....you can do both...but you can't attach sentimental value to items...
Toys and baby things can usually be priced a little higher and negotiate down...that's what I did...when we sold our pack and play - we put it out for $20 and got 15...so it's all in how you want it to go!!
GOOD LUCK!!
