Are you planning to raise money for charity? For many people, having a garage sale with proceeds that benefit a certain charity is a quick way to get rid of unwanted stuff while raising money for a cause.
But before you set up your garage sale, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind.
Make sure you can use the charity’s logo on your signs. Some organizations, such as the Red Cross, have rules in place regarding the use of the logo; your best bet will be to contact the organization and see what is required.
Ask if you can use any marketing materials. A charity might have brochures and pamphlets that you can distribute to your shoppers that explains the organization’s goals and mission.
Advertise, advertise, advertise. Once you’ve gotten the green light from the charity, incorporate the organization’s name and logo on any signs and flyers you will use to promote the sale. If you are advertising online, such as through a site like Gslar.com, make sure to include which organization will benefit from the sale.
Spell it out. Are you donating a certain percentage of the sales to the charity, or are you donating all sales? Make a sign that tells shoppers where their money will ultimately go.
Make it clear to other sellers, too. If you are organizing a multifamily sale, you’ll want to give your other sellers a heads up that you are donating the proceeds to charity. You don’t want to advertise an entire sale as a fundraiser if you’re the only one participating.
Keep a donation jar handy. Some shoppers might not find anything they want to purchase, but may want to donate to the charity. Make it easy for them by allowing them to drop loose change or bills into a jar, then donate the money.
Find a place to donate the unsold items. If your chosen charity also accepts donations of tangible goods, like gently used clothes, consider dropping off your unsold goods. If not, you can find other organizations in your area that will accept what hasn’t sold.
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