Just like any business venture, contrary to what many think, you must have a permit to conduct business via a garage sale in most cities and states. You do not want to be shut down after all your hard work organizing and pricing your items. A little preparedness will save you a lot of trouble down the road in case you would encounter problems.
If you live in a subdivision you may also want to check that hosting a garage sale is even allowed. Not only will you be required to get state and/or local approval, but getting approval from your home owner's association would be required as well. If you do not live in a subdivision, be sure to get a permit from your state and local governments. Be sure to check on other requirements that your subdivision, state or town may have. Visiting their website or calling should give you the answer you need to continue. Many towns and states have the application on their website for you to download.
Having a garage sale will require that you adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by your governing body. Many are very particular about certain aspects of the sale, such as posting signs and when the sale can be conducted. Many states and townships will not allow you sell new items. Be sure to ask all these questions before you apply for the permit. Be sure to check with your home owner's association about their particular rules. Many will not allow them at all, or will only allow a group garage sale at certain times of the year. If this is the case, maybe you could be the one to coordinate it. These many rules have been put into place to protect owners and city residents from the often noisy garage sales. You do not want neighbors complaining to your city board, keeping you from getting a license the next time.
Be sure to let them know when you are having the sale and stick to the plan. Be sure to have a backup plan if the weather gets bad. Be aware of your governing bodies rules and regulations regarding this.
If this all seems to be a lot of trouble, you could always pack up and sell your wares at the flea market. Many flea markets will allow you to pull a truck up and sell away. Many people have been successful doing this. They are more lenient on the types of items you can sell, such as new items, and you get the added benefit of having lots of traffic. It usually costs about the same as an ad in your local paper to set up. Checking your local government for the requirements on a business license would be a good idea. It should be relatively easy to get the required license. You will not need to get your subdivisions permission to sell in this manner. You may find it much more appealing to sell from a flea market as opposed to having one in your yard or garage. Local governments and home owner's associations are becoming increasingly picky when it comes to having garage sales. Some people have made it a full time profession and have essentially set up a flea market type deal in their yard, many places frown on this.
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