Garage sale equipment: what to bring (including easy payment options)

Essential display and furniture

Start with sturdy surfaces to show items clearly. Buyers look for neatness — well-presented goods sell faster.

Aim to raise smaller items off the ground, group like items together, and use height to make displays visible from the road.

• 2–4 folding tables (or trestles and planks) depending on volume
• Clothes rails or tension poles for hanging garments
• Small shelving or boxes to create tiers for shoes, books and small items

Pricing, labelling and tools

Clear pricing speeds up sales and avoids haggling. Use consistent labels and a few price rules (e.g., 3 for $10) to move bulk items.

Bring pens and markers so you can re-price on the spot, and keep a list for high-value items.

• Price tags, stickers or masking tape and a permanent marker
• Pre-made price lists for grouped deals (bundles, multipacks)
• Labels or tags for fragile or 'not for sale' items

Payments and how to accept them

Cash: have a float with a mix of notes and coins. In New Zealand, ensure you have plenty of $5, $10 and $1/$2 coins for change. Keep cash secure in a lockable box or a money belt and limit the amount on display.

Card and digital: many buyers prefer card payments. You don't need a bulky EFTPOS machine — consider a smartphone card reader, a payment link or apps that let buyers pay with a card or by bank transfer. These options rely on mobile data or Wi‑Fi, so check coverage and keep your phone charged.

PocketMoney: if you want to accept card or online payments without a traditional EFTPOS terminal, PocketMoney provides a phone-based option for NZ sellers. It's a practical choice for casual or one-off sales because you can accept payments using a smartphone instead of carrying a full EFTPOS machine.

• Cash float (suggested $100–$200 depending on expected traffic) and a locked cash box
• Smartphone, charger, power bank and a portable card reader or payment links (PocketMoney as an option)
• Printed or digital receipts and a simple sales ledger (notebook or spreadsheet) for tracking

Packing, takeaway and transport supplies

Have customer-ready packaging so buyers can take items away easily. This makes impulse sales more likely and protects goods on the trip home.

Think about load-in and load-out: trolleys or a handcart save time and effort if you have larger items.

• Paper bags, plastic or reusable shopping bags and tape
• Bubble wrap or newspaper for fragile items
• Trolley or hand truck for moving bulky goods

Signage, visibility and comfort

Good signage draws passing traffic. Use clear arrows and large writing with the suburb and days/times. Place signs at nearby intersections if local rules allow.

Make the seller experience comfortable: a chair, sun/rain shelter and water will keep you talking to customers all morning.

• A-frame or corrugated plastic signs with bold letters and arrows
• Weather protection: pop-up gazebo or umbrellas
• Fold-up chair, sunscreen and water bottle

Safety, permissions and tidy-up

Keep walkways clear and valuables out of sight. If you're on a main road, position tables safely off the kerb and supervise children.

Check local rules about signage and parking. After the sale, have a plan for leftovers: charity pickup, consignment, bulk listing or recycling.

• Secure cash and valuables out of reach; never leave them unattended
• Permission for signage from your local council if required in busy areas
• Boxes or bins for leftovers and a quick post-sale cleanup plan