How to start a garage sale (New Zealand): step-by-step guide

Decide scope, date and rules

Decide whether this is a small driveway sale or a larger neighbourhood event. Choose a weekend morning (typical start 8–10am) when people are likely to browse. Check the weather forecast and have a rain plan.

Check whether your local council has rules about signage, how many sales you can run per year, or whether you need a permit for a street sale. If you live in a rental or managed property, check with your landlord or body corporate for any restrictions.

• Pick a day and 3–4 hour window; early mornings often attract collectors.
• Confirm local signage and footpath/parking rules with your council.
• Tell neighbours the plan if you expect extra traffic or parked cars.

Sort, clean and price items

Go room by room and decide what to sell, donate or keep. Clean items and test electronics. Group sets (e.g., crockery, books) together to make decision-making easy for buyers.

Price realistically. Shoppers expect bargain pricing. Use labels that are clear and visible. Consider price tiers (e.g., $1, $5, $10) and prepare a few ‘bundle’ offers to move similar items quickly.

• Group like items by size and type for easy browsing.
• Use stickers or tags with prices; waterproof marker works well.
• Offer bundles (e.g., 3 books for $5) to speed sales.

Advertising and signs

Post your sale on local platforms: Facebook Marketplace or local buy/swap/sell groups, Neighbourly, and Trade Me if you have higher-value items. Put a clear list of highlights (e.g., 'baby gear, furniture, electronics') so people know what to expect.

Make simple roadside signs with arrows to guide people from main roads. Use cardboard or A-frames and contrast colours so signs are readable at speed. Confirm council rules on attaching signs to street poles.

• Post at least 24–48 hours before; include start time and address.
• List a few featured items to attract targeted buyers.
• Place directional signs at major turns, but remove them when the sale ends.

Set up and display

Use tables, sheets or racks to display items at a comfortable browsing height. Keep small valuables in a visible but secure spot. Make it easy to carry purchases—keep shopping bags or boxes available.

Organise a checkout area near your exit with a clear price list and a safe place for cash and a phone for digital payments. Have a chair and water; a friendly seller who’s approachable increases sales.

• Display items neatly and group by type for quick browsing.
• Keep a designated checkout counter with float and payment options.
• Have bags, packing tape and markers handy for sold items.

Garage sale payments: practical options

Cash is the simplest option. Start with a float (e.g., $50–$100 in mixed notes and coins) so you can give change. Use a money belt or lockbox to keep cash secure and avoid leaving it unattended.

If you don’t want to rely on cash, accept instant bank transfers (New Zealand online banking) or mobile payment apps. Many buyers are comfortable sending a payment to your bank account while you hold the item until they show proof.

To accept card payments without a full EFTPOS machine, use a payment app or service that creates a payment link or QR code the buyer scans and pays online. PocketMoney is one such option that helps sellers accept card and digital payments without carrying a traditional EFTPOS terminal — you can create a payment request or QR code on your phone so buyers pay by card or mobile wallet.

• Bring a cash float and a secure place to store money.
• Offer bank transfer as an easy cashless alternative (wait for confirmation).
• Use payment links/QR codes for card payments if you want cashless sales without EFTPOS.

Pricing negotiations, security and safety

Be ready to negotiate; many buyers expect to haggle. Decide ahead of time whether you’ll accept offers or have final prices. Use 'half-price' on the final hour to clear remaining goods.

For safety, don’t let strangers into your home. Keep valuables near you and limit the number of people inside at once. If you’re alone, ask a neighbour to be present during the sale. Park your car so its boot is visible but locked; don’t hand over high-value items until payment is confirmed.

• Set negotiation guidelines (e.g., minimum acceptable price for each category).
• Keep high-value items visible and only hand over after payment.
• Have a neighbour or friend check in during busy times.