San Antonio Garage Sales & Yard Sales (2024)

FAQs

Do I need a permit to have a yard sale in San Antonio? ›

A permit is required to hold garage, yard, or estate sales within city limits. This applies to both residents and non-profit organizations. You may sell up to five items or less on your property without a Garage Sale Permit.

As you likely guessed, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are known as the best time to have a yard sale because that's when most people can attend.

Sellers are ready to part with their things, so it's perfectly acceptable to haggle on pricing, especially if you are interested in a high-dollar item or have a grouping of things. Either ask the seller if they can lower the price or feel free to make an offer. However, don't suggest too low a price.

Although not everyone puts price tags on their garage sale merchandise, pricing your merchandise in advance will make the day of the sale less hectic for you. Additionally, it may make customers more likely to buy.

How many garage/yard sales are allowed? Four per year, but not more than two in a 90 days period.

Laws in Texas are strict concerning licenses, permits, and the local building code. Which makes it all the more critical you follow them. You won't need a permit for a storage shed of less than 200 square feet not used for business, work, or as a living space in Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Houston, or Austin.

Sometimes I've started with only $30 but always make sure and have the 10 $1 bills because a lot of people will buy a one or two dollar item and give you a five. I also make sure I have a few more $1's and $5's in the house in case I need them.

Post your garage sale flyers around the neighborhood a few days before the yard sale. Make sure to place them in high-traffic areas like marts, parks, office elevators, and churches so people will see them. You can also ask your friends and family to help out.

“With garage sales, you only get local buyers,” says veteran online peddler and blogger (My Money Chronicles) Jason Butler. “If you sell [online], you can get global buyers.” Butler rejects consignment shops out of hand: “They don't pay enough.”

How can I make extra money at a yard sale? ›

Offer Profitable Extras

Whether you make them yourself or pick them up from Costco or Sam's Club, selling snacks and drinks during your garage or yard sale can take your final total over-the-top. It doesn't have to be fancy; cookies, snack bags of chips and bottled water will sell really well.

To optimize your garage sale pricing, consider the item's condition and original retail price. Items in excellent condition can be priced at 50% of retail, while good conditions might be closer to 25%-30%. Sticking to the ten percent rule is a common strategy, where you don't charge more than 10% of the retail price.

Bright colors draw the eye. White lettering on a red background is a popular choice for yard sale signs, because red creates a sense of urgency, and the two colors contrast well for easy readability.

Label your items by price

Then, simply mark each item with the appropriate color, make signs with Post-it® Super Sticky Big Notes, and hang them on your tables to tell your customers what the colors mean.

If you have a garage sale or sell personal items through the internet or an advertisem*nt, you may need to obtain a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit and collect sales tax. Texas sales tax is normally due when you sell tangible personal property.

In Dallas, Texas, permits are typically necessary for estate sales. The City of Dallas specifies that permits are needed for temporary retail sales, which include estate sales, and guidelines are provided for the application process.

You must obtain a Texas sales and use tax permit if you are an individual, partnership, corporation or other legal entity engaged in business in Texas and you: Sell tangible personal property in Texas; Lease or rent tangible personal property in Texas; Sell taxable services in Texas; or.

Obtaining a Permit

Yard Sale Permits may be obtained from the Customer Service Department, located on the first floor at City Hall. A permit fee is required and information will need to be provided including the address of the sale, name of person conducting the sale, and the date of the sale.