Make big bucks at your next yard sale

Create attractive displays. When you're laying out your goods, think like a store owner. Group items on tables by type and size, hang clothing on a rack, neatly fan out books or magazines, and stuff purses with tissue paper so they look new. Keep everything off the ground; exhibit your wares at waist height so they're more accessible.

Consider your customer. Entice browsers to stick around by selling bottles of water, soda and prepackaged snacks or doughnuts. Play quiet background music to help them relax. Another smart store tactic: Keep kids occupied while their parents shop. You can set out a "free box" for them with small items like fast-food toys, old coloring books and crayons, etc.

Schedule to draw crowds. Plan your sale for a Saturday, when people have time to stop and shop. Mornings and early afternoons tend to bring in the most profits, so start around 8 or 9 a.m. Since early birds may come by sooner, set out display tables the night before so you can stock them quickly in the morning.

Be wise about how much you charge. Price your goods at around a quarter of their current retail cost. Using a thick black marker, write the price on a sticker and affix it to the sale item (don't write directly on your merchandise). After an item sells, remove the sticker and place it in a notebook to help keep track of profits. Make sure you have a safe place to keep change: You'll need at least $100 worth of coins and bills, especially singles.