How Much Change Should You Get for a Garage Sale?

A successful garage sale hinges on efficient financial management, particularly having an appropriate supply of change. Proper change management facilitates smooth transactions, prevents lost sales due to an inability to break large bills, and enhances the buyer’s experience. Adequate preparation avoids last-minute stress and ensures financial success.

Determining Your Change Inventory

Calculating the optimal amount and denominations of change is an important step in preparing for a garage sale. Your pricing strategy directly influences the types of change you will need. For instance, if you price items ending in $.25, $.50, or $.00, you will primarily need quarters and dollar bills. Conversely, pricing items at $.10 or $.05 would necessitate a larger supply of dimes and nickels.

A common recommendation is to start a typical garage sale with approximately $100 in cash for making change. This amount ensures you can handle various transaction sizes. A suggested breakdown often includes 20 one-dollar bills ($20), 5 five-dollar bills ($25), 4 ten-dollar bills ($40), one roll of quarters ($10), and one roll of dimes ($5). Some sources also suggest having a few twenty-dollar bills. Consider potential scenarios, such as a customer purchasing a $0.75 item with a $5 bill, to understand change implications and adjust your inventory.

Acquiring and Securing Your Funds

Obtain necessary change well in advance of your garage sale. Your local bank or credit union is the primary source for acquiring rolls of coins and various bill denominations. Visit during off-peak hours to ensure staff can assist with your request. Some large retailers might also be able to provide smaller bills or coin rolls if you are making a purchase, though this is less reliable than a bank.

Once you have your change, organize it for easy access and security. A cash box with compartments for different denominations is a traditional option. A fanny pack or a carpenter’s apron worn on your person can keep money secure and readily available, minimizing the risk of theft compared to an unattended cash box. Keep the cash out of sight and never leave it unattended, especially during busy periods, for security.

Handling Cash Transactions Smoothly

Managing transactions efficiently during the sale involves clear communication and a methodical approach to counting change. Count change back to customers by counting up from the purchase price to the amount received. For example, if an item costs $4.60 and the customer pays with a $20 bill, you would count out $0.40 in coins to reach $5.00, then add a $5 bill to reach $10.00, and finally a $10 bill to reach $20.00. This method minimizes errors and provides clarity for both parties.

Dealing with large bills, such as $50s or $100s, for small purchases requires careful consideration. If your change supply is limited, politely inform the customer you cannot break such a large denomination for a minimal purchase. Simple record-keeping, like a notepad and calculator, can track sales and money received throughout the day. While cash remains a primary payment method for garage sales, digital payment options (e.g., Venmo, PayPal, Zelle) can supplement cash transactions and appeal to customers who may not carry physical money.