WisRummages provides a full-featured events calendar with each type of event or sale color coded for easy identification and viewing. Each event or sale is also clearly marked on a map as well.

Here’s a sample listing from March 2010:

The Waukesha Mothers of Twins Club is holding our next rummage sale on Friday, March 12th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, March 13th from 8 a.m. to noon. Note the NEW LOCATION: The Excellence Center, N4 W22000 Bluemound Road (on the corner of Springdale and Bluemound). Tons of clothing, books, furniture, bedding, equipment and much more! There is a $2 entrance fee to shop on Friday. Free entry on Saturday.

To view more listings or to post your sale or event, visit:

www.wisrummages.com

1. Don’t Have A Last-Minute Sale.

A successful sale requires planning and advance notice. While you can put a sign up on the corner and perhaps get a few visitors, a sale where you’ve placed an ad well in advance is sure to get more traffic. Traffic equals $$$.

2. Make Sure People Can Find You.

You can never have too many signs pointing the way to your sale. Invariably some will blow away, some will fall down, but if you have plenty of signs, people will still find your sale. Use arrows to accurately point the way. Be sure to include a complete street address.

3. You’ll Need Plenty Of Change.

Be prepared to break several big bills and have plenty of small change on hand. You should also decide in advance whether you’ll want to accept personal checks as well.

4. Have Lots Of Bags Available For Purchases.

Don’t just hand items to the buyer. Make sure you have plenty of bags and boxes in which to pack and wrap items.

So, there you have it… a good beginning to a successful sale. Keep it simple, keep it safe, and have fun! Good luck and make lots of money!

Depending on your shopping focus, you may want to include different items in your tool kit but here are a few suggestions you might consider:

1. Sale List: this might seem obvious, but many are the times I’ve managed to leave the house for a day of sales without a clearcut notion of where I’m headed. This wastes both your time and your gas. Be usre to make a list or at least bring the newspaper listings with you.

2: Map: I don’t care how long you’ve lived somewhere, eventually you’l see an address for a sale and you’ll have no idea where it’s located. A map of the area should always be in the glove compartment of your car.

3. Batteries: A couple sets of fresh batteries of various sizes are always a good idea. Often you’ll see an item that requires batteries and rather than rely on the seller’s word, you can slip one of your fresh batteries in the item to be sure it works.

4. Cell Phone: Nearly everyone has a cell phone these days and a cell phone with access to the web can allow you to check on an item before purchasing it, or call to arrange for someone to pick up an item of furniture, etc. It can also be handy to call and ask for directions if you’ve forgotten your map.

5. Even better, a small laptop or netbook with WiFi and a GPS can increase your success rate exponentially. You can type in an address and the GPS can take you right to it or log on to eBay to check current prices.

6. Rope/Bungee Cords: You’ll need these for securing items or a hatch or trunk lid.

7. Snacks/Drinks: Carrying a load of snacks and drinks can save you a lot of extra cash versus hitting a convenience store or fast food restaurant while you’re out on the road.

8. Packing Supplies: We always carried a box of padded sheets and newspapers and brought along boxes to wrap items ecurely once purchased.

Of course, you’ll find other items you’ll want to add to your tool kit. Time will tell what works best for you. In the meantime, good luck and happy hunting!