Need a bit more info on what Garage Sale Trail is all about. These FAQs chat you through the questions we get asked the most.
WHAT IS IT?
Garage Sale Trail is Australia's festival of pre-loved stuff. Each year over 400,000 Australians get involved. Collectively they help to extend the life of over 3 million kilograms of stuff, saving it from landfill.
Garage Sale Trail happens next in November 2024 with two big weekends of garage sales on 9-10 & 16-17 November. You choose whether to take part on just one day or do more, from anywhere in Australia.
It's free to get involved and you get tips, support and promotional materials to help you be successful, including touch-free PayPal QR code payments.
Join the wait list to be the first to know when registrations open in 2024 and get exclusive early bird access.
WHEN IS GARAGE SALE TRAIL HAPPENING?
Garage Sale Trail takes place over two big weekends - 9-10 & 16-17 November 2024. Over those dates thousands of garage sales will be popping up in gardens, garages, car boots and ovals across the nation.
WHAT EVENTS ARE HAPPENING NEAR ME?
From September 2024, you can search for garage sales happening near you using the national sales map and build a Trail of your favourites to visit on 9-10 and 16-17 November 2024.
Once it's live, visit the map, add your suburb and use the filters to find sales on specific dates or selling the stuff you're looking for.
WHO IS IT FOR?
It’s for everybody. Households, unit blocks, community groups, charities, schools, local businesses, even whole streets get involved. It’s also a great event for makers and creators to showcase their wares and for good causes to raise a quid or two to support their work.
CAN I TAKE PART IF I DON'T HAVE A GARAGE OR FRONT GARDEN?
You sure can! If you don't have the space at home, you can search for local group sales or markets happening near you. Many of them have spots available to the local community.
If you live in an apartment, how about getting the neighbours involved and hosting an event in your common area? If you're not sure where to start, take a look at the guide we have created for apartments and unit blocks.
HOW DO I REGISTER A GARAGE SALE?
Setting up your garage sale is a simple process that takes no more that five minutes. Once you've completed the online registration, you get a free listing on the national map (viewed over 2 million times in the lead up to the event) plus stacks of free promotional materials, sale tips and touch-free QR code payments thanks to PayPal.
HOW DO I GET MY FREE PROMO MATERIALS?
Your free promo materials are provided as soon as you register your garage sale. You'll find downloadable posters, letterbox slips, directional signage and tiles to post on social media as well as goodies to help you decorate and plan your sale.
WHO KEEPS THE MONEY?
It’s up to you. You can keep the proceeds, or choose to fundraise for a charity, local community group or cause. Last year the average seller made $857. Schools and community groups over $1,500.
WHAT CAN I BUY OR SELL ON THE TRAIL?
With over 5 million items going up for sale every year, you can find pretty much anything on the Trail. We’ve seen it all. From rocket powered jet packs to apartments, a lifetime collection of Stars Wars memorabilia and even two grandpas who were listed for cups of tea and biscuits.
In the name of reuse and the circular economy, it's all about secondhand, from pre-loved furniture, kids toys and books to clothing, vinyl, knick knacks and more. All we ask is that you keep it clean and legal (PG please).
WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO HOST YOUR GARAGE SALE?
Most garage sales run from 9am – 2pm. We recommend sticking to these golden hours.
DO I HAVE TO HOST MY SALE AT HOME?
Not necessarily but it you’re looking to host your sale elsewhere, be sure to get the necessary permissions from the landowner or your local council and always have your own safety in mind. There are some places garage sales just shouldn’t be. Like roundabouts, or footpaths, or inside an actual swimming pool.
If you're keen to sell with others from the community, you'll be able to search the national map for group sales happening near you from September 2024. Many of these market, carboot and suitcase rummages are open to stallholders so you can bring along a suitcase / table / car load of stuff to sell.
WHY IS THIS ANY DIFFERENT TO ORGANISING A GARAGE SALE ON ANOTHER WEEKEND OF THE YEAR?
For first timers, we make it easy by providing free promotional materials, tips and tricks as well as support from the garage sale community and touch-free PayPal QR code payments with the PayPal app (apple | android).
Being part of big national event also means you're making some truly magical things happen. Like playing a part in saving over 3 million kilograms of stuff from landfill.
There's also something pretty cool about knowing you're part of a community of folks all simultaneously garage sale-ing over two big weekends.
I’M IN! HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Registrations open in Spring 2024. To get exclusive early bird access, join the wait list.
Setting up your sale listing takes no more than five minutes and once completed you’ll get access to lots of free promotional materials and support.
The most successful sales get creative with their sale name and tell people what they're offering at their sale – think special guests, a theme, music, entertainment and free giveaways.
CAN I SELL FOOD AT MY SALE?
We love a good feed here at the Garage Sale Trail and there is almost nothing better than enjoying a freshly baked scone with your newly purchased pre-loved jumpsuit / dog figurine / handbag. But if you’re planning on selling food, you’ll need to have the necessary food hygiene and safety certificates so speak to your local council if that’s what you have planned.
CAN I EDIT OR DELETE MY SALE LISTING AFTER IT IS PUBLISHED?
You sure can. We get that things change, so have made it easy for sellers to edit any of the details of their sale such as the times and dates. If you're no longer able to host a garage sale, you can also delete your listing.
HOW DO I ACCEPT TOUCH-FREE PAYMENTS WITH PAYPAL?
Sellers with a PayPal account can accept touch-free payments in person using PayPal QR codes. No special equipment is needed, just the PayPal app and a smartphone.
If shopping is more your thing, download the PayPal app (apple | android) before you hit the Trail to shop using touch-free PayPal QR code payments.
IS MY COUNCIL PARTICIPATING?
Your local council is where the Garage Sale Trail magic starts! 80 councils around the country make Garage Sale Trail possible in 2023. Find out if your council is one of them and be sure to say thanks. Garage Sale Trail couldn’t happen without them and their support makes the event free for the local community.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T SELL EVERYTHING?
Experience tells us that while a garage sale is a great way to shift lots of things you no longer need or want, you will still have some stuff still left over at the end. We'll be in touch after the event with tips and support to help you find a new home for things you didn't shift.
WHO ORGANISES GARAGE SALE TRAIL?
Garage Sale Trail is run by Australian not for profit social enterprise, Garage Sale Trail Foundation, in partnership with the councils of Australia.
If you’re still searching for the answer, DM us on Facebook or Instagram, or contact us by email on contactus@garagesaletrail.com.au
