Spring, summer and fall are prime months for garage sales. But instead of running one alone, get your neighbors into the act. In order to plan, promote, set up and run it, you must know how to price merchandise and negotiate with buyers.

You will need a space with adequate parking, plenty of tables to spend out your merchandise and a way of keeping track of everyone’s goods.

To be compensated, you can charge $20 to $30 per hour for your time or take a percentage of the gross receipts – 10 to 25 percent is typical. It is difficult talking money with neighbors, but if you plan to make this into an official business, you must determine up front what your idea to have a simple contract that lays out the terms and limits your liability.

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