Yard Sale Profit Calculator
Estimate garage sale earnings from item categories and pricing.
Covers clothing, books, toys, electronics, and furniture with realistic sell-through rates.
Yard sale profit depends on several factors: the quantity and quality of items, pricing strategy, location, weather, and foot traffic.
Average revenue by category: According to yard sale data, typical items sell for:
- Clothing: $1–5 per item (average $2)
- Books and media: $0.50–3 per item (average $1)
- Kitchenware: $2–10 per item (average $4)
- Electronics: $5–50 per item (average $15)
- Furniture: $10–100 per item (average $30)
- Toys and games: $1–10 per item (average $3)
- Tools: $3–25 per item (average $8)
- Decor and collectibles: $2–20 per item (average $5)
Sell-through rate is the percentage of items that actually sell. A typical yard sale sells 40–60% of displayed items. Better pricing, signage, and location increase sell-through.
Costs to subtract:
- Advertising (signs, online listings): $5–20
- Supplies (stickers, tables, change): $5–15
- Permit fees (some municipalities require one): $0–50
Pricing tips: Price items at 10–20% of original retail value. Bundle small items (fill a bag for $5). Mark everything clearly — unlabeled items rarely sell. Be prepared to negotiate, especially after noon. Start early (7–8 AM) for the best traffic.
Revenue formula: Total Revenue = Sum of (Items per Category x Average Price x Sell-Through Rate) Net Profit = Total Revenue - Total Costs
Most yard sales generate $200–$500 in a single day. Multi-family sales typically earn 50–100% more due to variety and increased traffic.
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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