I don't know from the seller's experience what tips to give you but I sure can tell you from the buyer's experience. How to get me there ... I really like dee54's idea of the signs. When you make signs that are meant to be seen by motorists, PLEASE make the print BOLD and BIG! I don't know how many times I noticed a sign, only to be unable to read it because the print was too faint and/or too small. dee54's idea of a different shaped sign like the watering can is a great eye catcher. People will follow the signs just to see where they lead. How to get me to stop ... have things for sale in front of the house. My girlfriend and I won't bother stopping at a home where the driveway is too long and we have to walk to get to the sale. We are both more apt to stop if the merchandise is near the curb. And have a lot of stuff displayed. If I see a sale that looks like a carnival with a variety of merchandise, I will stop and look. Colorful flags, balloons and signs all catch my attention. Make sure you have some big pieces that will glitter and twinkle in the sun or are bold and colorful. You got me, now what to do with me? Offer not only a variety of different merchandise but also offer a variety of prices. I might not be able to buy a $50 birdbath but I'd really like that $8 whirlygig thing or a $10 flower pot. Even small items selling for a couple of bucks will draw sales. And please clearly mark the price on the merchandise! I have no idea what unique handmade items are worth. To me, a glass totem is a good buy at $15 but you might be expecting $35 to break even. If something isn't clearly marked, I just assume it is too expensive. I find that a lot of people aren't hagglers so they won't bother negotiating a price with you. If you are unsure of whether your prices are good put up a sign telling people you are willing to haggle or are flexible. Do you want me to come back next time? Hand out inexpensive business cards or flyers letting people know when your next sale is or at least it will help them remember where you are and what you sell. Plus it is a great way for them to share your location with others if they have the address. People might not be able to afford something you are selling now but will come back to a future sale with money in hand. My problem is, I forget the address! If some of your garden pieces shouldn't be kept outdoors year round or if it requires special care, be sure to let buyers know. I hate when I buy something, not realizing it requires special care, only to have it break or come apart. You could include care instructions with the purchase. But for me? All you have to do is email me the date, time and location and I'll be there with my wallet! lol Good luck!

Thanks again. Mom and dad were married just short of 55 years and had one of those really great marriages. She is missing him terribly and it's heartbreaking to see but she is slowly coming back to her old self. Shortly after dad passed away mom found out she has macular degeneration which initially scared her to no end. But she is a good candidate for some new treatment which seems to be working (stopping the progression). Then about 6 weeks later her very good friend also passed away (if anyone recalls my post about mothers and store coupons, that's the friend). It has been a few very tough months. Again, thanks everyone (and Shauna - no, I don't think you've flipped out at all, I get it). I really like the idea of selling hens & chicks, Vrie, and I sure have enough of them multiplying like crazy out there. Maybe some shallow dish gardens made up with decorative stone... I don't think I'll expand into perennial divisions or bulbs, though - I like the bouquet making and dried arranging too much I guess. (Plus my application didn't indicate live plants, but I think I could swing hens & chicks in a dish garden - that's kind of a crafty-arrangey kinda thing). The market goes into mid-October, I believe, but after the September 9 weekend I probably won't attend much. There is an indoor Christmas market in December which was actually what got me started on this whole thing - I wanted to get in on that Christmas market last year and they told me I had to be approved to and a member of the farmer's market. So I applied. I'm planning on selling fresh greenery centrepieces at that time. Otherwise I'll do a couple of local fall craft fairs with the drieds. Margaret, you're so right about making some $$$ doing something you love to do. For a number of years I've been intent on getting the garden to somehow pay for itself. Believe me, it all (and then some) goes back into the yard in some form or other. But that's okay, that's the intent. I think $1.50 a bulb is more than reasonable, Brenda - I'd be tempted to go $2 and next spring raise your potted price. What's a potted lily go for at a nursery these days (haven't bought one so don't know). Usually the deals are unnamed/mixed bulbs, but if you have names and pictures to go along with those lily bulbs - I know I'd buy them at that price. Not to mention you actually get to SEE the bulb before you buy it. Flash some of those beautiful photos and you're no doubt going to have no trouble at all.

Karen & All, is anyone else having problems seeing pictures in posts here? I only see about 3 of the pictures!!! Yep, the Chef Santa is mine that you have pictured. I wish you had said something a week ago!!!! GRRRRR, you've got to speak up girl, I saw one at a garage sale, but passed on it since I have two that I bought last xmas, I'm sure you remember them!!! As for the chef nutcracker, I will keep my eyes open for that at sales and for a Chef Santa, now that I know you want one! That is an adorable nutcracker, never saw a chef one before! All you gals have to speak up if you're looking for something in particular, it's unbelievable how I can find things at these sales if I know what you want!!!

Wow, punk! You've got to feel very blessed with all these lovin' people thinking of you! It was fun to look at all these material blessings, too (given with thought for you)! Love those chargers & accessories that you found for yourself...that chip & dip set is perfect for our "Fall-ish" decor right now...will be fun to see what you do with it. The gold dishes are very "cheerful" & will look forward to seeing them soon...more "Fallish" decor...& for many times of the yr. Take care of yourself & enjoy...that "spare time" will come soon enough! TFS! Jeanne S.