Hints on the do’s and don’ts of garage sales

Dear Heloise: I have a few hints on the do’s and don’ts of garage sales that might avoid anger and confusion for both the seller and the customer:

• Have a price sticker on everything you’re selling. The “make me an offer” approach usually makes people decide to walk away.

• Be willing to negotiate on some things. After all, if it was an item that you really loved, you probably wouldn’t have put it in a garage sale.

• Make sure that everything is clean and well-displayed. You can make a table out of a long, flat board that rests on empty boxes. Just place a sheet or tablecloth over the board. The nicer it looks, the faster it sells.

• Organize things such as kitchen items in one area, clothing in another, furniture in another, and so on. Make it easy for customers to navigate your sale.

• Have one person who takes in the cash. They should never leave the cashbox unattended. Start with about 20 $1 bills and some change. Have a sign up that says, “We won’t take bills larger than $20.”

• Don’t let people inside your home to use the restroom or try on clothing.

• Have a sign that says, “All sales are final. No refunds, exchanges or returns.”

• If your city requires a permit to have a garage sale, make sure you get one. The price for a permit is usually cheaper than getting fined. — Gloria F., Deltona, Florida

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RAISINS VERSUS CURRANTS

Dear Heloise: What is the difference between raisins and currants? I’ve been under the impression that both are simply dried grapes. — Juliette L., via email

Juliette, they are both grapes, so you’re correct about that point. However, raisins are generally softer, sweeter and occasionally juicier than currants. Currants have a stronger sweet and tangy flavor, and they are a little smaller than raisins. Modern recipes tend to use raisins more often than currants. — Heloise

HIDE AND SEEK

Dear Heloise: I discovered that if you tilt your blinds slightly downward, you still get plenty of light in a room, and people outside of your house cannot see into your home. I had a nosy neighbor who used to stop on the sidewalk while walking her dog and stare into my home. Now she can’t, and I have my privacy! — Nancy H., Royal Oak, Michigan

ADDRESS LABELS

Dear Heloise: I have a large selection of books in my own home library, and I willingly loan them out to friends. But several simply went missing, so now I take all those address labels that I get in the mail from various charities and stick one on the inside and back cover of the book. This is a reminder for those who borrow a book to return it. — Jerome B., Chillicothe, Missouri

TOASTER WAFFLE FRENCH TOAST

Dear Heloise: Thanks for all the hints that make our daily lives easier and more fun! For a delicious change-up when making French toast, substitute the usual bread for toaster waffles. — C.J., via email