Whether you are a buyer or a seller, the spring garage sale season is win-win for both sides.

Buyers find bargains on everything from home furnishings to one-of-kind treasures. For sellers, yard sales are a great way to de-clutter the house and make a little money. While it can be a huge undertaking, proper planning can save lots of headaches.

Twila Brickhouse of Rapid City knows a thing or two about organizing a rummage sale. She heads up the annual Pierre Street sale, which her mother, the late Ann Terry, began 34 years ago. When her mother died, Brickhouse carried on the yearly tradition that began when she was just 3 years old. The mammoth neighborhood sale is held at the end of the summer, usually the first Saturday in September.

"We think she started it because she was a stay-at-home mom and loved talking to all the neighbors," Brickhouse said. "She pretty much knew everybody. We don't think our parents had the rummage sale to make money. We think they did it to mostly socialize, have fun and get rid of their stuff."

Using what she learned from her mother, Brickhouse's sales have always been worth the time and bother. Her best tip is to prepare for the sale throughout the year.

"We always had a box set aside throughout the year to put things in that we knew we wanted to sell. After this many years, we really don't have that much stuff left to get rid She also recommends making sure you have enough change. "Some people will come to the sale and give you a 20 for one item.," she said.

Pricing items is a good idea, but that is not always possible, Brickhouse said. Sometimes it is easier to simply post signs advertising the prices on smaller things such as books and clothing.

Sellers should make sure all of items are clean and in good working order. Have spare batteries, an electrical outlet or an extension cord nearby for buyers to test small appliances, she suggested.

And buyers should remember that used items don't come with a warranty or a guarantee.

"I think people realize they are buying used things that they usually don't pay high dollar for," Brickhouse said. "If you want to buy electronics, you know it's not brand new so you shouldn't expect brand new stuff."

Buyers have been known to head out first thing in the morning and don't stop until they've hit every sale possible. Offering baked goods, sodas, bottled water and other types of food can generate more money on sale day, she said.

"We've always made brownies," she said. "Our dad sold hamburgers, and the people across the street sold chicken and pork on a stick. Some people even used to sell their garden vegetables."

Marlys Loyer of Rapid City will hold her first yard sale this year in preparation for a move out of state. She will be one of the military families taking part in the Dakota Ridge neighborhood sale on Saturday, May 10.

She ran off a checklist of suggested tips she planned to use, and did not seem worried about the task. "If I'm not ready by 8, I'm not going to get bent out of shape." She plans to have fun. "It's like one big block party."

After three decades of hosting yard sales, Brickhouse has learned what sells and what does not.

She has had good luck selling furniture, but it depends on the price. "You know it's wonderful stuff, but if you price things too high you'll be stuck with them," she said.

She said men's clothes usually don't sell. "Usually there are not a lot of adult males who go to yard sales looking for clothes. They usually come for tools," she said.

"We have figured out that kids' clothes and toys stuff is the number one thing to sell because everyone needs those eventually. And it's nice to get a kid outfit for 50 cents instead of paying $10," she said.

Kelly Von Eye of Rapid City shops for clothes and toys for her two sons. She started going to yard sales with her mother when she was little and hits the sales about every other weekend. "I actually get a lot of my day care toys and baby stuff that way," she said.

Her best bargain to date was at a sale in Rapid Valley, where she picked up a crib filled with name-brand baby clothes for a nominal charge.

However, buyers should use caution when purchasing used children's items. Kathy Deml, child passenger safety technician/instructor for Early Childhood Connections, said while that parents can save money at yard sales, there are some items, such as car seats, that may not be safe.

Car seats may be expired or have recalled seats. Buyers have no knowledge of the seat's history, notably if it has ever been in a crash, she said. Some owners may have replaced the original non-flammable seat cover with a homemade cover. Or the seat may not be threaded correctly and may have missing pieces.

"There have been a lot of recalls on cribs, and some of the older cribs may have slats that may be too far apart," she said. "Toys could have been recalled, too." Clothing with drawstrings also poses a danger

Sherri Dunne of Rapid City said she enjoys the hunt and the surprises. She said a super find can make her day.

"You could find something like a little table or something that's really different or unique. I found the ugliest rooster lamp, and I bought it for $2." She repainted it an added a new shade.

"I paid a lot more for the shade, but I loved that I put my own stamp on something that somebody else had. It was just awesome," she said.

Brickhouse goes to fewer rummage sales these days but still likes to look.

"Since I teach first grade and used to teach kindergarten, I love to look for things for my classroom," she said.

The thing she uses the most is an M&M dispensing machine that she picked up for 10 cents years ago.

"I put a bag of M&Ms in it and I bribe my students with M&Ms," she said with a laugh. "I've used it for eight years. It's a very sturdy little thing, and I spent a dime on it."

How to have a super sale

Here are a few tips compiled by seasoned sellers.

n Price items clearly. Some people might not ask and pass by items if they don't see prices. A good gauge for pricing is to determine what you would pay for the same item at a yard sale.

n Presentation is everything. Display items on tables that are easy to maneuver around. If necessary, drape sheets over items that are not for sale.

n Arrange items neatly and in categories.

n Display clothing on hangers, organized by gender and sizes.

n Have a supply of bags available as well as a stack of newspapers to wrap fragile items.

n Keep these supplies at your fingertips: money belt, tape, stickers, markers and a calculator.

n Advertise your sale and use signs. After the sale, take down signs.

n Check that all of your items are clean, free of stains and in working order.

n Have an electrical outlet or extension cord nearby to plug in electrical items to show people that they do work.