Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to what sellers, shoppers, and organizers ask most.
Costs, sign-up, and refunds
How much does it cost to sign up?
The organizer of each walk sets the fee, usually between $10 and $25 per household. You'll see the exact amount on the walk's page before you check out.
When is the sign-up deadline?
Three days before the event. Anyone who registers after that won't appear on the organizer's printed flyers, but will still show up on the live mobile map.
What if I only have a few things to sell?
That's completely fine. A single folding table with a dozen items is a real yard sale. Shoppers love the unexpected finds at smaller setups.
Can I cancel and get a refund?
Registration fees are non-refundable because the organizer commits to printed maps and flyers as soon as you sign up. If something serious comes up, contact your organizer and they'll do their best.
What does the signup fee cover?
Your signup fee covers the marketing, logistics, and infrastructure that brings shoppers to your sale. That includes the online and printed map, social media and local promotion, payment processing, the website, and the organizer's real costs for printing, signage, and running the event. If your walk has a charity, a chosen percentage of the fee goes there first.
Example: a $15 signup with 50% to charity breaks down to $7.50 to the charity, $0.74 to payment processing, $1.35 to Yard Sale Walk (the platform), and $5.41 to the organizer to cover their event costs.
The platform takes a smaller cut when a walk has a more generous charity split. The more goes to charity, the less the platform earns per signup. We see this as co-investing in the charitable outcome alongside the organizer.
First-time organizers typically run events at or near break-even; the model is designed to become sustainable for organizers at higher signup volumes, once event-day operations don't scale much with more sellers.
Selling and the map
What can I sell, and what can't I?
Sell used personal items: clothes, books, toys, kitchenware, furniture, tools, electronics, sports gear, art. Off-limits: food, new or commercial goods, counterfeit items, live animals, weapons, adult material.
Do I need to take credit cards?
No. Most shoppers bring cash. Some sellers also accept Interac e-Transfer for larger items. Keep a small float of small bills.
What happens to the stuff that doesn't sell?
Drop your prices as the day winds down so good things find homes. Anything left can go to the Salvation Army or your local food bank; many will even pick up at the curb if you book ahead.
How does the map work?
Your address shows as a pin on the public map a few days before the walk. Shoppers can filter pins by the categories you picked at sign-up. The organizer also posts a printed flyer with the dotted map at boards and poles in the area, and hands out a smaller walking version on event day; the live mobile map also shows last-minute sellers who registered after print.
Day of the walk
What time do I need to set up?
Give yourself about an hour before the walk starts. Check your walk's page for the exact start time.
What if it rains?
The event still happens. Bring tarps or move things into your garage. Yard sales are rain-or-shine.
Do I have to stay home the whole time?
Yes for the event hours. If you need to step away for a few minutes, ask a neighbour to watch your table.
Your space
Can I share a yard with my neighbour?
Yes. One person signs up and pays the registration fee as the official seller. Your neighbour can share the table and sell their own things; only one pin shows on the map.
What if I live in a strata or condo?
If you have a small space at your unit (a porch, a balcony with consent, or your driveway parking spot), you can sell. If you'd use common space, just give your strata a heads-up. Most are fine with a one-off Saturday event.
Can I sell on the sidewalk or street?
No. Sales have to happen on your private property: front yard, driveway, garage, or back lane. Selling on the sidewalk or street is against City of Vancouver bylaws.
I'm renting. Can I hold a yard sale?
Yes, as long as your landlord permits it. Check your lease. Most landlords don't object to a one-day yard sale, but it's worth asking.
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