A colleague’s son found the sure-fire way to make money at neighborhood yard sales.

• Walk down to the donut shop and buy several boxes of mixed varieties. Stock up on complimentary creamer, sugar, and stir sticks.
• Brew as large an amount of coffee as the household thermos bottles will hold.
• Set up a card table with donuts and coffee. Mark up the donut prices 100% and the coffee at least as much. Use mugs from the families’ yards (cheaper than styrofoam disposables).
• Open for business at least 30 minutes before the official start, when the early birds are milling about.
• Make out like a bandit.