1 year, 12 months ago
What are the most valuable types of items people usually find at a yard sale that they can sell on eBay?
I'm looking to start a store on Bonanzle and I want to incorporate items that I will be picking up at yard sales over the weekends in the summer. Are there any particular items that you have experience finding and selling that may be common at yard sales that fetch a decent profit?
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M$1 Answer
Fire-King glassware is something to watch for. I've picked up pieces for a few cents at yard sales and sold them on ebay for big dollars! The hotly collected patterns and colors seem to change regularly, though, so you need to watch the completed listings to see what people are buying. Serving pieces generally sell better than dinner plates or salad bowls. Their "Jadite" line usually bring the best prices, but it's getting harder to find.
I've done well with other vintage glass and pottery, also. Roseville is an Ohio pottery company that can bring big prices. I once picked up a chipped jardiniere for a dollar at a yard sale and sold it for over $30! Minor damage won't necessarily deter a collector if the piece is rare and desirable.
McCoy pottery can bring some good prices, especially the cookie jars!
I'd suggest you do some estate auctions as well as yard sales. Those older folks kept everything, and I find some very nice glass and pottery that way, too, as well as other vintage items.
Vintage board games do well, too, especially if you can find a first edition.
I've done well with other vintage glass and pottery, also. Roseville is an Ohio pottery company that can bring big prices. I once picked up a chipped jardiniere for a dollar at a yard sale and sold it for over $30! Minor damage won't necessarily deter a collector if the piece is rare and desirable.
McCoy pottery can bring some good prices, especially the cookie jars!
I'd suggest you do some estate auctions as well as yard sales. Those older folks kept everything, and I find some very nice glass and pottery that way, too, as well as other vintage items.
Vintage board games do well, too, especially if you can find a first edition.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
I am always amazed by what sells. By now I'm sure you went to my booth and saw the kinds of things I have. I love to treasure hunt (yard sales, estate sales, auctions) and finding a treasure is exciting. I just found some W. Germany earrings for $2 that will sell for $25 at a church rummage sale. I found a Hummel/Goebel for $2.50 that is discontinued and books at $500. I bought two American Girl Dolls, one for $3 (sold for $60) and the other one complete with trunk and clothes for $15 (sold for $150). I like to look for old pamphlets from the 40s or booklets. I also like to buy what appeals to my eyes, a cute frog, an adorable kitten. Vintage clothes are fun, but what I found didn't work for me except for an old baptism set for a baby (I don't have very much to choose from), but I think they could do very well.
I like to have both high dollar and low dollar things in my store. Not everyone can afford high prices. Another thing you might do is combine shipping at just what it will ship for. I hate paying postage and I'm sure others do too. I just sold five items instead of one by doing that and they were thankful and will be back. Keep in touch with your good customers if you get something you know they would like. Let them know.
I have sold things that one part may be broken but the other is good. Someone who has broken the good part you have may buy it to fix theirs. To me, selling what you like and enjoying it is important. Look up prices things are selling for and see what interests you. Look for unique items and make sure your title reflects your item so it will be picked up by a search engine. Whatever you do, have fun treasure hunting. It makes it a lot more exciting and fun to sell.
I also visit my local thrift store and I have found wonderful stuff there. In fact that's where I found to Goebel and American Girl Doll. Old books, pamphlets, booklets and such are often at estate sales. I also agree with the things the above poster mentioned. I have Pfaltzgraff, Fiesta, carnival glass, Fenton glass, and lot of other glassware and pottery. I found a great McCoy pot that was all dirty that cleaned up just fine. Be careful of Roseville reproductions. Look it up on the internet and see what to watch for. Good luck and most of all, have a blast treasure hunting!!!!
The thing I like most about Bonanzle is being able to leave things on there at no charge and selling without auction for best offer. You can get a group of items together for a Bonanza sale and make wonderful pages with groups of items from several sellers to help bring people to the site. As I said before, if you need any help be sure to let me know. I wouldn't trade this site for any other. It's a great community of sellers and buyers.
One thing I forgot is if your friends have anything unique they want to sell offer to list it for them. Get at least 30% for your trouble. My friend splits 50-50 with me. It can add variety to your site. Always make sure you describe every little flaw you see on items so they are not returned for misrepresentation.
There's so much more, just let me know if you need help. I'm here.