I've always loved going to thrift stores and garage sales. For me, there's such a trill in the hunt. Come on, what's not exciting about finding a $400 Waterford Crystal figurine for 99 cents? Yes, that actually happened to me, I found it at Goodwill. But the thing is, it was a golf figurine and I don't golf or need more stuff in my tiny house even though it
was Waterford and all. So, I turn to eBay and sell these fabulous finds and then enjoy the same exciting rush when I make money selling it.
Here's my top 10 list of things to keep an eye out for, in random order:
1. 1980's VINTAGE SHEETS - Look for cool cartoon or TV/movie characters from the 80's like Star Wars, Dukes of Hazzard, Smurfs, Cabbage Patch Kids, etc. I once sold a twin set of Dukes of Hazzard sheets for almost $90 and all the buyer wanted was the pillowcase!
2. NWT CLOTHES- Clothes that still have the mfg. and or store hang tags. Usually easy to spot. Good sellers are women's plus sizes, men's big & tall, kids/infant clothes. Ladies clothes are more difficult to sell on eBay, unless they are designer.
3. STARBUCKS MUGS- I love selling mugs in general, but I always get a little rush when I pick up a Starbucks mug. Most mugs sell for $10, but some Starbucks mugs can sometimes bring in $40 or so.
4. MENS TOMMY BAHAMA SHIRTS- We're talking the silk button up variety, excellent condition only. Big and tall sizes are a bonus!
5. HOLIDAY STUFF- New, boxed or excellent condition ornaments, candy dishes, figurines, mugs, china, tableware, outdoor flags, etc. Infant and kids dressy wear, Christmas sweaters. I usually start the Christmas selling season about January 10th, seriously!! People shop for nice Christmas items year round. I paid 45 cents for a new Lenox China Santa cup last October, and it sold for $15 two weeks after Christmas. But, don't overlook Halloween costumes, Thanksgiving & Easter stuff, etc.
6. HALLMARK ITEMS- Mugs, candy dishes, Keepsake ornaments, figurine, etc.
7. POTTERY BARN ITEMS- Any dishes, holiday stuff, excellent condition or new in package bedding, wall decor, toys, nursery decor, etc.
8. SPORTS WEAR/GEAR- Remember condition is VERY important! Some successful items for me have been; GK leotards, Under Armour pants (to be worn by a baseball player under their uniform..? I have no clue but they sold for $25!), Champion snow bibs, Nike cleats, etc.
9. SPORTS TEAM STUFF- College level or professional, both do well! Look for mugs, etched glasses and steins, jackets, wind pants, infant rompers and onesies, cheerleader costumes, etc.
10. EXPENSIVE STUFF- expensive stuff that's priced cheap. For example, I found a seriously ugly sweater (Coogi) with the Neimans (my clue to the expensive part) tag still on it for $3 and I sold it for $120. In this case, I actually knew about the Coogi brand, but you get the idea.
Just remember condition and price are very important. Get "new" and excellent condition items only. I normally don't pay more than $1 or $2 an item and also follow my $10 rule. I look for items that I can sell for at least $10 ($9.97 really) or that I can make at least $10 on it. Happy Selling!
I'm not one for scheduled posts on my blog. But, I'm really digging the freebies on Friday posts. I start looking forward to hunting down the fun freebies and on Wednesday, so I'll stick with the routine for the time being.
