Garage Sales/Thrift stores and Ebay

[momof2intx]

I know that some of you are avid Ebay sellers. I do a little here and there but all stuff that I don't need anymore in my house.

Now that some pretty spring weather is here, I thought about hitting some neighborhood garage sales and seeing if I can turn trash into treasure. Same thing with thrift stores.

So, for those of you who do this kind of thing regularly, what kind of advice can you give me? What kinds of items should I be looking for and how do I know if something is worth it or not?

I'd appreciate any tips you have!

 

[Thumperr]

We do that all the time (but not on Ebay, but on a local site, we're not living in the US)
What I've found is that toys sell ok, IF they are brands like Fisherprice (little people is a gold mine here!) or mint/new in box. Also retro toys in their original box are nice sellers.
The market here is different here, but we buy and sell lots of strollers, making at least 1000€ each month.

 

[hanutedmansionmomma]

I'd look on ebay at things you're thinking about collecting/selling and see what they're going for, or if anyone's bidding at all. I went to sell an old Madame Alexander Alice doll and there were a TON on already with practically no bids.

Wish I had the answer!

 

[nunzia]

The best way is to focus on certain things and learn about them.. I have purchased lots of things that ended up being, essentially, crap and un-saleable. Trial and error like any other business. Search for completed listings to see what items have sold for to get ideas..I won't take a risk on something unless it's really cheap.

 

[erincon23]

Lego figures, especially Harry Potter and Star Wars characters, sell like hotcakes. It can be worth purchasing an entire Lego set just to get a couple of characters. Grab bags of mixed Lego bricks sell well (I've sold several of these on craigslist and feel like I still haven't made a dent in my son's overabundance of Legos... sigh).

Brighton purses, if you get them for $10 or less, will sell really well. So will Kate Spade. Other brands, I don't know anything about.

Newer video games (you'd be surprised what people put in garage sales...) can sell really well.

I'll be doing the same thing in a couple of weeks!

 

[momof2intx]

Thanks guys! I look forward to treasure hunting and adding to our Disney fund! Keep the suggestions comin!