If you’re interested in selling high-profit items on eBay, you should definitely be frequenting estate sales. Part one of this multi-part series focused on the kitchen. Next stop? The garage!
Garages are filled with goodies just waiting to be snapped up by savvy sellers. The more disorganized the garage, the better. There’s gold hiding in them thar piles!
Tools
First of all, focus on tools – especially vintage tools. Both modern and vintage tools can be worth quite a bit on the resale market. We recently bought a planer for $5 and sold it for over $400 on eBay. Tools made by brands such as Snap-on, Mac, and DEWALT are always in demand. Vintage “Made in America” hand tools such as crescent wrenches should be on your radar. Vintage axe heads are another favorite of ours.
Home Improvement Items
In addition, look for home improvement items. Higher-end faucets and sinks bring in the big bucks if they are new or almost new. And cabinet pulls can be sold in lots. At a recent yard sale, we purchased a $950 sink new in the box for $20 and sold it for $300. The man who sold it to us had won it at a Christmas party. (He worked for a home improvement company.) We didn’t have to ship it because we had it listed as local pickup only.
Fly Fishing Gear
Oh, where to start? Americans love to fish, and fly fishing is all the rage! Look for newer gear by brands such as Scott, Sage, Echo, Thomas & Thomas, and G. Loomis. Old bamboo fly rods and vintage Fenwick poles are fan favorites (be sure to ship fishing rods in USPS mailing tubes). In addition, don’t miss out on buying fly reels. They are easy to photograph, easy to sell, and easy to ship. Next, pay attention to vintage lures – the older the better. And don’t miss the clothing produced by Simms and Filson. Use your phone to look up current selling prices.
New and Vintage Christmas Ornaments
While hunting for treasures, don’t miss out on Christmas ornaments. Christmas ornaments sell year-round. Vintage ornaments in their original boxes are especially valuable. Modern ornaments are also in demand. Christopher Radko pieces, for example, are strong sellers. And be on the lookout for pieces made by Swarovski. Swarovski designs a new ornament for each and every year. These crystal masterpieces are hot property and can sell for hundreds of dollars. The most valuable Swarovskis are those in the original boxes with certificates of authenticity.
Automobile and Bicycle Parts
Finally, keep your eyes peeled for automobile and bicycle parts. Sourcing them can be a bit complicated, so be sure to research each piece before you buy it.
Yup. Estate sales can be full of amazing items just waiting to be flipped on eBay. So get in line early, and when the doors open, head for the garage!
See part one: Finding Profits At Estate Sales: The Kitchen
About the Author
Miriam Otto is an eBay blogger and credentialed teacher with 13 years’ experience selling on the site. She was a frequent guest on eBay Radio and has participated in eBay seller panels and projects. Her blog, The eBay Life, is an all-in-one resource for eBay sellers.
