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UPDATED for JUNE! How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...

Tons of content will be posted that can be commonly found at Garage Sales that will sell for Good Profit on eBay.

Also, I will post some helpful tactics to be more competitive while at and en route to the sales. Plus some really good tips for testing and cleaning your finds. And proven ways to list them for maximum profit.

Whether you want to do this part time, full time or just for fun...I will give you some tools to at least make it profitable.

I have been going to Garage Sales every weekend for the better part of the last 10 years and have sold everything that can be shipped on eBay.

There are also some really Good items out there that can be sold on Craigslist too...more about that later.

How much money can you make? That mostly depends on the area where you live and the effort you put forth. I live in the Phoenix metropolitan area which has a huge amount of connecting cities and about 9 months of really good weather. I am in a Very Good area, hopefully you are too.

How much money do I make? Gosh, I don't really want to disclose that. :) But I will say: We paid cash for our home and cars doing this, and we have a GREAT LIFE!

I have this posted in the Subscribers section for our VIP members, but if you are interested in this type of income and want to become a forum VIP to view this thread and everything in the "Private Sections", just PM me and I'll get you a 25% off coupon to do so. http://www.aspkin.com/forums/private...o=newpm&u=3378 Total price is only $25 for a whole year.


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re: (UPDATE #3) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

Excellent! I look forward to the tips and tricks. What you find and the items you sale for HUGE profits always amazed me.. looking forward to it. :)

re: (UPDATE #3) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

Excited to learn!

Week #1
 

Most of the items I am going to show you will seem common, but I want to instill in you to add them to your buy list and not overlook them.

http://imganuncios.mitula.net/toyota...9396089208.jpg

This weeks item is OEM Center Caps, Hub Caps and Beauty Rings. You will easily see a set of these once or twice a month.

Garage Sale price is usually $5. to $10. for a set of 4. eBay selling price is usually $20-$30. each. These will ALWAYS sell better individually (and you will make more money) because people are always losing or breaking just one.

The Best selling Center Cabs usually are from Trucks and SUVS, but always buy what you find if the price is right...they will sell.

Helpful Hint: When you list these, make sure you photograph the worst one, and list quantity of 4.
_________________________________________

Let's learn the Best way to make these look as Good as possible.

These Caps are usually used when you buy them, and are dirty and have brake dust in the design crevices.

I recommend using Simple Green and Oral Swabs (picture below) for getting these near perfect. Then rinse with water and use a Air Compressor to blow dry them. If you don't have a Air Compressor, then use a blow dryer. After that, use Windex for the water spots.

Be sure and buy these (Oral Swabs) on eBay, you will use them a lot. Make sure you get the unflavored ones. They cost about $28. for 250 and will last for years.

http://www.berktree.com/assets/image...odel-12245.jpg

re: (UPDATE #3) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

That's what I'm talking about.. good stuff! :)

re: (UPDATE #3) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

This is gong to be one of the best post ever thankyou for taking time and caring so much for our community !

Thanks TGMT :) few months back my dad threw out a whole bunch of hub caps...I was kicking myself then...and now more

Aspkin folks running into each other during the sales - going to be fun discussions

re: (UPDATE #3) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

Wow... nice post TGMT... impressive.

We should be paying for something like this!

re: (UPDATE #3) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

This thread should be stickied..

Amazing amount of info.

As well as awesome members giving back to the community.

Now the "OMG WHAT DO I SELL ON EBAY!" noobies have no excuse..

re: (UPDATE #3) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

Thank you TGMT.

I do not know if I will use it. But the detailed information that you gave is absolutely awesome. And I amazed at the first thing you posted. It actually makes me want to stop at a yard sale, which would prob make my wife jaw drop. The time you took to create this post shows how much you care about forum members succeeding.

Thanks again!

re: (UPDATE #3) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

aspkin does have an idea of what I make, he has had a look at my eBay accounts and can certainly vouch that I'm doing OK. :)

I thrive on the enthusiasm, makes me want to post more than once a week. I will include something new tonight. :p

Not sure it will be the Best? But I will keep it going as long as we have interest. :thumb:

No worries, you can go out and find your own as they are a common item out there. Actually, I found a beautiful set today myself. :pop2:

The thread is in the Subscribers section, so the people that can see it have already contributed to the forum one way or another. Oh, and Thank YOU for the compliments! ;)

GB already made it a sticky, which surprised me. :eek: LOL

You were amazed at the Hub Caps? Wait till you get out there and see what you can find for almost free! You will be amazed.
_____________

Hopefully, I wasn't the only one who went out today and found some profitable items?

Anyway, Thanks Everyone!

re: (UPDATE #3) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

Well, what I have always liked about this type of business is that basically everyone here has their own personal source (their city/town) and none of us will have to compete with each other.

No one ever wants to reveal sources, etc, but this type of business doesn't force us to walk all over ourselves for profits and exclusivity.

2nd Item(s) to look for and buy.....
 

OK, I was only going to do this once a week, but since we have some interest I'll post something that you should be looking for, but you won't see on a consistent basis. (maybe 6-7 times a year)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/713JC98259L.gif

Let's first talk about instant film. The most common you will find is Polaroid 600 that has 10 pictures per pack. But it comes in several variations and a few sizes. Kodak also makes their versions too.

Something to point out is, it will always be expired as they quit making this type of film about 10 years ago. It will say on the box when it expired, so use that as a negotiating point when bargaining at the Garage Sale. Sometimes when you point out the expiration date, they will just give it to you for free. Happens a lot, even with ink cartridges. (hint-hint)

I usually pay a $1. per box when I find it. eBay price is about $25. for one box of 10 pictures.

I have actually been to sales when they have had a case of these. Also when you see a Polaroid Camera in a case, be sure and check all the pockets, I have found a lot of film that way.

If you see a instant camera at a sale...ask the person that is having the sale if they have any film for the Camera they are selling that they may have forgot to put out. Sometimes you get LUCKY! :)

So now we know: ALWAYS buy any (sealed) instant film you see, it's pure profit and easy to ship.
___________________________

Since we are on this subject, I can give you a couple of tips regarding the actual instant cameras you will see, and you will see a LOT of them.

Rule #1: Buy any instant camera that is Brand New, it doesn't matter if it's a cheap model or not. But, keep the price at under $5. unless you know what you are buying.

Rule #2: Never buy a instant camera that is used (except the two I have noted below), unless you know what you are buying. I have donated several to Goodwill that I thought were worth money. (trying to keep you from making the same mistake)

Personally I only know of 2 instant cameras that have some worth:

The 1st one is the SX-70, I try to stay under $10 when I find them, but I will pay more depending on condition and if they have the original box and paperwork. You will usually see these once or twice a year.

The SX-70 usually brings $75 to $150.

Below is the SX-70, and the 2nd picture of it is the camera folded/collapsed. I included the 2nd picture because you might see it that way at the sale, so you know what it is.

https://waldinadotcom.files.wordpres...12/02/sx70.jpg

Camera #2 is the Polaroid Big Shot. Same rules apply for this one, but these don't sell for as much. So buy it accordingly. (do your research)

http://en.polaroid-passion.com/image...d-big-shot.jpg

re: (UPDATE #3) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

Sweet! :)

More goodies to look for, thanks. :)

re: (UPDATE #3) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

extremely detailed thread, very insightful, thanks TGMT!

re: (UPDATE #3) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

Take note of all the info.

With Northern Hemipshere Summer coming, this is the time to be out AND looking.

Professional sellers are on the watch all the time for items.

re: (UPDATE #3) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

EXCEPTIONAL INFORMATION! Many people including myself would pay very good money for ones experience and knowledge like this! KUDOS!

re: (UPDATE #3) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

I am so glad I bought the book and consequently, had access to the subscriber's forum at a perfect time... i.e., with a helpful member posting something like this.

Like yankee, I would pay for information like this. (Well technically, I did... by buying the book! Hehe!) Thanks, TGMT2!

UPDATE #3 (common item)
 

I am going to let you guys in on one of the most over-looked items at a garage sale. These are usually still around, even if it's at the end of the day.


Let's talk about Thermostats. There are basically two different types: Programmable and non-Programmable. Also you need to be aware of Commercial Thermostats, which are usually the ones that don't take batteries.


Commercial Thermostats: are much more rare and less common on eBay, so you can set a premium price on these. They are harder to find at Garage Sales, but the good thing about these is once or twice a year you should run into a Brand New case of these. Don't be afraid to pay-up when you find them. :)

Programmable Thermostats: are probably what you have in your home right now. They usually have 2 AA back-up batteries in them and a few buttons so you can program them. Some will have touch screens which is VERY Desirable for selling price.

Non-Programmable Thermostats: Are the least desirable for re-sell, usually between $10-$15. I will still buy them if they are New or in pristine condition for under a $1. or $2. if they are new.

PLEASE NOTE: When you find one, I want you think to yourself - "TGMT" just paid for my gas today.:p Yes, these are the best way to pay for your fuel on a consistent basis.

Frequency of finding a Thermostat is usually 1 or more a week. Average buying price should be $1. to $5. Selling price falls between $15.-$100. depending on model and condition.

You guys now know one of my Best kept secrets!
________________________________________

TIP of the WEEK: During the summer months, most places have mosquitoes. For some reason they really like me? It's an issue I have dealt with most of my life.

I have tried every product and home remedy known to man for relief when I get bit.

Anyway, I just wanted to share with you the one and only product that REALLY works. And what's really funny is I found this product at a Garage Sale 2 years ago for 25¢...the best quarter I have ever spent. Since then I have bought a case on eBay.

Product name: Bite and Sting Treatment by the Mitigator®

Bite and Sting Treatment by the Mitigator®

Price: 16 packs on eBay for $8.50 (free ship)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...WL._SY300_.jpg

re: (UPDATE #4) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

Ok, will definitely look for these. That seems like such an easy flip and something that people who don't know what they are worth would just throw away or sell to you for almost nothing.

re: (UPDATE #4) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

You should throw in a quick top10 things NOT to buy.. that would be useful I think.

re: (UPDATE #4) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

That would be great !

re: (UPDATE #4) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

OK, I spent some time thinking about this and have made up a pretty good tentative list, but I'm going to wait to post it until tomorrow to see if anything else comes to mind at the sales?

That was a really good idea aspkin, but very time consuming for my part. :p

(UPDATE #4) Top 12 "not to buy list"
 

1) 1st and foremost, don't buy an item that will cost you more to ship than it's worth unless you are going to resell it on Craigslist.

2) Counterfeit items or items that are heavily counterfeited without a receipt unless you know how to tell the difference and can prove it.

3) Expired items that will sell in the "Health and Beauty" section. You are going to see items such as Proactiv, anti-age creams etc. These are Great finds, but be sure and check the dates.

4) Medical Equipment requiring a prescription and/or not allowed on eBay. Example: 10's units (Electrical Nerve Stimulators), CPAP Machines & CPAP Humidifiers are also not allowed on eBay. BUT: CPAPS do sell FAST on Craigslist.

5) Obsolete Computer Equipment: Example: Single core processor computers, Full screen laptops, Old Fat laptops (except for Panasonic Toughbooks) Routers that have only a B range and most G range routers are also usually worthless.

6) Most Vintage Electronics: This is a tricky category and a specialty of mine. Most of what you will find is usually worthless. If you venture into this category a good rule of thumb is to stay with "High End" names. Educate yourself with names like Nakamichi, Pioneer and Sansui to start.

7) Stay away from used movie DVD's. I will do an update this week on desirable DVD's.

8) I shy away from used clothing and shoes unless I see something special like Leather Jackets, Disney clothing, Vintage Concert Shirts etc.

9) Knic Knacs, Statues and Home decor: Unless you know what you are looking at, stay far away. Low or No profit margin and a big hassle to ship.

10) Most Collectibles: Most are low value and cost more to ship than actual worth. There are exceptions of course, but you need to research before purchase.

11) Directv Receivers and DVR's: These are VERO and they will report you unless you can prove they were not rented. Selling their accessories is OK, ex: Remotes, Splitters etc...

12) OEM Car Stereo's: If you venture into this category, expect about a 40% return rate. These are Great profit, but you cannot test them. Do NOT buy these unless the seller can relatively prove to you they are the original owner and a good reason why they removed it from their car. IE: Removed because they upgraded to a DVD System or a Navigation System.

____

Even thought this is a TOP 12 of what not to buy post, there are some things I included to be on the look-out for:

1) Leather Jackets and Vests: Especially Biker Style, Western and Native American. You should be able to get them for under $10. Try and stay away from the Pakistan and Chinese Leather Jackets unless they are Vintage or something special.

2) Vintage Concert Shirts and Vintage Belt Buckles Promoting the Music Bands and Artists are always good.

3) Vintage Tennis, Basketball and Skateboard Shoes are desirable, but they have to be a Top Name Brand and in Very Good Condition or New.

4) Medical Equipment: You are going to see 4 or 5 CPAP units and a year. These cannot be sold on eBay, but they sell FAST on Craigslist. You can sell the the accessories except for the mask and humidifier. Something else to note: You can sell the Humidifier Parts, but not the complete unit as a whole.

5) Directv Receivers and DVR's cannot be sold on eBay, BUT: DishNetwork doesn't seem to care. When selling these, be sure and sell them as a parts machine unless you can prove they weren't rented units.

This is what a common CPAP Machine looks like (but there will be several variations:

re: (UPDATE #5) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

Sweet! Good stuff.. My sister bought Skis last time she went to the Garage Sales.. now THAT was a mistake.

I bet after awhile you can just glance at items and see their value very quickly.

I live in Pontiac. I have been thinking of this strategy for a long time.

re: (UPDATE #5) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

I've never been to a garage sale before, but these tips are really interesting. I may find a few local ones in my area, and check them out, but they aren't many in London to my knowledge :/

re: (UPDATE #5) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

Look for Car Boot Sales....

There are lots of chances around

UPDATE #5 - Another Overlooked Common Item!
 

WOW! 2 Weeks since my last update. :)

We are going to talk about a commonly overlooked item today.

CIRCUIT BREAKERS: For homes and businesses.


The rule of thumb here is the bigger or more unique the Breaker is, the more it will be worth. If a Breaker says 240v, they will tend to be worth more than a 120v one and so on.

Breakers usually are 1, 2 or 3 pole. The more poles they have usually indicates the more worth. The below picture is a general guide to the sizes:


If you find a box of old beat up breakers, don't hesitate to buy them. Customers are always looking for the exact match of what they already have.

What should you pay when you find them? Let's say you found a tub of old dirty breakers with cob webs and showing years of wear...

First thing you should do is take a quick inventory of count, condition and size. Be willing to pay up to $5+. each for any 240v and if you get real lucky and find some 480v 200a Breakers you can safely pay 20+ as some of these are worth as much as $500++ if they are 3 pole.

Copy and Paste this into eBay (completed) used SOLD and see for yourself: 480v 200a circuit breaker

120v Breakers are more tricky. I generally won't pay more then 50¢ each for these unless they have something unique about them. The Breaker below is unique because is has the little coil cord which is a "Ground Fault" and even though it is only a single pole and 120v it's worth between $25-$35.


In general, Circuit Breakers should be $200-$1000 of your yearly income and you should be finding them at least once a month. You will become much more acquainted with these once you start finding, buying and selling them.

Re: UPDATE #5 - Another Overlooked Common Item!
 

How many garage sales do u go to weekly/monthly ? What items do you sell in holidays when there aren't that many garage sales ?

.

Re: UPDATE #5 - Another Overlooked Common Item!
 

I go every single Saturday except when there is rain which is seldom where I live. I also go on Friday's when family or friends visit from other states.

For some reason my guests say a big highlight of their visit is me taking them to the sales? So, we go both days. (Friday and Saturday) But I slow things down a bit, so they have a chance to look at the stuff they like. ;)

GOSH!:) If I quit going to the Garage Sales, I conservatively have enough inventory to last me way beyond a year. That's why I quit going to the sales on Friday's, I don't have enough storage space, nor do I need more stuff.

Once you start learning the main items to get, they stack up pretty fast. That's why I'm trying to show you the overlooked items first in this thread, so when you get out there, most of these things will still be at the sales though out the day...

For instance: Everyone knows that is they see Brand New iPod for $5. they are going to buy it. So chances are it will be gone before you even get there. But most people would not think to buy used Breakers-Wheel Caps-Thermostats etc. as mentioned in this thread.

Anyway, Hopefully you are getting out there and developing some good routes!

re: (NEW UPDATE !) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

Nice update... something you think has little value can be worth so much.. interesting.. and here most big sellers are TV series junkies. :p

re: (NEW UPDATE !) How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

Sorry about the late update, but I can get back on track now. :)

Today's item is really going to surprise everyone! And what's more you will get a lot of these for free.

Toilet Tank Lids: (who would of thought?)


I discovered this just 2 years ago when I bought several items and one was thrown in for free as part of a purchase. I sold it for more than a $100.

The average sell price of a used lid varies depending on model, shape and color. I have seen some go as high as $300+ for used.

My guess is that most of the buyers of these are from rental properties. But I guess some people don't know how cheap it is to buy a new toilet and how easy they are to install, so they buy a used lid or tank thinking they are taking the easy route.


Chances are: Most people are not going to let you just buy the lid if they are selling the whole toilet. BUT: The good news is, you can buy the whole thing for between $5-$10 and you can drop off the unwanted toilet at Good Will on your way home.

OR: You can go home and take the tank off and sell that too. They do sell well and for a good amount, but that's not my thing because it is a shipping hassle.


And the BEST thing: I usually get about 50% of my lids for free. You will see them on the toilet next to a trash usually driving around when you are out looking for sales. I stop, take the lid and leave. It's like finding a free $60. bill. :p


Most of the used common white ones (like above) are usually worth $60-$100.

Color high-end lids can go for as much as $300.

Common tanks if you don't mind shipping them, are usually $100-$300

eBay Links for USED:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...k+lid&_sacat=0

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...+tank&_sacat=0

re: Tips on How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

LMAO WOW, now that I definitely wasnt expecting. Great info TGMT, even though I may not have the time to actually get into this industry now, I find it really interesting and i love learning about different avenues of generating revenue. Keep up the great work :thumb:

re: Tips on How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

Great to see the Thread Back!! Lots of good info, but DANG toilet LIDS. LOL hey i guess that's the clean part huh. Well gonna keep an eye out for them :thumb:

re: Tips on How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

Wow.. that's amazing...

Great post TGMT. :)

re: "NEW UPDATE" - How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

Wow, haven't looked through this thread in months. TGMT awesome insight and posts. Thank you for sharing with the board.

Since this toilet lid part I seen so many people throwing them out. I wonder if I should start picking them up??? But then again those are sooo heavy. I'm scared to get shot if I try to pick one up when people throw them away. I mean who would think toilet lids right? :O

Still to heavy for me. I think it would easily break when shipping it maybe but there is a way to package it all nice and safely. Maybe he can show us!

Anyways whens the next up date TGMT? :)

But yeah the money in this is fricken crazy! I am having flash backs of all those toilet lids I seen in Detroit back in the day! OMG! Just laying and standing there on the side of the streets! I mean WOW UNREAL! Just money laying around.


I can't wait until TGMT will post another tip. It's nice to see how people make money these days with things you wouldn't even know. I really give props to TGMT for the helpful information.

I'll never sell a toilet lid because it's not my thing but it's just nice to read how others are making it you know? Anyways I hope he posts something else soon! :)

re: "NEW UPDATE" - How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

GREAT stuff, thanks for sharing!

re: "NEW UPDATE" - How to make Very Good money going to Garage & Yard Sales...
 

Fantastic list.