~Not so fast~
How many things have we tossed because they are incomplete or broken? As you walk by some departments in your thrift store you might think to yourself “It would be nice if only they were complete”. Well it turns out, it may not need to be complete! It may not even have to be in one piece! Be on the lookout for certain things that might seem like trash but with research, a few cents and some patience, they can become a treasure! You might even get a better profit because what you pay for it might be considerably less because of the condition.
One example is Scrabble games. I find these incomplete at thrift stores, garage sales, etc. I keep the tiles and when I have enough, I sell them as a lot. As I said in my last post, I have no idea what people might use these for, but they do! Other examples are Lite Brite pegs and empty print cartridges. There was a thread started a few weeks ago in the General forum if you want to look into what other Storks look for.
As you are shopping for inventory, you might also walk past a few broken items. Don’t be so quick to walk past! Things like video cameras, picture cameras, old gaming systems and tools can make you some money when needed for parts.
Lastly, how many times have you left behind certain items because of, say, a broken zipper? Look twice, it might still be worth picking up! I recently posted in General about a Columbia coat with a broken zipper and someone suggested I check the warranty info. Sure enough, it was covered! I sent it in to Columbia with a note and my info and I just got it back, good as new!
Sometimes all you need to turn trash into treasure is to see things differently. One of the best things I’ve learned in this business is that just because I don’t like something or can see no use for it, that doesn’t mean someone else feels the same!
Got any other experiences with things you thought were trash and they turned out to be treasure?
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~Xochilt~
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In addition to those you mentioned, I look for Barnyard Bingo game pieces and loose legos. I know there’s more, but I’ll have to think about it! I check out all the coffee mugs, even the broken/cracked ones. Keen will replace bungee laces for free, if you find a pair with missing/broken laces.
That is great! Thanks so much for the wonderful post today!
Great information! I’ve never even thought about lite brite pegs. Thanks for another great post!
So true! I love selling misc little ‘parts’ – sometimes they are worth quite a lot, and it’s always satisfying to know I’m helping someone complete their set.
My best ‘trash’ sale was also one of my first on ebay, and what got me hooked – Hallmark Merry Miniatures. I was at a particularly gross yard sale and wondering why I was even bothering to look, but for some reason I was drawn to this box of little figurines (not even knowing they were Hallmark). I paid $10 and wound up selling for over $800!
When I used to go to yard sales, I would pass on the “incomplete” items but now I actually LOOK for them. I look for “mail” that goes with the mailbox with the bee, and even sold the blocks seperately. I made MORE this way than selling the entire thing together, and I didn’t have to worry about shipping something large. I also look for Little Poeple and accessories, Peek a blocks, Blue’s Clues Items, Word Whammer letters. Right now I have a pile of Bear in the Big Blue House Plush I have been picking up here and there. It really is amazing what people are looking for when they check out ebay.
This is another great idea.. I’ve seen a lot of things that I like but I end-up passing them by cause something is wrong or missing. But you are right for parts people will still buy it.. Thanks again for such a wonderful idea.
I am always amazed at what will sell on ebay! I sold an unopened hp ink cartridge that expired 6 years ago (and said so in the listing). Also sold a plus that had a black magic marker right across the front that I could not get out. Thought for sure it was trash – but it sold.
Point is that you just never know. I love some of these ideas – I would have just passed them by. Thank you