How to Find Items to Sell on eBay at Yard Sales

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By A. Suzanne Wells
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Find Items to Sell on eBay at Yard Sales

Yard sales can be a treasure trove for goodies to sell on eBay. The key is knowing what items to look for, how much those items sell for on eBay, and how much to pay for them at a yard sale. I’ve been an eBay Power Seller since 2003 and had over 16,000 sales of items from garage sales, yard sales, and thrift stores. Here are a few tips for what to buy at yard sales to sell on eBay for profit.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Plan to attend the big sales held by neighborhoods, churches, non-profit organizations, and schools. (The massive ones are usually fundraisers with lots items donated by many different people.) Check Craigslist for sales in your area and create your battle plan. By attending large sales, you will minimize your time investment and maximize your exposure to a lot of items in one place. Avoid small yard sales scattered all over town – you will use your time driving from one to another rather than shopping.
Step 2

Perfume. Look for designer (expensive) brands. It is ok if some of the product is used. If the item is half full and you can get it at a yard sale for a dollar or two, you can make money selling it on eBay.
Step 3

Cashmere. Look for sweaters, coats, blazers, baby items, gloves, hats, scarves – anything 100% cashmere. Check for holes or moth damage. Cashmere is the finest luxury fabric in the world and holds its value. (Check my article on selling cashmere on eBay.)
Step 4

Electronics. Look for smaller items that are easy to ship. (Do you really want to ship a vacuum cleaner or microwave?) New in the box is best, used with the box is still good. Look for gaming systems, handheld electronic games, and small appliances. Make sure they work. If you can get a deal on a larger electronic item, list it on Craigslist for local pickup rather than on eBay.
Step 5

Leather cowboy boots. Especially exotics like lizard, ostrich, elephant, etc.
Step 6

Kitchen items – specifically Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Calphalon, Kitchen Aid, and George Foreman grills. The Pampered Chef stoneware does very well. Large Calphalon pieces such as stockpots, roasters, and griddles do well.
Step 7

Cosmetics. Look for new or unopened items, even if not the most expensive mall-type items. You can sell them in a lot or a batch. If you see a whole box of items, negotiate with the seller to let you have the whole box for one price.
Step 8

Children’s items. Look for electronic games and learning systems like Leap Frog, Leapster, Fisher Price. Make sure they work. Also look for designer bedding such as Amy Coe or Pottery Barn.
Step 9

Sporting goods. Especially items for kids playing team sports. Items like football pads and helmets, ice (hockey) skates, baseball gloves, lacrosse items.
Step 10

Anything new in the box or unopened. Gift items like candles, bath sets, book sets, items that can be re-gifted.