Things You'll Need:
- Effort
- Creative Thinking
- Perseverance
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Step 1
Garage Sales - Don't laugh! Depending on what it is that you want to sell on eBay, garage sales can be a bona fide treasure trove of potential eBay inventory. Check out the weekly garage sale listings in your local paper to narrow down your search. Look for neighborhood "block-style" garage sales that have whole streets or neighborhoods selling off unwanted stuff. You'd be amazed at what you can find.
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Step 2
High-End Garage Sales/Estate Sales - In addition to scouring the garage sales in your local area, make it a point to venture out into more ritzy, upper-scale neighborhoods and browse the garage sales and/or estate sales in those areas. The types of products and items that can be found at those locations can be quite amazing; there's normally a lot of high-end name brand clothing, collectibles, arts and crafts, and electronic equipment.
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Step 3
Craigslist - Don't forget about good old Craigslist, that ever-so-popular online classified community that is jam packed with everything under the sun, including a special garage sale section as well as specific categories of items for sale from private parties. And the great thing about Craigslist is that it is location-specific; you simply click on your city nearest metropolitan area and start your search. Sit at your computer screen and browse the hundreds of garage sale listings, the hundreds and hundreds of different specific items for sale, as well the often overlooked "free" category section, where people literally give away their unwanted stuff for free. You simply have to contact them, and if it's still available, go pick it up!
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Step 4
Local Papers/Want Ads - Don't neglect your local city or community papers as well as your local Pennysaver paper. These often overlooked publications can be a bonanza for people looking to find items to sell on eBay. Everything from antiques and collectibles to the contents of a dusty attic or hand-made crafts can be found in these publications. Also, you can place your own ads in these papers(many times for free)advertising the fact that you are seeking to buy a particular type of item or a large collection, or lot, of items at a discounted or special rate.
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Step 5
Self-Storage Auctions - Self-storage facilities can house a treasure trove of items just waiting to be sold on eBay. Self-storage places routinely hold auctions on the contents of various storage bins/garages that people leave behind, either because they failed to pay their monthly storage fees or because they just decided to forget about their items and let the storage place get rid of it. Either way, you can find some unexpected bargains and moneymaking items at these places, anything from tools and car parts to garden equipment, clothing, and electronics. Call your local storage facilities and inquire about their auction schedules.
Comments
bradfordr said
on 2/25/2009 Very informative article! There are so many ways to can profit out of ebay. Thanks for sharing! 5*!
kagee said
on 2/16/2009 I have never thought of the self storage actions. I will have to look into it
Susanh said
on 2/7/2009 I'm an avid garage sale person myself. You get to know the people who make the circuit each week. There is one guy who literally loads up his van to the top with stuff and then sells it on eBay. He's doing quite well for himself! Good article.
luv2laugh said
on 2/6/2009 Great list you compiled and thanks for the link.