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Step 1
Are you a yard sale and thrift store junkie like myself? If so you can pick up some extra money by purchasing glassware then reselling via ebay online auctions. It is a simple process. First you need to spend some time surfing ebay. Look up different types of glassware and become familiar with what sells as well how as the different price ranges. Many collectors stalk ebay in hopes of finding glassware to add to their collections. These collectors adore not only the more expensive antique collectible pieces such as fenton and McCoy, but also more common house hold glassware such as Pyrex. You just need to educate yourself and develop and eye for what sells.
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Step 2
When at a thrift shop make a trip down the housewares isle. Most thrift stores price glassware cheap. I normally tend to search smaller thrift shops for other items, yet larger chain stores like Goodwill are great for finding glassware. They do tend to price some items a bit high for resell but normally price glassware low. Depending on your area most Goodwill stores price cups, saucers and plates anywhere from .29 cents to $1.49. Larger pieces of glassware such as mixing bowls and candy dishes can go anywhere from .99 cents to 5 or 6 dollars. Remember the lower you can purchase an item the more profit you will see with your ebay online auctions.
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Step 3
Always check out the dish section for milk glass. It is a wonderful seller! Look for coffee mugs, bowls plates and saucers. Also search for candy dishes and even lampshades and light covers. Hobnail milk glass lamp shades can be excellent money makers! I often pick up hobnail lampshades for .99 cents and sell them on ebay between $20 - $30 a peice. These are the type of glassware finds that add up quickly!
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Step 4
Always be sure to check out the plates and saucers. Flip them over and look at what is written on the back. Check for dates, numbers and even names or countries in which they were manufactured. I once purchased a saucer for a quarter that is worth $30 - $40 on ebay as it was one of the dishes used to serve passengers at hotels along the routes of the the first passenger train. It is truly a very unique peice(I kept this find for myself!). The more you research and treasure hunt, the better you will become at recognizing a profitable peice when you see it.
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Step 5
Train your eyes to scan for shiny piece's. Most any brightly colored, unique looking peice will sell well on ebay. Of course you want to look for pieces such as Fenton and depression glass but also pay attention to any peice that is uniquely shaped or pretty in color. Keep an eye out for bowls that are rich blues, greens and reds, or soft pinks and yellows. The general rule of thumb is to think antique or vintage but some newer pieces can be profitable as well.
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Step 6
During the warmer months you can visit yard sales for some really awesome finds. Yard Sales can sometimes prove to be even more profitable than thrift stores. Don't limit yourself to newer fancy neighborhoods. Often times the older neighborhoods and homes offer more of an older selection. Sometimes people live in a home 40 yrs before deciding to clean out the attic. You just never know what you may find!
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Step 7
Finally the most important tip I have to offer is, enjoy looking! If you truly like treasure hunting you will certainly be more successful. So just relax and have fun. Good Luck!
Comments
parollins said
on 2/24/2009 This was really informative. I have tried selling stuff on Ebay and I don't think I ever go the knack as to what actually sells. This is great. I go to the thrift store here all the time. (Salvation Army) I need to hit up other thrift stores but since I amnew to this area I havn't found them yet.
amyva said
on 2/24/2009 This is GREAT! I will try it this summer while perusing yard sales! :)Thank you for the tips!5*, ad clicks, recommendAmy (from article exposure)
sunshine11219 said
on 2/24/2009 good points
barba0727 said
on 2/24/2009 very nice article. I love buying and selling on ebay.
williamfjordan said
on 2/23/2009 done this ... 5*