Slow down and take a good look next time you hit a garage sale

I subscribe to a newsletter I highly recommend to yard sale junkies who sell on eBay. In it there is a feature called 'Flip of the Week' where they share the story behind an item that was purchased at a yard or garage sale to later be resold on eBay. Highlighted "finds" are typically things that sold online at a significant profit.

With each scenario, there is something to learn. In this week's issue we see the advantages of detailed "looking" when shopping at tag sales. Oftentimes, people are in such a hurry to look over everything, they fail to see what's right in front of them, but not always so obvious.

Here comes our fourth Flip of the Week Contest! Or should I say..."Here comes the rooster?" Hmm..read on:

Julia,

Here is my entry for flip of the week. This one was actually my wife's flip so she gets all the credit.

At a local estate sale we picked up a few different items in our weekly "thrill of the hunt" garage sale/chase.

Two items that turned out pretty good were 2 ivory miniature portraits that were $4 each, and a bronze wall hanging that nobody seemed to even be looking at (as it hung on the garage wall).

My wife did a little research and then listed the items.

Well, the first miniature portrait was listed as a buy it now at $175 (item # 170196871755) and it sold rather quickly.



The second was listed with an auction format and ended up selling for $272 (item # 170196872542).

These were smaller measuring about 5" wide X 6" tall.

As far as the bronze wall hanging, it was found to be a framed Giovanni Schoeman mixed media wall relief bronze rooster, being popular in the 1970's.

We paid $7 for this and it ended up selling for $228.73 and was shipped to the buyer from the UK ($69 shiping!!). These turned a nice tidy little profit from some out-of-the-norm items. The rooster is below:

This brings me to a tip (at least I think so) that I wanted to pass on. I have noticed when at estate sales, mainly, that people don't seem to pay attention to things hanging on the wall, and oftentimes, boxes that are under tables. I have noticed this at garage sales too. Some seem to hurry by with a quick glance at the displayed items and rush off to the next sale (or room).

Often we have come across good items by paying attention to what's right under our nose!!! As was the case with the wall bronze wall relief mentioned in the prior paragraph (which hung there till most early birds had paid and left).

Just something to keep in mind when you are out at the next local sale, slow down and smell the roses (or look at the walls and in the boxes hidden under the table right by your feet).

Snow is finally melting out here and there are one or two sales a week now. That old cabin fever has broke and we are ready to sale...sale...sale... (and sell). LOL.

Jon


Hey there Jon!

Always great to hear from u. :)

Wow...I looove these..not just for the gorgeous pieces of art you found, but the great tip about looking on the walls and also under boxes. I think you're totally right about how you don't necessarily have to be an early bird to get the good stuff.

Another point, I think, is that once you wade into the art world, people get intimidated and don't tread there. But I must say you got those items at a fabulous price!

-- Julia

Yard Salers, www.yardsalers.net
Publisher, Julia Wilkinson, author of the award-winning "eBay Price Guide" and "What Sells on eBay for What".

If you share in Julia's hobby and the thrill of the hunt, take a moment to check out her Web site!