YardSaleMania
Yard Sale Mania is a reality show based on finding the best deals at yard sales, helping people get the most out of having their own yard sales, and just plain having fun shopping along with us. Follow us on the journey through yard sale mania while we give tips and thoughts about great yard sales. If you are having a garage sale and need our help- we are here for you! yardsalemania34@yahoo.com
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
James Bond Find at Yard Sale
License to Shill: Unearthed 'Thunderball' James Bond Wristwatch Expected to Fetch $90K
The famed 'Thunderball' watch is seen here (Photo: Everett Collection)(Photo: Christie's)The Breitling Top Time, worn by Sean Connery in the 1965 James Bond adventure "Thunderball," is going up for sale at Christie's auction house.
It's expected to go for about $90,000.
More amazing than the expected price is the manner in which the watch was discovered. The U.K.'s Independent reports that several years ago, a bargain hunter spotted the timepiece at a yard sale. It was purchase for less than $40.
The buyer, who asked Christie's to remain anonymous, knew the watch was worth something but had no idea just how much, according to the U.K.'s Telegraph.
An expert examined the find and confirmed that it was the same wristwatch agent 007 wore in his battle against the evil organization SPECTRE in "Thunderball." It had been missing for many years.
The Telegraph reports the watch "is thought to have been passed on by someone who worked at Pinewood Studios where the film was shot."
The watch played a pivotal role in the action flick. After being modified by gadget guru "Q," the Breitling was able to act as a kind of geiger counter and detect nuclear radiation. It helped Bond track down the missing warheads and (spoiler alert!) save the day.
Wanna feel like 007 whenever anybody asks you the time? Start saving your pennies. The Christie's auction is set for next month.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Iceland Flea Markets
Are next Flea Market search is off to Iceland. Who knows what we will find. We plan to take lots of pictures and videos
http://www.iheartreykjavik.net/2012/05/kolaportid-flea-market/
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Box Lots At Auctions "Love Them"
I am always a sucker for the Dollar {$1} box that no one wants at the auction. It is like treasure hunting for me.
As the Auctioneer rattles off his cadence, starting High then getting to $1. "who will give me a dollar, who will give me a dollar, Dollar anyone, anyone, One dollar"
He looks around and just about as he is going to say no sale! I way my hand and snatch it up. Now the wonder begins. Do I own a box of garbage that other people have picked through all the good stuff and just did a "recycle" with the junk?
I say to myself, what do I have to lose, it's like buying a scratch off ticket. Well, like gambling when you get lucky and find a sweet prize in that box of junk, it only makes you want to buy more boxes and take a chance.
This time I think I got lucky and over the years I have learned to look closer at the dollar boxes.
My best find this weekend was this ES Lowe Chess set, it looks like Bakelite and sets are selling for $25 on line without the board.
So I just cleaned it up and I will let you know what happens.
As the Auctioneer rattles off his cadence, starting High then getting to $1. "who will give me a dollar, who will give me a dollar, Dollar anyone, anyone, One dollar"
He looks around and just about as he is going to say no sale! I way my hand and snatch it up. Now the wonder begins. Do I own a box of garbage that other people have picked through all the good stuff and just did a "recycle" with the junk?
I say to myself, what do I have to lose, it's like buying a scratch off ticket. Well, like gambling when you get lucky and find a sweet prize in that box of junk, it only makes you want to buy more boxes and take a chance.
This time I think I got lucky and over the years I have learned to look closer at the dollar boxes.
My best find this weekend was this ES Lowe Chess set, it looks like Bakelite and sets are selling for $25 on line without the board.
So I just cleaned it up and I will let you know what happens.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Cold Weather Flea Markets
Despite it being winter in January, this warmer weather on the east coast has helped most out-side vendors stay alive and keep making a living.
With most people going indoors for Flea Markets the mass shoppers that are your bread and butter buyers seem to fly south or start other hobbies.
For the next YouTube series I am planning a "How To Survive The Winter as A Vendor"
Just a few tips and tricks to pay the bills
With most people going indoors for Flea Markets the mass shoppers that are your bread and butter buyers seem to fly south or start other hobbies.
For the next YouTube series I am planning a "How To Survive The Winter as A Vendor"
Just a few tips and tricks to pay the bills
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Robocop Aqua Patrol toy
Here was a cool piece I found at the market the other day. Believe it or not Robo Cop is still popular today. I think this was a spin off figure from the cartoon that was out for awhile
The only other thing like it on line I could find was a Toxic Response Robocop for $20
I'll give this a shot on ebay for $15 and see what happens.
If anyone knows anything about this toy please leave a comment.
The only other thing like it on line I could find was a Toxic Response Robocop for $20
I'll give this a shot on ebay for $15 and see what happens.
If anyone knows anything about this toy please leave a comment.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Back from France video
Hi everyone, things have been super busy with getting the shop opened and building up the business.
Awhile back we took a trip to Antibes France to see what type of Flea Markets and Yard Sales they have.
It was like an Antique show every weekend, all the items had age to them. I wanted to bring everything home with me.
We put together a short video just to give you an idea and over all it was a great time and I highly recommend the trip.
Awhile back we took a trip to Antibes France to see what type of Flea Markets and Yard Sales they have.
It was like an Antique show every weekend, all the items had age to them. I wanted to bring everything home with me.
We put together a short video just to give you an idea and over all it was a great time and I highly recommend the trip.
Labels:
Antibes,
doll parts,
Dolls,
flea markets,
Flea markets in France,
France,
garage sale,
Yard Sale
Location:
Antibes, France
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Sunday, August 5, 2012
12 Things you Should always buy USED
Do you have an aversion to buying second-hand items? Don’t like the idea that someone else used them first? Well, get over it because you can save a lot by buying used rather than new.
Many pre-owned items can cost up to 50% to 75% less than the price you’d pay if you purchased them new. Often you can find "used" goods that have hardly even been used. And with some items, retailers or manufacturers refurbish and repackage them so that they’re practically new again.
Here are 12 things that you should consider buying used because you often can find them in good or almost-new condition at a fraction of the price you would pay by buying them new.
[More from Kiplinger: The Frugal Habits of the Super Rich]
Furniture. If you want to avoid the straight-out-of-the-furniture-showroom look or just don’t have a lot of money to spend outfitting your abode, hit up estate sales, consignment stores, antique stores or even yard sales to find unique and affordable pieces. Craigslist.org is another good source of used furniture. For example, we found a china cabinet, dining table and six chairs for sale on the site for $475. A similar table and chairs was $1,199 at Macys.com and similar china cabinet was $1,499. Word of caution: Don’t buy used mattresses (unless you want to risk getting bed bugs) and consider getting upholstered items professionally cleaned before bringing them into your home.
Designer jeans. A pair of designer jeans (brands such as True Religion, 7 For All Mankind, Paige, Joe’s Jeans) typically cost $150 to $200. But you can find a gently worn pair at an upscale consignment store for a third of that price. Don’t like the idea that someone else wore them? Well, there’s a good chance at least one – maybe several – people tried on the “new” jeans you bought at the store. (And you probably didn’t think to wash them before wearing them because you assumed they hadn’t been worn.)
[Related: Teens swarm store to steal $200 jeans]
Tablets. The way to get a deal on pricey tablets is to buy refurbished models, which are tested to meet manufacturer specifications. For example, a new iPad2 with Wi-Fi, 3G and 16GB costs $529 new but only $399 refurbished. When buying refurbished, look for tablets with a warranty – one year is ideal, according to dealnews.com.
Swing sets. High-end, deluxe wooden swing sets can cost as much as several thousand dollars. But even simple models are at least $300, which can be a lot to pay for something your kids will quickly outgrow. That's why it’s smart to buy used swing sets, which you can find for half the original price. Check your local paper’s classifieds or Craigslist.org.
[More from Kiplinger: 25 Ways to Waste Your Money]
Books and college textbooks. You can pick up paperbacks at yard sales for $1 (or less) or find them at used bookstores or online at sites such as Amazon.com for a lot less than you’d pay if you bought them new. You also can cut the cost of college textbooks in half by buying used. Use sites such as BigWords.com, CampusBooks.com and AllBookstores.com to scan multiple online retailers to find the lowest-price.
Kids' bicycles. No need to spend a lot of money on a bike that your child will quickly outgrow. You likely can find a used one with little wear and tear (because the previous owner outgrew it quickly) at a fraction of the cost of a new bike.
Video games. If your kids (or you) aren’t intent on buying the latest, greatest video games at the time of their release, you can spend half as much buying games used rather than new. Among the retailers that sell pre-owned video games are Amazon.com, Best Buy, GameStop and Walmart.
Lawn equipment. Mowers, trimmers, pressure washers and other outdoor equipment are good things to buy used because you can easily see what sort of condition they’re in. If the equipment is clean and the parts are barely worn, you know it’s been gently used.
Power tools. Sometimes people buy tools to complete a project, then never use them again – and unload them at great prices. So no need to pay full price for a tool that you can buy gently used for a lot less. You can find reconditioned tools at Amazon.com, or search Craigslist.org or the classifieds for like-new tools.
[More from Kiplinger: How to Wipe Out 33 Pesky, Everyday Fees]
Baby gear. The cost of all the gear parents often buy when having a baby -- such as a crib, bassinet, stroller and high-chair -- can add up quickly. But there’s no need to spend a lot buying these items new when you can find them in mint condition at consignment sales or online auctions for a lot less. Don’t buy used car seats, though, because they might have been involved in an accident, their safety features might have been compromised or they might have been recalled.
Baby, toddler and kid clothing. Because kids -- especially babies -- grow out of clothing so quickly, it doesn’t make sense to spend a lot on their apparel. You can find name-brand children’s clothing in good condition for just a few bucks per item at upscale consignment stores, which are selective about the items they accept.
[Related: 10 Ways to Get Yard Sale Deals]
Exercise equipment. Plenty of people have every intention of starting an exercise regimen when they purchase treadmills or elliptical machines, but many times this pricey equipment just gathers dust. That’s why it’s often easy to find used exercise equipment in great condition at great prices -- and you don’t have to feel so guilty if you don’t end up using it as much as you anticipated. For example, we found many name-brand treadmills and elliptical trainers listed for $300 or less on the Washington, D.C., Craigslist.
Many pre-owned items can cost up to 50% to 75% less than the price you’d pay if you purchased them new. Often you can find "used" goods that have hardly even been used. And with some items, retailers or manufacturers refurbish and repackage them so that they’re practically new again.
Here are 12 things that you should consider buying used because you often can find them in good or almost-new condition at a fraction of the price you would pay by buying them new.
[More from Kiplinger: The Frugal Habits of the Super Rich]
Furniture. If you want to avoid the straight-out-of-the-furniture-showroom look or just don’t have a lot of money to spend outfitting your abode, hit up estate sales, consignment stores, antique stores or even yard sales to find unique and affordable pieces. Craigslist.org is another good source of used furniture. For example, we found a china cabinet, dining table and six chairs for sale on the site for $475. A similar table and chairs was $1,199 at Macys.com and similar china cabinet was $1,499. Word of caution: Don’t buy used mattresses (unless you want to risk getting bed bugs) and consider getting upholstered items professionally cleaned before bringing them into your home.
Designer jeans. A pair of designer jeans (brands such as True Religion, 7 For All Mankind, Paige, Joe’s Jeans) typically cost $150 to $200. But you can find a gently worn pair at an upscale consignment store for a third of that price. Don’t like the idea that someone else wore them? Well, there’s a good chance at least one – maybe several – people tried on the “new” jeans you bought at the store. (And you probably didn’t think to wash them before wearing them because you assumed they hadn’t been worn.)
[Related: Teens swarm store to steal $200 jeans]
Tablets. The way to get a deal on pricey tablets is to buy refurbished models, which are tested to meet manufacturer specifications. For example, a new iPad2 with Wi-Fi, 3G and 16GB costs $529 new but only $399 refurbished. When buying refurbished, look for tablets with a warranty – one year is ideal, according to dealnews.com.
Swing sets. High-end, deluxe wooden swing sets can cost as much as several thousand dollars. But even simple models are at least $300, which can be a lot to pay for something your kids will quickly outgrow. That's why it’s smart to buy used swing sets, which you can find for half the original price. Check your local paper’s classifieds or Craigslist.org.
[More from Kiplinger: 25 Ways to Waste Your Money]
Books and college textbooks. You can pick up paperbacks at yard sales for $1 (or less) or find them at used bookstores or online at sites such as Amazon.com for a lot less than you’d pay if you bought them new. You also can cut the cost of college textbooks in half by buying used. Use sites such as BigWords.com, CampusBooks.com and AllBookstores.com to scan multiple online retailers to find the lowest-price.
Kids' bicycles. No need to spend a lot of money on a bike that your child will quickly outgrow. You likely can find a used one with little wear and tear (because the previous owner outgrew it quickly) at a fraction of the cost of a new bike.
Video games. If your kids (or you) aren’t intent on buying the latest, greatest video games at the time of their release, you can spend half as much buying games used rather than new. Among the retailers that sell pre-owned video games are Amazon.com, Best Buy, GameStop and Walmart.
Lawn equipment. Mowers, trimmers, pressure washers and other outdoor equipment are good things to buy used because you can easily see what sort of condition they’re in. If the equipment is clean and the parts are barely worn, you know it’s been gently used.
Power tools. Sometimes people buy tools to complete a project, then never use them again – and unload them at great prices. So no need to pay full price for a tool that you can buy gently used for a lot less. You can find reconditioned tools at Amazon.com, or search Craigslist.org or the classifieds for like-new tools.
[More from Kiplinger: How to Wipe Out 33 Pesky, Everyday Fees]
Baby gear. The cost of all the gear parents often buy when having a baby -- such as a crib, bassinet, stroller and high-chair -- can add up quickly. But there’s no need to spend a lot buying these items new when you can find them in mint condition at consignment sales or online auctions for a lot less. Don’t buy used car seats, though, because they might have been involved in an accident, their safety features might have been compromised or they might have been recalled.
Baby, toddler and kid clothing. Because kids -- especially babies -- grow out of clothing so quickly, it doesn’t make sense to spend a lot on their apparel. You can find name-brand children’s clothing in good condition for just a few bucks per item at upscale consignment stores, which are selective about the items they accept.
[Related: 10 Ways to Get Yard Sale Deals]
Exercise equipment. Plenty of people have every intention of starting an exercise regimen when they purchase treadmills or elliptical machines, but many times this pricey equipment just gathers dust. That’s why it’s often easy to find used exercise equipment in great condition at great prices -- and you don’t have to feel so guilty if you don’t end up using it as much as you anticipated. For example, we found many name-brand treadmills and elliptical trainers listed for $300 or less on the Washington, D.C., Craigslist.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
10 good Tips for Yard Sale Buying
These just came out on Yahoo, so I thought I would share,
Use these 10 strategies to help you find hidden treasures among the castoffs.
1. Focus on moving sales or older homes
Not sure which yard sales to hit first? For practical goods, moving sales are better than run-of-the-mill garage sales, since people are more likely to be unloading goods that are fairly new and don't have a lot of wear and tear, says Cristin Frank, who blogs about reducing waste.
Hunting for antiques or collectibles? Stick to neighborhoods that have older homes, says Reyne Hirsch, an expert in 20th-century decorative arts and former appraiser for Antiques Roadshow.
If you're packing a bunch of sales into a single day, YardSaleSearch.com or the Garage Sale Rover appwill map out the most time-efficient route.
2. Know your sizes
You don't want to discover after you get it home that your terrific new end table is three inches too wide for the spot you had in mind.
Assess your spaces beforehand and carry a small tape measure in your bag to use while browsing, says blogger Cristin Frank.
[Related: Things Your Thrift Store Owner Won't Tell You]
3. Think frames, not art
The chances you'll spot an original Whistler in your neighbor's yard? Not good. Frames, on the other hand, can often be worth more than sellers think.
"I have found some that were 150 years old selling for chump change," says artist, designer, and garage sale enthusiast Pablo Solomon. Look for intricate frames made from solid material.
For more on what makes frames, art, and other antiques valuable, see the guides at eBay.com.
4. Scout out old china
Yard sales are great for nabbing just-out-of-the-box kitchenware. But bowls and cups from the 1920s and '30s may be a better deal than newer items.
"A lot of it is vintage stuff that didn't cost much but is better quality than what you could buy new today," says decorative-arts expert Reyne Hirsch.
Like a lot of stuff? Ask for a bulk discount; sellers are often willing to cut a deal to clear out a bunch of wares at once.
5. For resale, try retro
Yard-hopping for profit? Many traditional antiques are selling for half what they used to because downsizing baby boomers are flooding the market and younger buyers have a different aesthetic, says Patrick van der Vorst, a Sotheby's veteran and co-founder of ValueMyStuff.com.
Today's hot items are appliances, functional objects, and novelties -- such as movie posters or advertisements -- from the 1950s, `60s, and `70s.
Use your smartphone to check how much similar items have recently sold for on eBay before you negotiate.
6. Get goods appraised
Think you've found a garage sale gem? Get a detailed virtual appraisal on ValueMyStuff.com (cost: $8.50).
Just submit a photo, and within 48 hours you'll have an estimate as well as details about the item's provenance and insight about why something is or isn't valuable.
That's knowledge you can use to score even bigger on your next scavenger hunt.
[Related: Tips from the Garage Sale Millionaire]
7. Test the electronics
Those new-looking portable iPod speakers are a great deal -- or are they?
Pack an assortment of batteries to test electronic goods, along with a high-powered flashlight or black light to check for cracks or chips on housewares or furniture that may not be visible to the naked eye.
8. Look carefully at costume jewelry
Sellers often think that old costume jewelry made with fake stones and plated with silver or gold isn't worth anything. Yet "vintage costume jewelry can sell for big bucks," says Reyne Hirsch.
Look for sturdy settings and clasps; avoid pieces that have chipped or worn enamel.
9. Go for heavy items
Gardening tools, kids' bikes, fitness equipment, and furniture -- all may be cheaper at a yard sale than on eBay, since many sellers don't want to go through the trouble or expense of shipping awkward or heavy pieces.
To snag the best price on something mentioned in a listing, try calling the seller the day before, says Cristin Frank; aficionados often circle the block hours before the official sale starts.
10. Know when to steer clear
Mattresses, upholstered furniture -- forget 'em. The risk of bedbugs is too high. Also be careful with baby gear such as car seats and cribs, since safety standards often change.
Check the latest safety info on baby items at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's website, or download the free app (for Android only).
More from CNNMoney:
1. Focus on moving sales or older homes
Not sure which yard sales to hit first? For practical goods, moving sales are better than run-of-the-mill garage sales, since people are more likely to be unloading goods that are fairly new and don't have a lot of wear and tear, says Cristin Frank, who blogs about reducing waste.
Hunting for antiques or collectibles? Stick to neighborhoods that have older homes, says Reyne Hirsch, an expert in 20th-century decorative arts and former appraiser for Antiques Roadshow.
If you're packing a bunch of sales into a single day, YardSaleSearch.com or the Garage Sale Rover appwill map out the most time-efficient route.
2. Know your sizes
You don't want to discover after you get it home that your terrific new end table is three inches too wide for the spot you had in mind.
Assess your spaces beforehand and carry a small tape measure in your bag to use while browsing, says blogger Cristin Frank.
[Related: Things Your Thrift Store Owner Won't Tell You]
3. Think frames, not art
The chances you'll spot an original Whistler in your neighbor's yard? Not good. Frames, on the other hand, can often be worth more than sellers think.
"I have found some that were 150 years old selling for chump change," says artist, designer, and garage sale enthusiast Pablo Solomon. Look for intricate frames made from solid material.
For more on what makes frames, art, and other antiques valuable, see the guides at eBay.com.
4. Scout out old china
Yard sales are great for nabbing just-out-of-the-box kitchenware. But bowls and cups from the 1920s and '30s may be a better deal than newer items.
"A lot of it is vintage stuff that didn't cost much but is better quality than what you could buy new today," says decorative-arts expert Reyne Hirsch.
Like a lot of stuff? Ask for a bulk discount; sellers are often willing to cut a deal to clear out a bunch of wares at once.
5. For resale, try retro
Yard-hopping for profit? Many traditional antiques are selling for half what they used to because downsizing baby boomers are flooding the market and younger buyers have a different aesthetic, says Patrick van der Vorst, a Sotheby's veteran and co-founder of ValueMyStuff.com.
Today's hot items are appliances, functional objects, and novelties -- such as movie posters or advertisements -- from the 1950s, `60s, and `70s.
Use your smartphone to check how much similar items have recently sold for on eBay before you negotiate.
6. Get goods appraised
Think you've found a garage sale gem? Get a detailed virtual appraisal on ValueMyStuff.com (cost: $8.50).
Just submit a photo, and within 48 hours you'll have an estimate as well as details about the item's provenance and insight about why something is or isn't valuable.
That's knowledge you can use to score even bigger on your next scavenger hunt.
[Related: Tips from the Garage Sale Millionaire]
7. Test the electronics
Those new-looking portable iPod speakers are a great deal -- or are they?
Pack an assortment of batteries to test electronic goods, along with a high-powered flashlight or black light to check for cracks or chips on housewares or furniture that may not be visible to the naked eye.
8. Look carefully at costume jewelry
Sellers often think that old costume jewelry made with fake stones and plated with silver or gold isn't worth anything. Yet "vintage costume jewelry can sell for big bucks," says Reyne Hirsch.
Look for sturdy settings and clasps; avoid pieces that have chipped or worn enamel.
9. Go for heavy items
Gardening tools, kids' bikes, fitness equipment, and furniture -- all may be cheaper at a yard sale than on eBay, since many sellers don't want to go through the trouble or expense of shipping awkward or heavy pieces.
To snag the best price on something mentioned in a listing, try calling the seller the day before, says Cristin Frank; aficionados often circle the block hours before the official sale starts.
10. Know when to steer clear
Mattresses, upholstered furniture -- forget 'em. The risk of bedbugs is too high. Also be careful with baby gear such as car seats and cribs, since safety standards often change.
Check the latest safety info on baby items at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's website, or download the free app (for Android only).
More from CNNMoney:
Monday, July 2, 2012
Mad Tv's Funny Look at Yard Sales
Monday, June 25, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Finding Treasure at Goodwill
Diamond Bonus Bling: Woman Gets More Than Just Jeans at Goodwill
WHAT DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS ARTICLE?
REACT
The old saying goes, "One man's trash is another man's treasure." But after Deb Thompson's Monday trip to a Coon Rapids, Minn., Goodwill store, she's proving that's not always the case.
Thompson, 53, went to the store to pick up a pair of $3.99 jean capris her daughter suggested she might like because of all the "bling" on them.
But when she returned home to try them on, she discovered way more "bling" than she had bargained for. There was a diamond ring in the right pocket.
"I took the ring out of my pocket and I sat on the floor with my daughter and her fiancé. I put my arm out in the center, and I opened it in my palm and we all just went, 'Wow. Oh my God," Thompson told ABC News.
All Thompson could think to herself was, "Oh geez, somebody lost their ring. The husband or fiancé must be out there saying, 'You're not getting another one!'"
Now Thompson, of Hamlake, Minn., is working with Goodwill to try to find the ring's original owner. They posted Thompson's unusual "Lost and Found" story on their Facebook page in hopes the owner will see it, come forward and claim what's rightfully his or hers.
As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, she said Goodwill had received about seven emails from people claiming to be the owner, but there was nothing concrete.
Thompson is leaving the background-checking up to Goodwill. She did, however, have a very specific way she'd like the scenario to end.
"This is how I see this whole story ending: Somebody comes forward, says they lost the ring, says they're insured and have the papers to prove it. That's how I'm hoping this ends. So far, it's not that way, but we'll see. Only time will tell," said Thompson.
When she first found the ring, Thompson contacted the local ABC affiliate in an attempt to find the owner. The affiliate covered her story and took her to a jeweler to have the ring appraised.
Not only was the diamond ring real, it was worth $6,500.
"They gave me an estimate on how much it was worth, and that was another 'whoa' moment. How long do I have until it's mine," she laughed.
For now, it seems to be "finder's keepers." But Thompson ideally would like to see the ring safely returned to the right finger.
"I need to find the owner, and I'd love to hear the story of how it got in there," Thompson told KSTP News.
If you have more information, Thompson urges you to visit the Goodwill Easter Seals Facebook pageand send a message.
Just goes to show you that you can still find treasure.
Happy Hunting
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