Charity Shop to Ebay Sale?
By fluffleshark
@fluffleshark (810)
Ireland
February 22, 2007 3:38pm CST
I've heard that some people make some money picking up bargains in charity or junk shops - either antigues, or collectors items, or maybe just stuff that's a real bargain - and then re-selling them on ebay. Does anyone have any knowledge or experience of this? I've been thinking about trying this out for a while now, and would really appreciate any advice! Is it worth it? Do people really do it? How would you get started? What sort of things to look for? Many thanks in advance for all advice!
3 people like this
7 responses
@mygreyparrot (1461)
• United States
24 Feb 07
I do it all the time. I've made $100 off $1 many times. I can't give you pointers on what items to pick up, but it is possible. You will have to do lots of research to find out what is selling. Also remember to research often. What is selling this week may not sell at all next week.
1 person likes this
@fluffleshark (810)
• Ireland
24 Feb 07
I'll take your advice and do research often mygreyparrot! Wonderful to hear that this is in fact possible! Many thanks!
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
23 Feb 07
You would need to do some research before starting. Find out what is *hot* on eBay and then go looking. It's worth while checking out the charity shops and seeing what is available. I bought a lovely Japanese tea set in a local charity shop last year and paid £5 for it. I intended to use it but it was put into a cupboard and forgotten until last summer when I sorted the cupboards. I put it onto eBay and it made £17
1 person likes this
@fluffleshark (810)
• Ireland
24 Feb 07
Wow that's great! Yes thanks for your advice - I will certainly have a look at the 'hot' stuff on ebay.
@Polly1 (12645)
• United States
22 Feb 07
Yes you can do that. Do your research before selling on ebay. You can go to ebay and find out the answers to all your questions. You have to keep in mind sellers fees, ebay is a great way to make some money, just do your homework. You can also learn about selling on ebay right here on mylot. I am sure you will get some answers to your question here, also do a search and read what others have said. Good luck and happy selling.
1 person likes this
@ljcapps (1925)
• United States
25 Feb 07
I have actually heard of several people doing this, although i've never tried it, and i'm not sure what i'd sell, or what the demand is. I've heard of programs you can buy from people to get you started on ebay, but i'm a little leery of doing it. if you use ebay there's a charge for: Listing products, posting more than one photo, placing a reserve on the product, and then paypal charges you for receiving more than 5 payments a year. it's pretty convoluted, but i wish you luck with it!
@Bizziebod (3497)
•
22 Feb 07
Hi, I work with one of the powersellers on Ebay and most of the stuff we sell on there are brought at auctions at very much reduced prices. We brought a couple of boxes of books at our local auction house for £20 or $40 and just on one rare book alone we sold it for £140 or $280!! It's worth sticking to what you know though, not all books are worth that much and you need to have knowledge in what you are going to buy, but it's worth doing!
1 person likes this
@fluffleshark (810)
• Ireland
24 Feb 07
Thanks Bizziebod!
I see in your profile that you're in the UK. I wonder if there are auction houses in Ireland? I have have a look.
That's wonderful what you're doing! I REALLY like this idea, but unfortunately I don't think I have any specialist knowledge in something that would sell! I wonder if it would be too difficult to gain a knowledge in, perhaps, a certain 'area' of antiques? Maybe doing a lot of reading up about the subject?
@fluffleshark (810)
• Ireland
24 Feb 07
Thanks for answering morph3us - I was more asking about buying from charity shops and then selling the stuff on ebay, though.
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
25 Feb 07
All sorts of things are sold on Ebay and I have sold books, movies, shoes, electronic things and such. Some people can sell kids clothing. Others sell candles, soap or plants and seed. I buy Catnip from one and there are others. So if you see something that you think will sell it should be worth the chance. You could always turn around and offer it on freecycle. Then if taken there you can ask for something that you might need.
Just some thoughts and hope that it helps.
