If you're a fan of Storage Wars or Antiques Roadshow, you already know that one man's trash is another man's treasure. Vendors often underestimate their wares, or slash prices just to get rid of excess stuff. Approach neighborhood sales with an appraiser's eye, and you could walk away with some metaphorical (or actual) gold.
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Costume Jewelry
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"There is real money in fake jewelry," says professional antique appraiser Dr. Lori Verderame. You could go treasure hunting for big names like Miriam Haskell, but even casual browsers should check for quality craftsmanship. Think sturdy settings with prongs, not glue.
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Sports Memorabilia
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Focusing a specific category like sports can help resellers become profitable, advises Aaron LaPedis, "The Garage Sale Millionaire." Collectors will cough up big bucks for everything from antique sleds toearly snowboards to merch from defunct teams. Always cross-reference prices online to make sure you're getting a deal.
These days, electronics get outdated fast. While there is a market for some collectibles (like first edition Apple computers), stick to tried-and-true devices if you're hoping to actually use your find. Popular Mechanicsadvises snapping up any good-quality, functioning speakers you can plug into, since the analog tech has stayed pretty much the same.
If the sale's got a $1 table, start scouring it for coffee cups. Devoted fans will pay more for licensed characters and brands — like Starbucks or The Far Side– if you relist them on an auction site. The older, the better, advises veteran eBay seller maxsamedia.
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Cast Iron
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Antique skillets made before the '50s have a much smoother finish than their modern counterparts, according to Serious Eats. Extra polishing absent from later production makes the surface more non-stick than a brand-new version. Even if it's not that old (yet), cast iron lasts forever and pro chefs swear by the stuff.
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Antique Fishing Gear
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Collectible lures can resell for anything from $5 to $100,000, Country Livingreports. Fishing rods and reels can also bring in good money if you know what you're looking at, so don't hesitate to take out your phone to do a little research.
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Hand Tools
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Don't turn your nose up at some rust. You can either strip it and add protective wax, or buy warrantied Mac, SK or Craftsman sockets and trade them into the company for new ones at no extra charge, according to Popular Mechanics.
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Heavy Items
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Looking for sturdy furniture? Many sellers don't like the prospect of lugging cumbersome pieces back into the house at the end of the day and will give you great prices — especially since it's difficult to sell these items online. Hit up the sale later in the afternoon for even better deals, although the selection might be limited.
Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.