Sony Playstation Games

Nobody will ever know everything! I have been selling on Ebay since 2002, and learn more and more everyday. As we all know, the Sony PlayStation game system is HOT, especially number 3. (and of course the most expensive) Before, selling your PS games at a garage sale, flea market, yard sale, ect., research them on Ebay. My brother informed me that there are several PS games that were only made for a very short time or were produced in limited quantities and are bringing good money on Ebay! I believe one that he mentioned was the Karaoke Country Music, game. (or whatever you call it) My point...before you "give" your games away, do a quick search on Ebay. Sometimes, you just do not realize what you have is worth good money!

Bakelite Jewelry

In my last post, I mentioned Bakelite. I am not real familiar with this type of collectible, but did some research to learn a bit more and pass it on to my readers.
Bakelite Jewelry;
Quick Facts about Bakelite Jewelry

• Bakelite was invented in the early 1900's, but making jewelry from this plastic became popular in the 1930's.
• Heavily carved bangles, bangles with polka dots or multiple colors laminated together, and usual figural pins are among the most expensive items sought by Bakelite collector's today.
• Butterscotch and pea green are the most common and, generally, the least expensive colors.
• Bakelite fakes are often found at flea markets, and some auctions, these days. Review the tips for recognizing Bakelite fakes and reproductions.
• Bakelite can be tested for authenticity by sight, feel, sound, and smell.

The Bakelite market today

Although the most desirable carved bangle bracelets and ultra-cool figural pins cost more now than the average collector might want to spend, there are still some affordable choices. Even plain pcs. are not dirt cheap these days, but they won't run anywhere near $100 to several thousands of dollars like the elaborately decorated items with intricate carvings, polka dots and fancy shapes fetch from avid collectors.

For the beginner/collector, looking for plain bangles to wear in colorful stacks can be a good place to start. Bakelite dress clips sold singly or in pairs are also generally more affordable than pins, even when carved. Bakelite clip earrings are also reasonably priced, and they coordinate beautifully with bangles in similar colors.

Some collector's focus on "end of day" pieces. These Bakelite items incorporate more than one color swirled together. The plastic was actually made at the end of the day when small leftover batches were mixed together so they would not go to waste.

Learning About Bakelite Reproductions and Fakes

Another benefit in buying more common pieces comes with their relative exemption from fakes. But it is important to remember that many illegitimate items are actually made from genuine Bakelite stock or old radio cases recycled from the 1930's.

Using small Bakelite pcs. to form larger pins shaped like jointed characters is a common motif for reproductions. Genuine vintage character pins are quite expensive, so it is important to examine these carefully for signs of newness. Carving plain bangles into desirable designs would be considered faking it unless those pcs. are marked for what they are by the crafter.

Making these pcs. is not a problem, it's not marking them accordingly where things get sticky. Even when they are sold as "marriages" or reworked pieces, these items will eventually end up fooling an unsuspecting collector if they are not permanently marked. To Be Continued.....

What's Hot on Today's Market

As anyone who has been involved in this hobby is well aware, today's market is quite different than it was several years ago. The better examples in the well-established fields continue to appreciate, but as we all know, those items are seldom found on our garage sale and flea market rounds. So let's focus on glassware, pottery, toys, ect., that this venue generally has to offer. Because there is such plethora of this type of merchandise still available, applying the simple law of supply and demand, it only reasons that values will soften somewhat. At the same time, Ebay is a great place to turn your finds into cash fast, and those lower prices are enticing new collectors, so the future looks good, and value can only go up.

Look for trends, sort them out. To do this, you will have to spend some time in study and research. (as I mentioned earlier) Attend shows, talk to dealers and fellow collectors. Read trade papers and magazines, and check out the 'antiques and collectibles' isles of your bookstore. Watch for new books on any subject. Sometimes this is all it takes to get one off and running.

Linens! Vintage aprons, brightly patterned tablecloths, and tea towels, do well. If you Google for vintage tablecloths, you will see that those with especially interesting and colorful designs are bringing very high prices. Those with states themes are selling very well, and towels with Black Americana designs bring top dollar. Aprons that have been handmade and commercially made ones with original tags are among the best.

Dolls will always be hot, and Barbie dolls are still stealing the spotlight. There are always new books on Barbie dolls and Barbie collectibles and continue to do well in holding value. My daughter is 15 and has stored 100's of her old Barbie dolls in the attic. I hope this Barbie trend continues until she reaches my age! Shirley Temple dolls and related memorabilia, Madame Alexander dolls, Nancy Ann Storybook dolls, and Knickerbocker Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls are strong on the market. Strawberry Shortcake is doing well, especially the earlier editions. Watch for Mattel talkers (Chatty Cathy among them), Dawn dolls, Ideal dolls, and celebrity dolls, Steiff teddy bears and animals are always good.

American dinnerware continues to do well. Lines that reflect the mid-century high style concept by designers such as Zeisel, Schreckengost, and Russel Wright top the list, but more traditional lines by chinaware companies like Hall and Homer Laughlin are close behind. Lu-Ray by Taylor, Smith and Taylor; many of the popular lines by Metlox, Franciscan, Vernon Kilns, and the Royal China Company; The Western lines by Wallace; the lovely hand painted patterns by Blue Ridge; and the charming primitive lines of Watt, Purinton, and Pennsbury are all very collectible. Although Ebay has caused Fiesta collectors to be reluctant to pay high book for anything other than mint condition items with no factory flaws or signs of wear, except for very common items, Fiesta remains a good seller, and discontinued colors from Post86 Fiesta are sometimes prefered over vintage. There is a lot of interest in the lines made by Bauer. Marcrest made stoneware in a brown glossy glaze in a pattern called Daisy and Dot, and evidence strongly suggests this is well worth picking up. Top marked restaurant ware with logos of railroads, hotels, or branches of the military is often being bought not only as nostalgic souvenirs but for actual use in the home.

Among ceramic items, several companies' wares are basically strong; though prices may be down from their high of a few years ago, interest is still there. That group would include the wonderful figurines by Ceramic Arts Studios, Kay Finch, Brayton Laguna, Will-George Florence Ceramics, Max Weil, Hedi Schoop, and Howard Pierce. High style designs made by Glidden, Sascha Brastoff, and Royal Arden Hickman appeal to those whose tastes run toward mid-century modern. There are several more designers, each of whom conveyed diversified personal vision through their creations; Dorothy Kindell, Matthew Adams, Brad Keeler, and the Cleminsons, among others; watch for items that carry these signatures, as they continue to be popular. You often see small pieces of Noritake and Nippon on garage sale tables at prices that allow for a good profit margin. Do your homework to assure that you are buying "the real deal" and not fakes.

Roseville, Weller, and Rookwood - probably the giants among the American pottery companies produced wonderful vases and pots that will never go out of favor. Of course, there are many others. Hull, Shawnee, Haeger, McCoy, Brush, Cowan, Muncie, Van Briggle, and Abingdon are marks to watch for. If you find a piece of pottery with the mark of any manufacturer, American or otherwise, you would do well to buy it up at garage sale prices.

In glassware, Depression glass, carnival glass, and of course elegant glass ever endure. Kitchen glass finds a ready market, Anchor Hocking's Fire-King in particular. You will often see good Fenton at garage sales; L.G. Wright, Blenko, and Westmoreland are certainly worth your time and investment. Colored glassware, especially Jade-ite, ruby red, forest green, and Delphite Blue have been favorites for years and are still good choices. Crackle glass by Blenko and other companies are very collectible.

Costume jewelry signed by noted designers can sell for prices as dazzling as their appearance. Watch for names such as Trifari, Hattie Carnegie, Napier, Coro, Haskell, and Lisner. Well done unmarked rhinestone jewelry continues to have worth, and Bakelite/Catalin plastics often sell in the same price range as fine jewelry. Even unsigned high quality jewelry can turn a good profit for you. Quality cuff links and those with a particularly interesting design are well worth buying.

In the advertising field, character collectibes maintain a high profile. The advertising category features some of the most popular stars of the advertising world - Mr. Peanut, Elsie the Cow, Old Crow, Poppin' Fresh, Mr Bib, and Campbell Kids. Coca Cola items are plentiful, and there are thousands of collector's for them. They may prefer vintage items, but even interesting post-1950's Coke memorabilia sells well. Pepsi Cola, Hires, Orange Crush, Nehi, and 7-Up have their own devotees.

In addition to those we have already mentioned, here are other areas where you will see considerable interest right now:

American Indian Relics

American Pottery (besides those mentioned in the previous paragraphs), anything of quality that is marked or has good lines

Automobilia

Bottles, especially dairy bottles, figurals, barber bottles, and soda bottles with painted labels

Black Americana

Cast-iron figural items such as bookends, doorstops, doorknockers, trivets, and bottle openers

Breweriana, A few to mention; Bud Light, Budweiser, Miller, ect.

Cat & dog collectibles - especially Shafford black cats. Fenton is also great too.

Children's books, especially Little Golden Books, Dick and Jane Readers, Big Little Books, and series books

Christmas Ornaments and lighting; The older the better. Series Hallmark ornaments are good too

Clocks, especially motion clocks by Haddon, Mastercrafters, Spartus, Lux, and United

Clothing, hats, and accessories, anything vintage, preferably from the forties through the seventies; vintage denims in particular

Cookbooks

Compacts and ladies' purse accessories

Corning ware and Visions Cookware

Czechoslovakian glass and pottery

Fishing tackle and lures - rods and reels, tackle boxes, catalogs and vintage advertisements

Fountain pens

Furniture by Heywood-Wakefield and all well-known Fifties Modern designers

Gas station memorabilia

Glass candlesticks

Golf collectibles

Granite ware

Guardian ware

Halloween collectibles

John Deere collectibles

Ladies' fine handkerchiefs

Lamps, especially Aladdin, those with 1950s styling, motion lamps, and TV lamps

LP records with great or interesting covers, including jazz

Lunch boxes

Made in Japan ceramics

Marbles

Model Kits - Aurora, Monogram, MPC, and Revel

Musical Instruments - Vintage guitars are HOT

Paintings and prints

Patriotic and homefront collectibles

Perfume bottles - watch for those marked Czechoslovakia

Photographica - from cameras to hand-painted photographs

Pocketknives

Pyrex with colorful designs and solid-color treatments

Quilts

Racing collectibles, especially NASCAR

Radios - character and novelty related, transistor, and those made of colorful Bakelite and Catalin

Railroadiana

Salt and pepper shakers - the more unique the better

Sewing collectibles and buttons; Singer Featherweight sewing machines

Silver-plated flatware

Singer Featherweight sewing machines

Soda pop memorabilia

Sports collectibles

Toothpick holders

Wall pockets

Watches - character related, advertising, and of course the better American-and European made examples

Wicker furniture

Zippo lighters

8mm boxed films with great graphics on the boxes, especially horror films

For right now, these areas seem sluggish; ashtrays, old spice shaving mugs, Beanie Babies, bubble bath containers, California Raisins, Fast-food items, Norman Rockwell items, Jim Beam bottles, collector plates, and brown-drip dinnerware. There are always exceptions, however. In every field, their are rarities that are always desirable, and we all need to be aware of them, if we are going to take full advantage of all the opportunities garage sale and flea market shopping have to offer. Remember, the most important factor to consider when buying any of these items for resale is condition. If they show more than just a little wear or are damaged more than a minimal amount, don't waste your time on them at any price. Today's collectors are more discerning than ever, thanks again to the internet and the preponderance of supply over demand. Condition is all-important.

Learning to Become a Successful Bargain Hunter

Let me assure you, anyone who takes the time to become an informed, experienced bargain hunter will be successful. There is enough good merchandise out there to make it well worthwhile, at all levels. Once you learn what to look for, what has good resale potential, and what price these items will probably bring for you, you will be equipped and ready for any hunting trip. You'll be the one to find treasures. Believe me, they are out there!
Garage Sales as I have mentioned before, are absolutely wonderful for finding bargains. You have to get up early and go! Even non collectors can spot quality merchandise, and at those low garage sale prices (low, unless of course held by an owner who's done his homework) those items will be the first to move. In order to be a successful garage sale shopper, you must learn to get yourself organized. It is important to conserve your time. The sales you hit during the first early-morning hour will prove to be the best nine times out of ten, so you must have a plan before you ever leave your home. Plot your course. If a garage sale opens at 8:00, I can guarantee that customers will start arriving as early as 7:00. These are the serious bargain hunters that have no problem facing rejection, or told to come back at the specified start up time, on occasion. I am a very polite person and probably have lost out on some good deals for this reason. So, this is completely up to you:)
Competition can be fierce during those important early morning hours. Learn to scan the tables quickly, then move to the area that looks the most promising. Do not be afraid to ask for a better price if you feel it's too high, but most people have already priced garage sale merchandise so that it will sell. Keep a notebook to jot down items you didn't buy the first time around but think you might be interested in if the price were reduced later on. After going through dozens of sales (I have done as many as 25 or so in one morning) you won't remember where you saw what. Often by noon, veteran garage sale buyers are finished with their rounds and attendance becomes very thin. Owners are usually much more willing to come down on their prices, so it may pay you to make a second pass.
Flea Markets are often wonderful places to find bargains. I prefer the bigger ones, but your smaller flea markets are good too. If you have never been to a large flea market, you don't know what you are missing. Even if you are not a born-again collector, I guarantee you will love it. And their an excellent place to study the market. You will be able to see where the buying activity is; you can check and compare prices, talk with dealers and collectors, and do hands-on inspections. Your knowledge from research and reading will come in handy here! At the smaller flea markets, where it is easier to recognize, repeat sellers and dealers, I like to visit new tables. Usually these are the ones that will only set up and sell on occasion to get rid of the "so called junk" they found out of their homes after a weekend of Spring cleaning. It is also a must to get up early and go! If you have ever been in line waiting for a flea market to open, you know that cars are often backed up for several blocks, and people will be standing in line waiting to be admitted hours before the gate opens. Browsers? Window shoppers? Not likely. Competition! So, if you are going to have a chance at all, you'd better be in line yourself. Take a friend or family member and split up on the first pass through so that you can cover the grounds more quickly. It's a common sight to see the serious buyers conversing with their partners via walkie talkies, and if you like to discuss possible purchases with each other before you actually buy, this is a good way to do it. To be Continued....

How to Hold Your Own Garage Sale

If you are toying with the idea of getting involved in the business of buying and selling, antiques and collectibles, but find yourself short of any extra cash to back your venture, this is the way that I recommend getting started. Everyone has items they no longer use; Get rid of them! Use them to your advantage. Here's how.

Get Organized. Gather up your merchandise. Though there's not a lot of money in selling clothing, this is the perfect time to unload items that you are not using. Kid's clothing does best, since it's usually outgrown before it is worn out, and there is a lot of budget minded parents who realize this and think it makes good sense to invest as little as possible in their own children's clothing. Make sure the clothing is unwrinkled and clean. You may want to place your better clothing on hangers. I have seen some really organized garage sales, where the owner will fold everything neatly and separate the clothing into sizes.

Leave no stone unturned! Clean out the attic, the garage, the basement. ect. If you are really into it, bake cookies or make some crafts. Divide your house plants; pot the starts in attractive little containers - ladies love them! Discarded and outgrown toys sell well. Framed prints and silk flower arrangements you no longer use, recipe books, and paperbacks, tapes records, dvd's, cd's, and that kitchen appliance that's more trouble to store than it's worth can be turned into cash to get you off and running.

After you have gathered up your merchandise, you will need to price it. Realistically, clothing will bring at the most about 15% - 25% of what you had to pay for it, if it's still in excellent, ready to wear, condition and basically still in style.

Remember, that garage sale buyers expect to find low prices. Depending on how long you plan on staying open, you will have one day, possibly two to move everything. If you start your items out too high, you will more than likely end up with lots of leftover merchandise, most of which you have already decided is worthless to you. The majority of your better buyers will hit early on; make prices attractive to them and you will do all right. If you come up with some "low end" collectibles - fast food toys, played with action figures, character glasses - do not expect to get too much out of them at a garage sale. If you have a few items that you think have some resale potential, offer them about half of book price. If they do not sell at your garage sale, take them to a flea market or consignment shop, where customers expect to find prices higher there than at a garage sale.

Advertise; Place your ad in the local paper or on your town's cable TV information channel. Make sure your ad is interesting and upbeat. Though, most sales usually start early on Thursday, (in my area) or Friday mornings, some people are now holding their sales in the early evening, and they seem to be having good crowds. This gives people with day jobs the opportunity to attend. You might want to hold your sale for 2 days, but you will do 90% of your selling during the first 2-3 hrs. Make signs - smaller ones for street corners near your home to help direct passers-by, and a large one for your yard. You might even want to make another one saying 'Clothing 50% off after noon.' This will ensure that you do not have a bunch of leftovers that you will have to dispose of later. Make sure you have lots of boxes, and bags and plenty of change. If you price your items in increments of .25, you won't need anything but a few rolls of quarters, maybe 10 or 15 ones, and a few five dollar bills. Then on the day of the sale, put the large sign up in a prominent place out front with some balloons to attract the crowd. Take a deep breath, brace yourself, and let the sale begin!

Free USPS Priority Mail Shipping Boxes

I would never of thought to bring this up, until my brother came over to my house the other day and said "Sherry, I am hooked on Ebay"... I said "Why now?" (He knows that my husband and I are sellers on Ebay and have been for a long time!) He replied "It's so easy, and I didn't know you could get free, priority boxes from the post office!" I was like "Hello" we have been doing this for years now, where have you been?" My brother does not listen to anything I tell him, obviously...Is this a "Big Sister" thing? Anyway, if you decide to start selling on Ebay, Simply go to http://www.usps.com/, sign up, place your order, (you will have several "priority" boxes to choose from) and they will deliver them to your door, FREE. That Simple!

The Ebay Summer Slow down Cont...

I cannot stress enough right now....If you have an area of expertise and knowledge with a particular collectible, now is the time to buy on Ebay and resell later! I have purchased several items, just within the last week, at some unbelievable prices! I am partial to Fenton Art Glass, as I have mentioned before. We are going into an Ebay Slow Down, Period! If you are looking at purchasing items from Ebay to resell later, now is the time to do it! And, further more, if you want to get technical, 9 am - 5pm, is better yet! Honestly, this is some good, factual information, coming from a Power Seller/Ebay Fanatic! Good Luck!

The Garage Sale & Flea Market Annual 2008 16th Edition

With garage sales, flea markets, yard sales, ect. approaching, I highly recommend the Garage Sale & Flea Market Annual. The most current is the 2008, 16th edition. This is a large, hardcover book, consisting of 496 pages. This book retails for $19.95, but can be found on Ebay, much cheaper. This book is packed with information and values for nearly 25,000 collectibles. This book covers a vast array of subjects! The editors of this book, work year around, checking the pulse of the market, watching internet sales, spotting new trends, and tracking them as they develop, so the reader can reap the benefits.

The Ebay Summer Slow Down

My Ebay sales slow down, tremendously, in the Summer, and for good reason. We all wait, patiently, for this time of the year to finally get here! Tis' the Season for boating, fishing, vacations, grilling out, family reunions, ect.! (I am so excited). I, as a seller, really have no control over this, so just have to be patient, and ride the wave out. The way that I deal with this, is to stock my Ebay store! Actually, this is something I plan on starting in the next few days. You place your items in your Ebay store, you set the price on your item, and let it sit there until someone comes along and buys it. Even adding 5 items daily, would add up to 35 items in your store, in a week. This is a great way to "set yourself up" when Ebay's sales, do pick up. The cost of an Ebay Store is very reasonable, and starts out as low as $15.99 a mth. You can list your items for pennies. Find something good at garage sale or flea market? Come home, and throw it in your store. But, if it is a rare, or an exceptional item, you are probably safe to list it in an Auction or wait until the Ebay sales, pick up. In my next post, I will discuss the different type of auctions, that Ebay offers

Hallmark Christmas Ornaments

Did you know that some Hallmark Ornaments are worth good money? Before, you set them out in your Garage Sale for .50 cents each, research them on Ebay! I have found alot of Hallmark Ornaments at garage sales and flea markets, that have brought a nice return, on my money! One that stands out in my mind is "The Frosty Friends Collection." These are an annual ornament, that are put out every year by Hallmark. The older they are, the better:) To find out which ones to look for, go to Ebay, and put in keyword; Hallmark Ornament, then pull up highest price. Search under the Completed items also.