posted on July 14, 2001 10:44:12 AM new
Has anyone else found the quantity and quality of items at yard sales decreasing, and prices increasing?
I live in a small town and I've been going to yard sales for 20 years. Until this year, I would always come home with a car load of great items, but this summer's sales have offered a pitiful selection. The few items I have found that weren't junk were way over priced.
When I attended sales last year, I would hear people talking about how so-and-so had bought X for pennies at a yard sale and sold it on ebay for big $$$. I never mentioned to anyone that I sold on ebay, but evidently others couldn't wait to brag about their great deals. I have a feeling that the pitiful selection at area yard sales is the result of word getting around, I don't know, but there's nothing good out there anymore.
The number of yard sales and auctions being held in my area are way down. If fact there hasn't been any auctions held in my area this summer, which is unusal.
posted on July 14, 2001 10:49:37 AM new
Feeling it here too. Central Washington. This too shall pass. Everyone thinks they're going to make a million on eBay. Not everyone has the stomach.
posted on July 14, 2001 10:53:01 AM new
NOT HERE! NOT HERE! NOT HERE!
I've been getting yelled at lately for bringing too much stuff into the house. My best find this week was an 1891 book about "Indian Horrors" about Indian Massacares (very un PC). Its gone for up to $75 on ebay. My price? 10¢
My best for myself find was an electric converter for going overseas. (Which I've been needing one for a trip I'm planning.) Had a $24.99 new price tag on it. My price 50¢.
I've spent $40 this week, and had the car filled to capacity (Olds Cutlas Calais, so its a pretty decent sized car.)
posted on July 14, 2001 11:59:10 AM new
People are definitely becoming more educated that their "junk" may be worth more than the 5 cents they charged in years past. Fortunately, there are many people who still live in the stone ages. I picked up an entire box of old mags for free. The guy was carrying it to the trash at the end of the sale. I made $35 on the lot. Not a bad score for passing by on the way to the store.
posted on July 14, 2001 02:24:09 PM new
I have a different kind of depression. There were only three garage sales in my town today. I was in the mood for more but I don't trust my car to go out of town. I am saving my ebay dollars for a new car and then watch out sales, here I come!
And yes, I do not find the quality stuff like I used to 10 years ago when I knew nothing and bought because it looked like it could be something. It's much harder to find a really good 'bring home the bacon type' of buy now than in years past! Most of the better buys I find now will bring me 10 to 20 dollars on ebay. Very seldom do I find something that will bring home $50 or more or a true antique. I also haven't brought home a car load of bargains once this year but I have brought home enough stuff to keep me busy selling.
If it cools off this week a trip to the attic might be in order to see my 10 years ago buys that I stuck away. Hopefully they aren't too baked. But I do know there is a lot of glass and pottery someplace up there so it should be O.K.
