mommacude
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posted on October 20, 2001 10:23:09 PM new
I was talking to someone from Curcuit City today about a store display they had for Star Wars. It had one of the characters 6' tall cardboard and it struck me that some might find this interesting to have. I asked him what he did with all the store displays and he said once a month they get thrown out and I could come get them if I want.
What do you guys think? Is there a market for stuff like that? Some of these displays look pretty cool to me but then I don't know if I'd actually want one in my home. ..
Christine
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richierich
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posted on October 20, 2001 11:06:52 PM new
Earlier this year I had a Pokemon and a Winnie the Pooh. I listed them at $9.99 starting bid. Shipping priority mail was kid of costly, $6.50 I think. It was a challenge to pack. I had to use 4 priority mail boxes flat. They arrived to the new owners in great shape that way. Pokemon sold for about $15.00 and Winnie the Pooh (which I would have keep if I knew) sold for the opening bid.
I still have a Spy Kid. Just not in the mood to deal with it for $10.00 profit. You know what I mean.
Star Wars does sound like a winner. But you never know. Packing for 6' - I hope it is bendable. Both of mine were about 4 and 1/2 foot and had a fold mark in the middle.
Hope you get it and have great luck with it.
Keep us posted.
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Pandoras_Trinkets
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posted on October 21, 2001 06:05:19 AM new
I know a guy who has a whole room (including a big cut out display) of Elvira.
to each his own I guess 
You might give it a try. A star wars fan just might want one.
Angela
www.pandorastrinkets.com
-0- it's a beady place -0-
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litlux
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posted on October 21, 2001 06:34:39 AM new
Such items, "standees" get good money on ebay, and I would certainly want to aquire one to sell. Packing will be a concern.
Also, although free, I doubt CC will let you have it without agreeing to buy their mandatory 3 year $129 service plan.
[ edited by litlux on Oct 21, 2001 06:35 AM ]
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skeetersdaddy
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posted on October 21, 2001 06:59:11 AM new
ALL type of stand ups get great money. I have sold them on ebay for 4 years or so and i am always amazed at the prices they bring.........ALL types, sports, movies, maytag repairman, mr. clean etc....i fot 75 for maytagman, 65 for mr clean, 100 for a snap crackle and pop set, 80 for tony tiger, 150 for dale earnhardt, 190 for a bret favre, nothing less than $50 for anything like that i have ever sold.
one thing about used dispaly types is that they tend to be dinged up and bent. the corners and the like take a real beating.
also shipping some is a real challenge,packing is an art, i use flat priority boxes and double box the item so it is extremely rigid. USP used to be to way to ship these but since their big rate increase earlier this year for big items it is tricky....remember to flip the outside boxes inside out if using priority and shipping ups.
i say jump all over that, i would be thats for sure but make sure they are in good shape or specify all dings and bends..
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mommacude
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posted on October 21, 2001 08:11:36 AM new
This is GREAT news! There are tons of places here in town that I can get them from. I'm not shy and they're FREE 
I've already talked to Circuit City (They have a Star Wars one right now) and Fryes (has a Book of Pooh and Elvira one right now) and I can check with others.
Hmmm. . .but for the packing I may need some help on that. I'm going to try a few and see how it goes.
<b> litlux </b>
That's funny about the service plan. LOL
<b> skeetersdaddy </b> let me know if you have any other good tips for which to get and how to package. Aren't the Priority Boxes too small? These probably fold down smaller than I think though.
Oh I'm so excited. . . it's almost like the Dumpster Diving thing. One man's junk. . .another's treasure.
Christine
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commentary
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posted on October 21, 2001 09:07:11 AM new
One should never post such a question here. Now, everyone is going to their neighborhood stores and try the same thing. The extra supply will decrease your realization.
Next time, just get the item and put it on ebay and find out for yourself.
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mommacude
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posted on October 21, 2001 09:52:43 AM new
I'm sorry. . . I thought of that after I posted it. It was an innocent mistake.
I'm just new to this business and trying to find my niche. It helps to get a little direction along the way.
Christine
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amy
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posted on October 21, 2001 10:24:43 AM new
I once sold a Jolly Green Giant store display. He stood 4.5' tall, was stuffed (like a giant stuffed toy), press his hand and he said "ho ho ho". He stood on a cardboard display stand making him almost 6 feet tall. He had to be packed in a remade wardrobe size moving box and cost $50 to ship by UPS (would have cost $100 by the post office).
Immediately after the auction the buyer told me he was mailing the payment in the next mail...then 2 weeks later he wrote and said his wife had accidently left the letter in the car and he had just mailed it...I suggested she "forgot" to mail because she did NOT want a giant green man residing in her home LOL!
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commentary
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posted on October 21, 2001 10:38:18 AM new
Christine
Nothing to be sorry about. One has to learn over time never to tell anyone where they find stuff for ebay. Even to your friends.
Next thing you know everyone is copying you. In this business, buying is the key. Selling is just a matter of proper execution. However, buying is really an art.
Look at the previous past posts on this site asking for wholesale sources. No seller is going to be dumb enough to reveal their sources.
However, if you are doing this for fun, by all means, let us know where you are finding the stuff
Also, be sure not to let the store know what you are going to do with the display. Once a store employee finds out, you will never be able to get another display from them. The insiders will grab it before you get a chance. If anyone ask, just tell them it is for your kid.
[ edited by commentary on Oct 21, 2001 10:40 AM ]
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mommacude
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posted on October 21, 2001 10:44:12 AM new
Very good points! I have a friend that told me where to get some coats and we talk about eBay and other sources.
But, I'd already decided not to mention this to him since every store only has one of each display and I don't trust him LOL.
Hopefully I haven't shot myself in the foot on this one. Heck, I'll give it a try anyway and see if it's worth it. Breaking them down and packaging them and all the room they take up may not be worth it, just depending on how much I can get for it all.
Thanks for your advice.
Christine
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skeetersdaddy
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posted on October 22, 2001 01:55:39 PM new
here is the PERFECT way to ship cardboard stand ups and displays......
1. fold them down as small as intended using the factory folds on the item.
2. use priority boxes, unfolded, slitting 1 side and sliding over the item like a folder.
do this all the way around, all sides.(priority box 1095 or 1097)
3. if the item is large you may have to piece in some unfolded boxes on each side to cover the middle of the piece(only on really large items)
4. tape all the seams real good using free priority tape.
5. go back over the first layer of boxes with a 2nd layer, i like to use the thicker box for the outside layer.9priority box 7) be sure and flip this layer to brown side out so the red white blue priority boxes are not showing(if you are using ups). tape as described above.
6. go back over the priority tape on the outside ayer with some cheap tan/brown tape from office depot(about 60 cents a roll). ups will not allow the priority tape to be on the outside, or they aren't supposed to .
7. when doing the 1st layer leave an inch or so space from the piece edges, don't wedge the slit boxes on tight on the 1st layer. this will leave some room to absord edge/corner bends and dings.
8. learn the package dimensions and make tyourself a measuring chain like ups has so you know when the sizing changes. this can prevent giving the incorrect shipping quote.
9. get usps to deliver the free boxes and tape by the case to your doorstep.......box 7 can only be ordered online or by phone the post offices do not have these to give customers......order em by the case. these are not marked usps on the inside like the video boxes so they can be flipped brown side out.
i have used this method for over 4 years, shipping well over 100 items and have had only 1 damage claim. it was the 3rd one i sent, before i perfected my method..........this works and i have recv'd many parises for my superior packing.
hope part of that made sense........
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mommacude
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posted on October 22, 2001 02:35:57 PM new
Awesome, thank you!!!
I just have to figure out how to get it apart without bending it. I got a Pooh today and I may put it up for my daughter's birthday party next month. Then maybe take it apart and sell it on eBay.
Do you mind skeetersdaddy if I ask what your eBay user name is?
Christine
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mommacude
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posted on October 22, 2001 02:37:01 PM new
P.S. silly question: how do you get them to deliver boxes to you? I always have to go stand in line since they don't ever seem to have any out for me any more.
Christine
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mommacude
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posted on October 22, 2001 03:02:58 PM new
never mind, I got it. . . I can't believe all this time I've been waiting in line for boxes! woo-hoo!!
Free shipping supplies, I can't believe it!! And I always use USPS Priority so this is perfect!
Christine
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skeetersdaddy
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posted on October 22, 2001 03:54:56 PM new
since i can see no reason you would need my ebay ID i will have to decline your request....why is my ID needed, do you think i am blowing smoke...if i am i sure wasted alot of time giving out my trade secrets
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mommacude
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posted on October 22, 2001 04:13:27 PM new
Oh no!! I'm so sorry. . .I didn't mean that at all!!
I appreciate all your help!! I was just curious to see what types of displays you had, that's all.
I'm so sorry that you misunderstood.
Take Care,
Christine
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mommacude
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posted on October 22, 2001 10:32:47 PM new
P.S. I saved my email copy of your instructions and plan on using it. . . just got my order for Priority Boxes sent. . . thanks again!!
Christine
[email protected]
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Libra63
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posted on October 23, 2001 03:17:47 AM new
I collect a certain store display and our card outlet store gives them away. I would never buy one because I know that I can get them free. I don't sell them either. Just collect.
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mommacude
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posted on October 23, 2001 03:52:42 AM new
Good point, Libra. I'm sure that some would just get their own. We'll see how it goes. I know that several people on my way out yesterday were wanting my Pooh from me. LOL
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skeetersdaddy
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posted on October 23, 2001 05:15:54 AM new
libra63
what you do is the right idea BUT most don't do this. they simply don't have the time nor inclination to do such a thing plus alot of places blockbusters and record stores seem to give out on a first come first serve baisis and others make you put your name and phone number on the back. i worked at the record bar, a cd store, and thats how we did it there....overalll the vast majprity of people won't/don't try and get them free........the market for these items is very sizeable and i have made mucho money off these free items........i also hit the beer and soft drink route guys up for items too.............
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mommacude
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posted on October 23, 2001 05:20:09 AM new
skeetersdaddy
Just hoping you're not still upset with me for asking for your ID?
I'm probably just being paranoid, but just don't want any hard feelings.
Christine
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skeetersdaddy
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posted on October 23, 2001 05:32:49 AM new
still upset???? never was upset. i don't let the postings here upset me. if i have something to say or ask i do just that, nothing more nothing less. i reread my post and maybe it could be read as upset but it was not written that way. i asked why in my own special way, thats it............
i say get to selling so you can see just how masterful my packing method is.......
now it's 1 hour till Tee time, gotta hit the driving range and do a bit of warming up.
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mommacude
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posted on October 23, 2001 06:02:31 AM new
Will do!! And out for some 'hunting' later too.
I'm waiting for those boxes to get here from USPS... and still trying to decide if I'll use my Pooh for decoration in a few weeks first or if it's worth the risk of damaging it. LOL
This is going to be so much fun. I love hunting around for stuff. That's what I loved about Beanies. I wasn't one that spent a ton of money on them, but just liked to try and find them all. Of course now I'm not interested in them now that I can't make a few bucks along the way to support my 'habit' so this will be a new sort of hunting.
Christine
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