I'm Done With Toy Hunting

[Den82]

It's over. Thanks to eBay and the countless TV shows, the days of find stuff for cheap are done with.

I spent the entire weekend at garage sales and thrift stores and I did not buy one thing.

Garage Sale #1: Case of vintage Barbie stuff

Asked the woman if it was for sale, she said "online only".

Garage Sale #2: Two beat up Nintendo consoles w/ some games

Asked how much, woman said she didn't know and called for her son to "look them up" and right away he gets his cell out and stars searching eBay.

The local thrift store has raised the price on their Nintendo games and has 1980s Barbie and Ken dolls for $39.99 each!

Then another thrift store had some really nice NES games, but the guy didn't want to sell them until he "looked them up" and a buddy of his told him at least one game was "worth $50". What NES game is worth $50? None that I know of. He told me he's sell them to be for 75% of what they're on eBay for.

I am so sick to my stomach of hearing "ebay", "look it up", etc. whenever I want to buy something.

I forgot to mention last weeks MOTU lot I bought. The guy NEXT DOOR had to bring out a "price guide" and then gave the guy selling them a price of $150! (I paid $75, which in retrospect was a stupid move).

Maybe I am a hypocrite, as I am looking to sell most stuff on eBay, but all of this has me wanting to bang my head against the wall.

[Den82]

I don't blame people wanting good money for their stuff, but it always seems there is some third part *** wipe giving the seller misinformation. It seems modern man just likes to talk to hear himself.

[Hector]

Unfortunately...it's the age of the internet...it has influenced everything...look at the current poor state of print media for example...and it also has hit the postal service like a brick wall as well.

My advice on people searching online for a price check before selling it to you in person? Just don't buy their stuff...simple as that...let their junk rot in the garage or basement.

[Den82]

Well, that's what I am doing now. As soon as they start with that, I'm automatically not interested anymore and just let them eat it. 9 times out of 10, their eyes only see the highest BIN price. They don't even KNOW what a "completed listings" search it.

It's a pain to list and sell on eBay and I am tired of these lazy people who want the top dollar eBay price but not willing to do anything but drag it out of their musty basement.

I can't wait till that day I have most of what I want. So I am awe stuck by what people drag out...

[Den82]

I've also been to 2 yard sales where the people had print outs of eBay auctions for the items they well selling taped or put underneath the item!

[toys2cool]

lol join the club bro :smiley1: the thrift shops here are ridiculous...they price stuff 3 times more expensive then ebay...I do find nintendo games for $2 :grin:

I use to buy to re-sell on ebay but I gave up on that...if I happen to find a good deal on ebay then I'll buy it and relist it but that's about it

[Adam West]

I was at a local Goodwill a while back and they definitely pick the "good stuff" print out Ebay ads, etc. I saw some Mitchell and Ness Jerseys for $350-$400. I actually know quite a bit about the jerseys and inquired why the price was so high. The person told me they looked them up on Ebay and this was the going rate. I pointed out the stained condition on some of the jerseys and then the HUGE problem....they were all fakes. I told them they should reconsider the pricing considering they are selling counterfeit items.

[MIB41]

I don't blame people wanting good money for their stuff, but it always seems there is some third part *** wipe giving the seller misinformation. It seems modern man just likes to talk to hear himself.

I would just take a nice little break from it for now. Sometimes when your looking too hard for things, that's when everything seems impossible to get. And as cliche' as it sounds, it's often true that you make your best finds when you least expect them. I have found some impossibly cheap collectible figures, when, for whatever reason, no one was looking. When you start feeling frustrated in the hunt, it's time to step back and take a deep breath. Because for me, the chase is part of the fun. Once that becomes a chore, I realize I'm trying too hard and I've lost focus on why I do this. If I was able to get everything I wanted when I wanted it, I would be fairly bored. Discovery is what makes it fun for me. And that makes those items that much more special. :wink:

[Riffster]

thankfully i have yet to hit a yard/garage sale where they whip out price guides

[Mikey]

I remember back a few years going to a garage sale and the guy had a lot of 90's Playmates Star Trek figures.

This was like in 2006-ish ......... But, everytime I asked him for a price he would look it up in his late 90's price guide

The guy couldn't believe his price guide was worthless because this stuff is worth a lot LESS than what it was in the 90's

I just walked away and left him in fantasy land

[Figuremod73]

the invention of ebay has been both good and bad. i do think its saved many toys from being thrown away so they can find a good home. on the other side people are beginning to want unreasonable prices on some things that are driving prices way up. King Randor for $80? An original Heman for $50? I know i can now longer afford them when they get in that price range :ugh_y:

[Marvelmania]

Yard sales and Fleas are always hit and miss. Mostly being miss but that's part of the fun. You never know what you'll come across at the next one you go to. I've had more luck at yard sales than fleas and yes, I've been told many a time that such and such item goes for $$$$ on Ebay. My response is then why not put it on Ebay. You'll always run into those people and a seller has every right to ask what they want for an item. I'll go weeks without finding 1 thing then I'll get on a run of good luck. The thing is to keep on trying. This past weekend I picked up a Super Nintendo w/ 2 controllers (no games) for $2, a boxed Simone game for $1 some ROTJ glasses for .50 each and a bunch of other things not worth mentioning. I have found Megos and GI Joes from time to time. Keep your eyes out and broaden your search and knowledge. I've picked up several items that I don't collect only to sell for good money to put towards my toy collecting

[MIB41]

Some of this pseudo-market pricing could be symptomatic of the economy. In the past, where people may have been less interested in price as much as just finding space in their home, now they need the money and so there is more of a concerted effort to make as much as possible. The middle class is dwindling and it's desperate times for a lot of people right now. My heart goes out to a number of folks just here alone that are taking a big hit from this downturn.

[Adam West]

Yard sales can be a pain the rump for both the buyer and seller at times. My wife has had a few yard sales and always ends up amazed at what some people will do. I remember she sold a lot of our kids baby clothes years ago and a lot of it was gently used brand name type stuff (Baby Gap, Gymboree, etc.). She had the stuff priced to move and there would always be a few people who would walk up with an entire outfit that was priced at $1 and ask if she would take $.25 for it. I also know one of our neighbors was selling their Longerberger baskets at a yard sale. The big problem was she wanted top end of the market dollar for everything. Needless to say, she didn't sell much that day.

[MIB41]

Yard sales can be a pain the rump for both the buyer and seller at times. My wife has had a few yard sales and always ends up amazed at what some people will do. I remember she sold a lot of our kids baby clothes years ago and a lot of it was gently used brand name type stuff (Baby Gap, Gymboree, etc.). She had the stuff priced to move and there would always be a few people who would walk up with an entire outfit that was priced at $1 and ask if she would take $.25 for it. I also know one of our neighbors was selling their Longerberger baskets at a yard sale. The big problem was she wanted top end of the market dollar for everything. Needless to say, she didn't sell much that day.

Your example is so very true. We recently had a similar experience when we held a yard sale. I find it embarrassing when someone wants to negotiate a $1.00 item. I'm thinking to myself, "Really? Have some pride in yourself."

[kingdom warrior]

Avoid yard sales, you always get some smart *** with an ebay list who thinks they can strong arm you for an old beat up toy from the 90's freek that let that toy rot there not worth it.....

Flea markets are the way to go, haggle like a MOFO especially when the item is flawed....pull out your wallet make sure they see cash and that you're willing to walk away if you don't get the price you want that's reasonable. I tend to walk over to someone else's table and say how much for that i got cash on hand.....I always get called back and we work out a price that i can live with...

Vintage older stuff you may just not get your way but 80's up CAN be got for a good price....never give up.....

[4NDR01D]

The way I look at is this, people can "ask" for any amount of money they want, it's their stuff. But at the end of the day, they're stuck with stuff that didnt sell. And it's funny, because it used to be "The earlybird get's the worm", but nowadays being one of the last people to a yardsale seems beneficial.
And thrifts are funny too, the stuff they put the high prices on, isn't the stuff that's really collectable for the most part. The display cabinet's contain the same thing, week after week. They keep getting markdown until they finally sell for what the asking price should have been.
I still snag good stuff at thrifts and yard sales. flea markets too. Just picked up a 70's muppets mug for a buck that sells for a hundred, and bought a boardgame for $5 that I have selling for $150 on the bay.

[torgospizza]

I've had problems in flea markets with people that are either crooks or idiots. About six years ago, I was always running across 40th Anniversary GI Joes with tags saying they were vintage and crazy prices.. No, they're not--they're repros. I recall one rusted-out Gil Gerard Buck Rogers lunchbox without the thermos tagged for $75 or something nutty. Good luck. Probably still sitting there, getting even rustier.

[toys2cool]

I was at a local Goodwill a while back and they definitely pick the "good stuff" print out Ebay ads, etc. I saw some Mitchell and Ness Jerseys for $350-$400. I actually know quite a bit about the jerseys and inquired why the price was so high. The person told me they looked them up on Ebay and this was the going rate. I pointed out the stained condition on some of the jerseys and then the HUGE problem....they were all fakes. I told them they should reconsider the pricing considering they are selling counterfeit items.

Mitchell & Ness jerseys are always fake lol:smiley1:

[toys2cool]

Your example is so very true. We recently had a similar experience when we held a yard sale. I find it embarrassing when someone wants to negotiate a $1.00 item. I'm thinking to myself, "Really? Have some pride in yourself."

exactly, I hate those low ballers.. my mom use to do garage sales all the time...This one time this couple tried to rip her off cause they thought she was alone, I happened to swing by to pick up some of my old toys, she had a Vintage COACH purse for like $15, the chick keeps telling her no $5 ,$5..My mom's like I don't want any trouble..it's $15 or don't take it...The chick keeps on, meanwhile I'm watching this and they don't notice me. The chick then says $5 lady, trust me you don't wanna upset my boyfriend..I come out and say, no trust me lady, you don't wanna **** off her son..Now F'off before I have to embarrass both your asses...;) those people took off :smiley1: My mom was cracking up, my mom never did another one after that

[Den82]

I know people can ask whatever what want for something. But it burns my *** when it's something I really want and can't have it because the person is just a hard head living in fantasy land.

Another thing that drives me nuts: resellers who make stupid moves and over pay for stuff then demand prices they know are too high to make up for it. "well, I know they're going for only $100 on eBay, but I paid over $250 so I am not taking anything less than $300 for it". Just count your loss instead of waiting to get ripped off...

There is one great Flea Market on Long Island that I love going to. It's hit or miss though. Some sellers just don't give a damn or are totally clueless and you can find great scores. Others are total pros and demand top dollar or more.

I don't like total low ballers either at yard sales. I had a few. Ask .25 for something, they offer .5 cents. My dad has kicked people off the property..he's one of those guy. Stealing .25 items at a yard sale is lame too.

[toys2cool]

speaking of resellers like the ones you mentioned..Man there's one on ebay called blackmamba something that sells only ljn and WWF wrestling stuff, man that guy's just like that...he buys these items and then asks like 10 times what he payed on everything... which is cool if it was worth that.. But it's not

[Tothiro]

I remember years ago I picked up a fairly obscure early 80's Godzilla in the scale I like (which I later identified as a Yamakatsu) at a local infamous flea market. It was jumbled into a ton of McDonald's toys on a blanket on the ground at the ladies vender spot.
I asked her how much, and she said "quarter" in a thick creole accent, and I looked at it and looked at her and then asked, "can I give you a dollar for it?"
She shook her head like we were haggling and repeated "quarter" over again even as I had the dollar in my hand until I said "Ok, quarter."
She was happy she made a sale.
Lots of times people just don't make much sense. This stuff is cyclical. I think MIB41 might have something with the economy note.

I gave up shopping flea markets/garage sales/ etc years ago and kind of exclusively switched over to antique shows. You don't find much to begin with down here and there comes a point that when people are cleaning out their garage it's all TMNT and Power Rangers because the generations are different. Since I'm not into that stuff there was never anything for me.

I feel the eBay effect differently, because ToyShop and then eBay made me kind of spoiled for the mere availability of old toys and I saw that creep into my yard/garage/flea market shopping - and a day where I would have traditionally struck out anyway suddenly had the extra tinge of maybe I shouldn't have struck out. If I go to one of those things these days it's purely to pick up weird stuff I wouldn't have said I needed before hand, like a 60's telephone or a run of pulp hero paperbacks or something.

[sprytel]

I understand your frustration. I always thought part of the "social contract" with garage sales was:

I'm too lazy to go out and sell this proper. You drive to my house and take it away today, and I'll cut you a good deal.

"All the expense of buying online, with none of the convenience" hardly seems fair.

[theantiquetiger]

I disagree with you belief on garage sales. I can go out every Saturday and make a minimum $100 off the stuff I buy.

Three weeks ago, I went to an estate sale, found a little rubber ball signed by Pete Maravich and his dad, Press. I paid $2, sold for $250 (sigs were not the greatest)

Two weeks ago, went to garage sale, bought a set of Ping Eye 2 golf clubs for $15, sold for $120.

This past Saturday, bought four Hot Wheels redlines for $0.25 each. One is a VERY rare hot pink Custom Mustang. It books at $2000 (mint), mine should fetch around $100 (decent paint, no wheels, bent axles). The other three are common, book around $20 in the condition they are in.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/theantiquetiger/ffddd01b.jpg

[theantiquetiger]

Going back to estate sales...

This is where the best money is to be made. These estate sale companies worry about the jewelry, furniture, art, etc, and usually slap a $5 price tag on the toys.
That last estate sale I mentioned above, they had some Pete Maravich stuff pulled and priced out of this world, i.e. Two game programs for $125 each (he was not on the cover), a yearbook w/ him in it $150 (I just sold all four of my Maravich yearbooks for $130).
I find two balls given out at his last game with LSU, one signed by him and his dad (his dad was the coach). They were priced $2 each in a pile of toys. If the sigs were in better condition, this would have been a $1500 find.

This just goes to show you that these companies don't catch everything.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/theantiquetiger/67d9d449.jpg

[Den82]

Well, if I was picking general stuff I might do good, but I stick to toys.

The best non-toy pick I ever had? I found a Dinsmore Chevy Compass. I asked the lady "how much?" She said, "oh just take it". I said "thanks" and sold it for almost $500.

[Den82]

BTW, I had Estate Sales. Only way to get anything good is to get their crack of dawn, then you have a whole new problem: the bum rush and trying to find the item before somebody else grabs it.

[theantiquetiger]

That is your biggest problem, you are searching for toys. Search for anything you can make money on and just buy what you collect off eBay.

As for estate sales, yes, you have to get there early, but the secret to buying at estate sales, grab now look later. Have you a big box with you, grab anything you may think is interesting. After the initial rush, sit down and see what you want to keep and what not to keep.

Plus, the great finds at estate sales are going to be hidden, not priced on a table. This is the stuff they priced accordingly. You need to look in boxes, cabinets, back of closets, garage, etc. I even ask some companies that know me, if I can go in the attic. They usually do.

Since you are very knowledgable in toys, offer your services to price the toys for them. This gets you in the door before the sell and you can shop before the public sees it. You have to be honest, if it is worth $1000, let them know, give them your honest estimate of what it will sell for.

I once priced a huge collection of 3/4 GI Joes. The price came out to $1200. I set it well below eBay prices, but still no one bought anything. I got the entire collection for $600 and flipped it for $3000+. The family and company were happy because they got $600 (they were gonna lot it out in bags of $5 each).

I let them know I sold them for $3000+, just to prove I didn't over price the items so no one would buy them.

[theantiquetiger]

BTW, that ball I showed above, was bought at 2:45 in the afternoon. The sale had been going on for 8 hours. Like I said, the treasures at estate sales are hidden, not priced on the tables.

I didn't even know about the sale. A friend of mine woke me at 2pm with a text about what he had found at the sale (he is an LSU collector as well). He said he saw the ball but paid it no attention. He is the one that bought it from me for $250.

[ODBJBG]

If people are looking stuff up on Ebay, you need to tell them to look up what stuff actually SOLD for on Ebay. There's a world of difference. There are lots of people who list and re-list (over and over 1,000 times, I assume because they have millions of dollars to waste on relisting fees or something) toys that are overpriced.

And then, the same toys pop up for .99 starting bid and usually go for about the right rate.

Just because something is listed on Ebay for $100, doesn't mean it'll sell so that's not it's "worth". That's the number one thing many of these people don't understand.

[doctor09210]

bIN
for ebay on megos won't sell even for 10 bucks

[Adam West]

I agree with what was said about toys. It kind of creates a tunnel vision effect. Your brain and eyes are completely set on the toys when chances are that there is a diamond sellilng dirt cheap right in front of you. I don't attend that many yard sales, estate sales, etc. but when I do; I don't go looking for anything in particular. I take my time and usually look for items that have great eye appeal and it's worth buying and taking a risk that I may or may not be able to flip it for a profit.

[Adam West]

Your example is so very true. We recently had a similar experience when we held a yard sale. I find it embarrassing when someone wants to negotiate a $1.00 item. I'm thinking to myself, "Really? Have some pride in yourself."

It isn't so bad when someone has a pile of items and they just want a better price. I'm talking about a person who picks out a single $1.00 item and asks if you will set it to them for $.25. I get annoyed with it but my wife handles it pretty well. She simply tells the buyer that everything is priced to sell and would rather donate the item they want to low ball on to Goodwill and take the tax write-off. Otherwise, she will tell them to buy a bunch of stuff and then she will work with them on price.

[Den82]

Went to an Estate Sale today. No toys, but I got these for $30:

http://i53.tinypic.com/fuq4ya.jpg

Any Military collectors? A local antique dealer already offered me $130

I was told one is a German Officer one and the other is a Knights of Columbus sword.

[Adam West]

I collect some militaria here and there. Wow, that is a great pick up!!! I do see the swastika on the German sword and yes, I would agree that the one on the right looks like a Knights of Columbus ceremonial sword. I don't know if you can sell them on Ebay or not. You have to be really careful with Nazi items. They are illegal to own in some countries in Europe (with the exception of postage stamps and a few other items but can't remember off the top of my head). I don't even think Ebay will allow you to post a picture of an item bearing a swastika because it is considered "offensive". I own a German Luftwaffe helmet but just for historical purposes. Also own some Confederate Civil War coat buttons which I guess could also be considered offensive to some people.