How to Find Profitable Items to Sell on eBay at Thrift Stores
By Jay M Johnson

Thrift stores can be hit or miss. You'll have to check out the ones in your area and discover the good ones. You might think that the smaller, boutique shops would have a better quality of merchandise and this can be true, but oftentimes they are overpriced and not really worth your time.

Goodwill or Value Village types of stores seem to be the common favorites among expert resellers. These stores take in such large volumes of merchandise that they don't have the time or resources to sit down and check the value of each item that comes through their doors. They also have coupons or special mark down days where you can get an even better deal on their already discounted merchandise.

This is a great place to pick up Halloween costumes which are HOT on eBay. The more intricate the better, but this is where it pays off to search those Completed Listings on eBay. Pay attention to what children's characters are hot that season. One of the sellers I interviewed found a JoJo the Clown costume one year for $2 and was able to turn it around for $125 on eBay the next season. Adult and plus size costumes are big sellers too so don't forget about them. November is a great time to buy costumes on clearance and hold on to them until the following year.

One expert I spoke with had a great tip. She keeps an eye out for 80's inspired accessories or outfits and puts them together and sells them. People hold 80's parties and costume themed parties all year long, not just on Halloween.

The smart resellers who focus on costumes do this: they open up a store and list all their costumes and set their prices at a Buy It Now price that they would be happy with. Beginning in September and October they start sending these items to auction and watch the bidding soar. Many eBayer's use their Halloween costume profits to fund their Christmas. One of the sellers I spoke with said that she made a big enough profit on costumes last year to send her family to Hawaii for Christmas!

Again, you have to pick and choose wisely but there are profitable items just waiting to be found. Generally, designer clothing, vintage toys, military memorabilia, Halloween costumes, plus size clothing, costume jewelry, vintage sheets, and vintage sewing items can be plentiful in thrift stores.

Another HOT item that you may not be aware of is old instruction manuals for vehicles, John Deere and other mechanical or automotive type of items. Check out the completed listings on eBay to get a feel for which ones sell. I've seen old dusty worn manuals sell for hundreds of dollars. Some collectors are looking for old manuals as a nice addition to their collection or for more practical purposes if they are trying to refurbish something.

I've come across a few of these at thrift stores over the years, paid 99 cents and make a nice profit off of them! These types of items are best advertised in an eBay store setting where they can wait for the perfect buyer to find them.

For more information about fantastic side-income opportunities, like buying and reselling on eBay, check out my NEW EBook (Make Money Now, How Average Americans are Beating this Economy, Making Great Money Online and How You Can Too!) at http://www.ihavebeenserved.com/MakeMoneyNow.html

Jay Johnson is a debtor advocate and is in the process of launching, WoodDuck EBooks, a publishing company the endeavors to bring relevant, informational, financial and motivational help to Americans struggling in this economy.

Check his NEW EBook, Make Money Now, How Average Americans are Making Great Money Online and How YOU Can Too! at http://www.ihavebeenserved.com/MakeMoneyNow.html

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