First time out

Hooookay I'm exhausted. Had to wake up around 5 to get there extra early to get a spot at the flea today. Overall, I'd say it was well worth it. We got an $80 profit which I consider good since we had about a third of the inventory of the regulars. It was a good experience and we met some of the regulars who were, for the most part, very kind.

We're planning on reinvesting our profit into picking at thrift stores and goodwill and that kind of thing. One of the regulars told us we could get children's jackets and hats and such with sport team's logos on them for around a dollar at goodwill and they sell all day at $3. I thought I was very fortunate to get any information from any of the regulars. Of course, I've gotten so much advice from all of you, but you're not my local competition. I suppose he has enough of a clientele to not have to worry about us newbies   

A couple of entertaining parts of our experience:

My friend/partner has been trying to sell his hookah and once he set it up, it attracted a LOT of attention. Had so many people call it a bong we put up a sign saying that it indeed was NOT a bong. Several people who grew up in the 70's had visible nostalgia and cracked some jokes with us about it.

We were given a spot right next to this funny Asian man who sells all kinds of knives, swords, kendo equipment, etc. We got a little runoff traffic from people who saw his shiny metal, so that was pretty awesome. He was a really cool guy, though his accent was difficult to understand.

It was a good day. I got some sunburn on my face and some money in my pocket. Can't wait till next time! 

In my experience Goodwill can be more expensive than retail at times.  If you can find a good yard sale sometimes you can score big for cheap and resell.

glad you had a good experience Shmoopy!  Now keep adding to your $$$!  You'll be ready for auctions in no time!

The bad thing about hitting the fleas on Saturday is that is when most yard sales are up and running.  Try to hit those on Fridays and Sundays.  Often if you hit a yard sale on Sunday as they're getting ready to close down you can grab stuff at a bargain rate.....especially if you bundle.  Also keep an eye out for estate sales.  The professionally run ones will often advertise hours when things are 30 to 50% off.   That may not be the best option for you, but when I was doing the antique thing.....it could pay off~

Keep up the good work!

In my experience Goodwill can be more expensive than retail at times.  If you can find a good yard sale sometimes you can score big for cheap and resell.

I have found recently that both Goodwill and Salvation Army (in my area) are doing research on the better items that look like they might be worth more...this would be on electronics, etc that I look at.

I found an item at SA that had a printout from the internet fastened to it. Internet price was $1,000. They had it stickered for $300. I went to the furniture section and sat down with my iPad and eBay showed one listed at $500 and it was the 2nd time around as completed showed it had not sold before at $500 and it was the only completed. I passed on that one.

*****
On the other hand at the SA daily auction of as-is items, I found an item which I got for $20 which I think I can sell for $80 or so. It is for owners of those big $250K to $500K motorhomes and sells new for $125 to $150.

I haven't been to one of those SA auctions for about 7 years, but have decided to start going for single items; the 4' square wire bins are of little interest to me.

I have found recently that both Goodwill and Salvation Army (in my area) are doing research on the better items that look like they might be worth more...this would be on electronics, etc that I look at.

I found an item at SA that had a printout from the internet fastened to it. Internet price was $1,000. They had it stickered for $300. I went to the furniture section and sat down with my iPad and eBay showed one listed at $500 and it was the 2nd time around as completed showed it had not sold before at $500 and it was the only completed. I passed on that one.

*****
On the other hand at the SA daily auction of as-is items, I found an item which I got for $20 which I think I can sell for $80 or so. It is for owners of those big $250K to $500K motorhomes and sells new for $125 to $150.

I haven't been to one of those SA auctions for about 7 years, but have decided to start going for single items; the 4' square wire bins are of little interest to me.

MovieMan has been replaced by a bot who can only repeat the same post over and over!!!
NNNOOOOOOO!!! 

MovieMan has been replaced by a bot who can only repeat the same post over and over!!!
NNNOOOOOOO!!! 

Too funny....after replying to a post, I saw it under a couple of different headings! Here I thought I was just losing my mind!!!

MovieMan has been replaced by a bot who can only repeat the same post over and over!!!
NNNOOOOOOO!!! 

All your base are belong to us !

MovieMan has been replaced by a bot who can only repeat the same post over and over!!!
NNNOOOOOOO!!! 

Too Funny.

Shmoopy  According to my records we are doing best with the yard sale finds, and close second is a once a month equipment auction (Husband does that one).  Buys boxed lots of stuff. Once got a truck load for $5 we are still selling off that stuff. 
 Have not been to our local thrifts (in town) in a while the last time there their prices were high. But in your are their are a lot of thrifts, so you should be able to pick them. Good luck.

The Flea is fun and interesting. All our fellow vendors are very nice too. Had an ugly used up electric skillet for $3 did not sell last week was going to throw it away and one of the vendors said no somebody will buy that. So I kept it and sold it yesterday. 

Don't ever toss your silverware, pots, pans, etc. in the trash.  You can at least get money for them at the scrap yard.  If you don't feel like hauling it in yourself - once you get a pile of it take a picture and post on CL.  Someone will come buy it from you, even if only for a few bucks.  Is just a little extra more money for basic trash.

@ craigslist that is what I meant. Wasn't going to take back out to sell.

We are sold out of all the silverware and pots and pans. 

You would be surprised how many people will recycle cans and toss everything else out.  Even my parents who know I scrap one day had a pan to put in the garbage and I'm like...nope that goes in back of the truck..

I've found a few very cheap pots/pans that I bought just for scrap value then to use.  Or even just taken away for people busted electronics, tvs, appliances, lamps, etc.