Hello.

After my first two experiences as a vendor at the flea market, I've decided I definitely need more product. I did well ($80 first time, $150 second time) but both times I ran low on product and didn't have enough to go back the next weekend or even the weekend after. Since I'm 18 and living with my parents while I'm at school, it's difficult for me to have a large amount of inventory since I don't have much storage space. I can't exactly cycle through inventory. Anyway, I've been asking everyone I can if they would be willing to donate random junk they just want hauled off, but most of the time they just say "yea, we'll call you when we find something" but it doesn't happen. Since I reinvested my profits from the flea market into more product, all I have is about $150. Not nearly enough for storage auctions. Any tips/suggestions?

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! 

I know this isn't the CL forum, but this is a newbie in need of help  
Okay check this ad out: http://raleigh.craigslist.org/gms/2778257386.html

I've set up an appointment to go by during the week and I'm pretty sure I know what I want to get. So far I know I'm grabbing:

All the board games
Probably most/all of the PC games (depends on age)
All the shot glasses (I'm hoping for collectible ones, but you know, they're 3 for $1. Can't really go wrong)
All the appliances (I'm assuming they're working. If not, I won't touch them)
All the bedding items (To package with any mattresses I find in auctions so I can resell at a higher price. They're $1 each. Again, can't really go wrong.)
The 19" TV
The neon clock (It's $10 bucks. NEON. $10!!! I'm super excited. might keep it if it's cool enough  )
the BB's (for personal backyard use with friends)

What I really need help with are the outdoor tools. They seem too good to be true. I mean $10 each for things that cost hundreds of dollars. I dunno... Even if they don't work, I was wondering if they'd have any scrap or parts value. Most of these prices seem too good to be true, but with the storage auction prices as high as they are, I don't know if I can pass this up.

So I'm pretty excited, but since I'm new, I don't plan on actually winning anything. Still, there's 13 units and I'm taking $100 just in case. Just a few last minute questions!

I'll be using a Ford F-150. It has a sizable bed and two rows of seats so I can use the back seats for fragile stuff. The seats also fold to make a more roomy area. My question is should I bungee things to the bed of the truck individually or is it better to bungee a tarp over everything to keep them down?

I also want to start networking, but I'm not exactly sure of what icebreakers a noobie could start with. Any tips?

I'll also be going to a multi-family yard sale that's just 5 minutes away from where I live the day after the auction. Any tips on what to look for? I've been watching theredneckpicker's videos and there's just SO much I don't know in terms of prices. I think I'll mostly be looking at books and collectibles, maybe some tools if I can get them cheap. Any advice on how to start building a knowledge of prices?

You guys have helped me so much! Thank you so much for taking me under your wings!

I've noticed a few people describing a unit and then saying that no one bid on it. Is this because there's a minimum that auctioneers will accept as a starting bid? I admit I'm one of those who hopped on the bandwagon after watching the reality shows, but on those shows I've seen a few units go for $1. I'm just planning on going to watch auctions for a while, but if no one wants a unit, I'd like to pick it up for cheap and was wondering how little will an auctioneer accept.