I am a thrifty shopper. My eyes are always looking out for that very special deal.  It's getting harder to find a bargain at the thrift stores these days so I seek out garage sales. I fill my pockets with change I've collected and won't let my husband spend. Of course, there aren't any yard or garage sales in the colder months, at least not if you are a Minnesota resident.

One day I thought I would take a different way home than usual after running an errand. I was glad I did. On the boulevard of a home marked FREE, sat a Little Tikes easle, desk and two small chairs. Well, I love FREE stuff!  I didn't need it but I knew I could clean it up and find someone who did.

 My car wasn't very big but I knew I could make it all fit. I didn't hesitate, because if so, I knew this deal would be gone. Sure enough, as I was starting to arrange each piece in my car a truck was turning in my direction. It slowed a bit but then drove on by but it seemed as if they had a disappointed look on their faces. I felt a little guilty but it left quickly. I didn't have a small child but knew someone did that I could find out there to buy it from me after I cleaned it.

I am not all that proud when it comes to taking another person's throwaways. If I can clean it up, fix it, refinish it or do what it takes to make it look like new or at least a resale piece, why not! These pieces had crayon marks, paint and marker drawn in a great deal of the surfaces that took more time than I thought it would to remove. I had cleaners that did the trick cleaning it all.

I thought of keeping the set for grandkids which were yet to be born but that idea got trumped from a wiser husband. It was placed on our front lawn with my price and sold before the day was gone for a nice enough profit. I could have sold these on Ebay in an Auction. I wasn't selling here then. The point is, if you see something free on the side of the road why not turn it into sales for you?

I've been to thrift stores but prices are up compared to years ago. It's hard to find much for under a dollar. To make a profit you should get at least ten times the original price you paid. You need to cover fees and shipping. That is just my opinion. I am no expert though.

I have little experience selling on Ebay but I am an expert when it comes to being frugal and being a bargain shopper. Almost my entire home is furnished and decorated with thrift store items and hand-me-downs. It is very warm and inviting. I get many compliments, not to boast, but to tell you that it can be done with little investment.

Clearance bins and racks in the stores, garage sales, antique shops, flee markets or on the boulevard in your neighborhood can be just the place where you find your next big sale! Keep your eyes open, take advantage of the free stuff, dirty and broken things are cheaper so if you are a little handy consider these items. I hope this gives you a few ideas and maybe in a year from now I can give you better tips to help you with your Ebay selling.