Well, maybe rags to riches is a slight exaggeration but there is definitely something to be said for purchasing items at garage sales and auctions and re-selling them on Ebay. The time and effort you are willing to put in will determine the rewards. The following guide lists tips for purchasing items at garage sales etc. and re-selling those items on Ebay.This guide will be helpful to you Ebayers who are still wet under the collar and new to Ebay. All though I hope some of you Ebay old timers may find some of this info useful also.

I am a homemaker and wanted to do something to help out with expenses. Several years ago I started selling items on Ebay out of curiosity mostly. I sold antiques and items we had around the house and no longer had any need for. I was very pleased with the results. I needed to get my hands on more items to sell and discovered that garage sales, flea markets, and auctions were my best bet. I even visit our local Volunteers of America store occassionally and have found real bargains to resell on Ebay. Some of my new items I have purchased from catalogs. I can usually find some great bargains if I keep an eye out for sale and discontinued items.

This has become quite a family affair. My 10 year old son and husband are very helpful and enjoy visiting the numerous garage sales and flea markets as much as I do. We collect items to resell on Ebay during the summer and fall months. As soon as my son is back in school I start selling on Ebay.

We have decided as a family that any profits I make on Ebay will be used first for a family vacation and second for items we may need around the house. Last year we spent a wonderful week in Canada fishing. Of course I caught the largest fish. A nice 5lb. 8oz. small mouth bass. The year before we also spent a week in Canada and yes, I caught the largest fish which is mounted on our wall. A nice 6 lb. 10oz. large mouth bass. My husband and son keep telling me they are not taking me fishing with them anymore but I keep telling them that without the stupendous team of Mom and Ebay there would be no vacation.

Last year we also were able to take a trip to Florida for a week. At the moment I am selling in order to purchase a new generator. We loose power too many times up here on our hill and we want to install a backup generator that will turn on automatically when the power goes out.

The following are some of the guidelines and ideas I use and you might find useful when you choose to build an Ebay inventory by purchasing items at garage sales etc.

1) Once a week I browse through our community paper for auctions and garage sales.

2) I make a list of all the sales I would like to attend.

3) Then I go to mapquest and get driving directions for all locations. I usually like to stay in one area. I will pick for instance a particular town and only go to sales in that town.

4) I set a limit on how much I take with me to spend and also set a limit on how much I am willing to spend for a particular item. Just recently I purchased a beautiful crackle glass hanging lamp for $4 at a garage sale and sold it for $150.

5) Stay away from any sale that lists items as antiques. Their items are way over priced. Sometimes you can find an antique store going out of business and can find some good deals.)

6) Check the item thoroughly more than once for damage. I have gotten items home only to find they had damage I had missed. A magnifying glass is a very useful tool especially if you are getting older and going blind like me (just kidding). It is especially useful for reading makers logos on smaller items and silver items. 

7) Research, research, research. Usually you can get an idea of how and where to list an item and a general idea of how much to list the item for by doing a search in Ebay. I have to say though that on occassion I do get stumped and have no idea of what an item is called, who the maker is or a correct starting price. When you have listed something incorrectly or do not have all the appropriate info in your listing this is where the wonderful Ebay community comes to the rescue. On several occasions I have gotten messages from wonderful Ebay folks who are very considerate and take their time to send me the correct info so that I can list my item correctly.

8) Have safe storage in your vehicle for fragile items. I once bought a very nice McCoy pitcher and bowl set that went crashing to the floor when I had to stop suddenly for another careless driver. That was the end of the lovely McCoy pitcher and bowl. Those nice plastic totes come in handy for keeping your garage sale treasures intact until you get home. It is also a good idea to bring along several small hand towels to wrap your items.

9) Make sure you have proper storage for your items. I have an Ebay room. Here I keep all my items, mailing supplies, computer etc. My husband installed shelves on one wall for storage. Three items that you will find invaluable for setting up your listings are a measuring tape, scale and magnifying glass. When you do list your item, keep the information simple but accurate.

10) If you are doing Ebay part time like I am, try setting a goal for yourself. Not a monetary goal but rather decide on a particular item you would like to purchase. Then Go For It.

11) Last but not least. DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED. Sometimes items I list do not sell the first time around. Or the second time. Most of the items I list more than once I will add a dollar or two in order to cover listing fees and they still sell at the higher price. Don't forget, there are always new Ebayers signing up. Lately most of my items have been bought by folks who are new to Ebay. 

 This is your mission should you decide to accept it. Have fun. Make this a family affair and set a goal for a family vacation or item you want to purchase. Good luck and happy Ebaying.