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As a longtime collector and reseller, I’m consistently looking out for “sleeper gadgets” – extraordinary family items that fetch uncommon costs within the resale market.
Whereas different pickers are busy discovering that one large rating, I prefer to deal with the standard objects which have a quiet however fanatical fan base.
Have a look round your personal residence. Does each drawer change into a junk drawer? Does your visitor room seem like a promotional picture for Storage Wars? Why not clear up and earn a couple of dollars extra on the identical time?
Though eBay is my private go-to place for promoting on-line, Etsy works simply as nicely. It’s not completely for handmade items. For bigger items that will be troublesome to ship, take into account Fb Market or Craigslist.
Beneath are some stunning home goods you may sell for a fast buck.
1. Kirby vacuum cleaner
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I all the time joke that there is extra metallic in a Kirby vacuum than in most new vehicles. However this sturdy development is likely one of the causes The Kirby Co. has been round for greater than 100 years.
In comparison with different standard vacuums, Kirby fashions are a bit unwieldy and their quite a few attachments could be daunting. Nonetheless, classic fashions retain their value. The Kirby G3, G4, and G5 — made within the Nineteen Nineties — can fetch $150 to $250 on-line.
For those who’ve acquired an outdated Kirby stashed within the hallway closet, possibly it is time to tug it out and redeem it.
2. Lamp finish items
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Finials are the often-ignored threaded items that connect the lampshade to the lampharp.
Plain metallic caps are a dime a dozen, however ornamental brass, glass, crystal and porcelain finials are all the time large sellers in my on-line resale store. In reality, I usually purchase outdated lamps for a dollar or two only for the tip items.
When you have a number of discarded lamps stashed in your basement or storage, check out the {hardware}.
Vintage finials often fetch higher costs. Frosted glass knobs from the Thirties can value from $30 to $50 every. However modern designs are additionally in demand. In 2019 I bought a pair of recent brass pineapple buttons on eBay for $32.
3. Swing-A-Method Can Opener
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Swing-A-Method has been producing the traditional handbook can opener for many years. Though the model has not modified considerably, manufacture has been moved overseas.
Older fashions from the Nineteen Sixties and Seventies have all-steel development, rubber-coated handles in a wide range of colours, and are clearly marked “Made in USA.”
Patrons love older Swing-A-Methods as a result of they’re constructed like tanks and final a lifetime. When it’s essential clear up a little bit of kitchen muddle, do not overlook this icon of sensible, efficient design.
Rubber-coated grips in vibrant colours like purple, blue, and inexperienced sell finest. I noticed a classic Swing-A-Method with royal blue rubber grips for $24.99 on eBay.
4. Ice Cream Spade
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An ice cream scoop is just like an ice cream scoop, however flatter – consider a hybrid scoop and spatula.
The very best spades had been made by an organization known as Vernco and had been constituted of heavy gauge chrome steel with rosewood or walnut handles.
Once more, the easy design and superb craftsmanship of those instruments proceed to draw consumers keen to pay $15-$20 for a spade in nice situation. With costs this candy, who wants ice cream?
5. Classic field cutter
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There is a collector’s marketplace for every little thing—even classic field knives. And like most different collectibles, make, mannequin and rarity are every little thing.
Search for American-made Stanley Instruments utility knives in your workshop or storage. The 199 and 299 fashions are significantly standard.
I noticed a mannequin 299 with further blades bought on eBay for $35.99. Who would have thought that such humble gadgets may fetch such good-looking prizes?
6. Glass thermometer
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The glass oral thermometers that older generations relied on have largely been changed by digital variations. However there’s nonetheless a robust – dare I say “fervent” – marketplace for old style mercury-in-glass fashions.
All manufacturers sell nicely with their easy, battery-free operation. However look in your drugs cupboard for thermometers from three of the preferred manufacturers:
- BD (Becton, Dickinson and Co.)
- Pymm
- Faichney
I noticed a single outdated cased BD thermometer fetching $29.99 on eBay.
7. Vintage mason jars
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Just a few generations in the past, preserving greens, fruit and meat was a part of on a regular basis life. Kerr, Ball, Mason, and Putnam glass jars had been helpful gadgets that helped households hold meals protected.
Right now, these home goods are in high demand as a result of their rarity and easy magnificence.
Patrons want jars that retain their unique zinc or glass lids, and pay a premium for uncommon colours like lime inexperienced, amber, purple, and blue.
I’ve seen a blue Ball #4 lens sell on eBay for $134.99 and an amber #333 mannequin Putnam lens for $160. The lesson? Generally it is the best gadgets which are price essentially the most.
8. Outdated Polaroid cameras and movies
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Nearly everybody has a field stuffed with outdated know-how. And if you happen to’re sufficiently old, yours could embrace a Polaroid digital camera or two.
Though most fashions resell for a meager $5 to $10, there are a number of exceptions:
- A wild collector’s merchandise, the Polaroid SX-70 can fetch $100 to $300 — or extra when you have the unique leather-based journey case.
- The Polaroid SLR 680 — which comes with sonar rangefinding and an autofocus lens — usually resells for $250 to $300.
Bought some unused 668 and 669 movie packs? Do not throw them! A single pack of colour movie is $20-$30 on eBay.