As a longtime collector and reseller, I’m always looking out for “sleeper objects” — widespread family items that convey unusual costs within the resale market.
Whereas different pickers are busy looking for that one massive rating, I prefer to deal with the common-or-garden objects which have a quiet however fanatical fan base.
Have a look round your individual residence. Is each drawer turning right into a junk drawer? Does your visitor room seem like a publicity shot for “Storage Wars”? Why not declutter and make just a few further bucks within the course of?
Although eBay is my private go-to web site for on-line promoting, Etsy works simply as effectively. It’s not solely for handcrafted items anymore. For bigger items that might be tough to ship, take into account Fb Market or Craigslist.
Following are some shocking home items you may promote for quick money.
1. Kirby vacuums
I at all times joke that there’s extra metallic in a Kirby vacuum than most new vehicles. However that sturdy building is a part of the explanation The Kirby Co. has been round for greater than 100 years.
In contrast with different standard vacuums, Kirby fashions are barely unwieldy, and their a number of attachments will be daunting. Nonetheless, classic fashions maintain their worth. The Kirby G3, G4 and G5 — produced within the Nineteen Nineties — can convey $150 to $250 on-line.
If in case you have an outdated Kirby tucked away within the corridor closet, it may be time to tug it out and money in.
2. Lamp finials
Finials are the often-ignored threaded items that safe the lampshade to the lamp harp.
Plain metallic caps are a dime a dozen, however ornamental finials in brass, glass, crystal and porcelain are constantly sizzling sellers in my on-line resale enterprise. In truth, I usually buy outdated lamps for a greenback or two only for the finials.
If in case you have just a few decommissioned lamps saved in your basement or storage, check out the {hardware}.
Vintage finials usually fetch increased costs. Milk glass finials from the Thirties can go for $30 to $50 every. However there’s demand for modern designs, too. In 2019, I offered a pair of contemporary brass pineapple finials on eBay for $32.
3. Swing-A-Approach can openers
Swing-A-Approach has produced the traditional guide can opener for many years. Although the type hasn’t modified a lot, manufacturing has moved abroad.
Older fashions from the Nineteen Sixties and Seventies characteristic all-steel building, have rubber-coated handles in numerous colours, and are clearly marked “Made in USA.”
Patrons love older Swing-A-Methods as a result of they’re constructed like tanks and can final a lifetime. If it’s worthwhile to clear a little bit of kitchen muddle, don’t overlook this icon of sensible, efficient design.
Rubber-coated handles in shiny colours like pink, blue and inexperienced promote greatest. I’ve seen a classic Swing-A-Approach with royal-blue rubber handles convey $24.99 on eBay.
4. Ice cream spades
An ice cream spade is just like an ice cream scooper, however flatter — image a scooper-spatula hybrid.
The perfect spades have been produced by an organization known as Vernco and crafted of heavy-gauge stainless-steel with rosewood or walnut handles.
Once more, the easy design and superb craftsmanship of those utensils proceed to attract patrons who’re keen to pay $15 to $20 for a spade in nice situation. With costs as candy as that, who wants ice cream?
5. Classic field cutters
There’s a collector marketplace for the whole lot — even classic field cutters. And as with most different collectibles, model, mannequin and rarity are the whole lot.
Verify your workshop or storage for utility knives made within the USA by Stanley Instruments. Fashions 199 and 299 are notably standard.
I’ve seen a mannequin 299 with further blades promote on eBay for $35.99. Who knew such humble objects might convey such good-looking costs?
6. Glass thermometers
The glass oral thermometers that older generations relied on have largely been changed with digital variations. However there’s nonetheless a robust — dare I say “feverish” — marketplace for old school mercury-in-glass fashions.
With their easy, battery-free operation, all manufacturers promote effectively. However examine your medication cupboard for thermometers made by three of the preferred manufacturers:
- BD (Becton, Dickinson and Co.)
- Pymm
- Faichney
I’ve seen a single classic BD thermometer with protecting case convey $29.99 on eBay.
7. Vintage canning jars
Just a few generations in the past, canning greens, fruits and meat was a part of day by day life. Glass canning jars made by Kerr, Ball, Mason and Putnam have been sensible objects that helped households safely protect meals.
In the present day, these family staples are in excessive demand for his or her rarity and easy magnificence.
Patrons want jars that retain their authentic zinc or glass lids and pays a premium for unusual colours, corresponding to lime inexperienced, amber, purple and blue.
I’ve seen a blue No. 4 half-pint Ball jar promote on eBay for $134.99, and a mannequin No. 333 amber jar made by Putnam fetch $160. The lesson? Typically, it’s the only objects which are value probably the most.
8. Classic Polaroid cameras and movie
Nearly everybody has a field full of out of date know-how. And for those who’re sufficiently old, yours might embody a Polaroid digicam or two.
Although most fashions resell for a meager $5 to $10, there are just a few exceptions:
- The Polaroid SX-70 is wildly collectible and might convey $100 to $300 — or extra, when you’ve got the unique leather-based journey case.
- The Polaroid SLR 680 — which options sonar vary discovering and an auto-focus lens — usually resells for $250 to $300.
Have just a few unused 668 and 669 movie packs? Don’t toss ’em! A single pack of shade movie can go for $20 to $30 on eBay.