Finding Value
Hi Everyone,
One of the great discoveries since I finished formal education is that I can start learning things that matters in real life. Today, I want to tell you how I made ends meet when times got tough.
When I first started as a Territory Sales Manager in Southern California, I was not exactly rolling in dough. So, my wife and I had to think about ways to make money to pay the bills. eBay had just started a few years back, and we knew people who were making money.
One day we visited a garage sale on our street. We didn’t find anything good except for a VHS movie with Pierce Brosnan. It was used and cost $5. So, I thought Pierce is a very handsome and famous actor. I think we can make some money selling the VHS movie. So, we bought the video and my wife started reading about posting an eBay ad. To make a long story short, we had sold the video for $10; doubling our investment. In addition, we make another $1 on shipping costs. So, a new hobby was born!
A few weeks later, we were visiting six to ten garage/estate sales around Southern California. One of great finds is a stamp collection that was being blind auctioned. The person with the highest offer wins. After reviewing the collection, we had placed a bid at $1000. This would be our largest purchase. Lo and behold, by the end of the day we received a call from the manager saying we won the collection. It was frightening the amount we put into it, but I loved the collection. Two weeks later, we were able to sell half the collection for $5000. The best part is that I discovered a lifetime hobby and I still have the other half of the collection. We kept the better stamps.
Garage/Estate sales are a hit and miss. But, if you invest the time, you might just find yourself some valuable treasure. You may even find things you need like tools at fractions of retail prices.
To learn to find value in goods takes some time and experience. Namely, look for something you like and understand. Make sure the quality is good and in working order. Only buy at a low price; after all, they are selling used things.
Here are some places I go to find these treasures: Garage Sales, Gumtree, Classified Ads, Salvation Army, Vintage Shops, Estate Sales.
I had some great discoveries and I hope you will find some too.
Good Hunting!
Ben - chattrbucks
October 12, 2017