My basement is filled with "stuff" I just couldn't bear to throw away. Do you have any pointers to make me some money from my castoffs? – Sarah Salvage
Dear Sally: You're a smart cookie to think of making profits from "salvaged" items. Hopefully, other readers will take note and do the same with areas for hidden cash. My alias many years ago was the Yard Sale Queen and for good reason. Each spring, I'd go through all my unwanted items and throw a giant garage sale – hopefully, along with other neighbors to make it more attractive to prospective buyers. Another idea is to hold an estate sale (and, no, you don't have to be dead for this type) rather than a yard or garage sale. Just don't think you'll get rich, unless your attic or basement holds fine art or rare books, in which case you should contact collectors and auction houses. Obviously, the difference between the two is the old "one man's junk" adage and, with estate sales, you shouldn't have any articles to sell but the best or the most unique.
Ellen Phillips -Collectibles: Everyone has some of these. When in my 20's, I held a yard sale and sold several sets of colored Depression Glass from my first marriage for a mere pittance. Several customers later, a dealer came along and, when told what I'd done, clapped his hand to forehead and, basically, proclaimed my stupidity! Another story my husband likes to rub in an open wound was an LP I sold at a yard sale for (probably) a buck years ago. The duet was made up of a close friend, which is why Hubby had the record in the first place and an unknown at the time named Emmy Lou Harris – said album now selling on the Internet for many hundreds of dollars. The moral of these stories is to know your collectibles. For instance, tin toys, porcelain dolls, and, in fact, any toys made during the childhood of us Baby Boomers can be most valuable. Vintage movie posters or cameras also take a nod for many buyers.
-Books and records: Aside from rare books, those signed by the authors can be worth some bucks so get these appraised, along with first or limited-edition books. But even a collection, such as Shakespeare's plays or the works of Tennessee Williams, for example, can fetch a good price. And speaking of profits, if you own an obscure LP that's unscratched and in its original sleeve with, say, the Beatles or the Stones, and the right person comes along, he could pay several hundred dollars in return. Alternately, leather-bound classics or jazz/60's LPs in good condition can also bring you a pretty penny. Even paperbacks for 50 cents to one dollar or hardbacks for a dollar or two sell quickly to those of us who love to read; in fact, I recently attended a marvelous estate sale and, along with a few treasures, I walked out with over a dozen books I hadn't read.
-Furniture: According to experts, mid-century modern furniture from the 50's and 60's is especially popular these days. The article goes on to tell us a piece that sold for approximately $100 during the early part of this past decade now may bring as much as $400. Furniture less than five years old is also a good seller, particularly if it's made of light wood and isn't hefty. (Clunky dark pieces aren't currently fashionable so these pieces don't normally move.)
-Clothing: Most anything vintage and in good shape will sell (though you may do better at a vintage clothing store). Expect couture clothing to be snapped up, too, such as St. John, Chanel, and Gucci. "Sex and the City"-style designer clothes are good sellers, as well. Forget run-of-the-mill articles at an estate sale, unless priced cheaply.
-Tools: These can really be pricy so they sell especially well at estate sales. If they're antique tools, so much the better. One of my Virginia friends buys antique tools and mounts the pieces in his den – an unusual display and one even his wife doesn't mind!
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreeprss.com