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On the hunt for wonderful stuff

7/9/2024

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As resellers on eBay, we're constantly on the prowl for cool and collectible things. We're motivated to bring recognition to neglected items that deserve to be preserved, whether for their quality, history, functionality, beauty or quirkiness. A two-person team, we share a passion for relics of the past while each have expertise and interest in particular types of collectibles. 
For instance, Brad, my partner in crime, is definitely more inclined than I am to dig through a bin to salvage old car parts, scoop up Lionel trains to help collectors complete their old model railroad sets (they go fast!) or round up a gaggle of goose decoys. Vintage wallpaper products also turn his head, as do saleman samples that represent businesses of yore. Men's shoes, cowboy boots and work boots are another of Brad's personal faves.
Nocona boots for sale in the Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBayPicture
UPDATE: SOLD! Brad likes to rustle up all kinds of footwear to sell in our store. #SponsoredbyeBay
My bent is more toward the arts and crafts, literally and figuratively. I love to sift through old linens and rescue runners, doilies, tablecloths and napkins that still have life in them. Many will come home with me and be treated to a nice soak to return them as closely as possible to their original state. Lace is a particular interest, though I must rely on the expertise of my friend Sharon of The Rook and the Raven (also an eBay seller, check out her store here) to identify what I've found. I'm also keen to find antique and vintage clothing (I believe I lived a previous life in the late 1800s, how else can I explain my connection to the Victorian era?) to share with collectors and style mavens. Though I have no gift for needlework, I appreciate the skill reflected in many of the pieces I come across.  I'm also inclined to rescue dolls and stuffed plush animals and love anything miniature. Jewelry from all eras captures my fancy, as do photographs or other snippets of personal history, such as ledgers or journals. You can find more of what's up my alley in my curated CoolVintageFindsShop on etsy .
Antique christening gown in the Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay
This baptismal gown was too precious to pass by. It's available in our store now. #SponsoredbyeBay
Vintage Photo Album & Travel Diary in the Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay
UPDATE: SOLD! This fascinating photo album, with typed travel diary, features a famous artist at work on his craft. Hope it finds a new home soon! #SponsoredbyeBay
There are some categories of collectibles that both Brad and I consistently gravitate toward. Antique and vintage Christmas decor, art posters and pottery of all kinds fall under that heading. Since many of our customers are crafty themselves, we'll pick up kits and needlepoint projects to pass along. Our merch is listed  across dozens of categories to help shoppers browse and buy.
It's definitely easier to shop than to list, so we rely on a storage space to store finds awaiting their turn on eBay or etsy. Brad likes to say they're "fermenting" (as in, getting more desirable), but with our recent re-org, we're both amped to step up our listing game.
Storage space for Cool Vintage Finds Store inventory
We're finally winning our personal "storage war" by getting our finds in order and queued up for listing.
Not everything from our shopping expeditions makes it into our store! I'm a fan of miniature cabins and was thrilled to make a discovery recently to add to my collection. Someday I'll put it up for sale, but for the moment it's one of my own treasures.
The writer with a miniature cabin purchased recently
This little beauty will remain in my possession as I spiff it up, add some miniatures and admire it for a while.
The writer's spouse Brad sorting floss to sell in their online store
Brad's not above getting his hands dirty doing a little sorting for our store, in this case rescuing floss for needlepoint and crochet projects.
Let us know what you like to find on your shopping forays, either at estate sales or online in our eBay store. Thanks for reading!
Copyright © 2024 Susan Buie dba Cool Vintage Finds
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Sensible Tips for Buying to Resell

1/23/2019

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If you get as excited as I do when treasure hunting, you need to be extra wary about your selections. It’s easy to get carried away with a “find” and overlook flaws that diminish value. You may feel rushed because there are other eager shoppers on all sides. Slow down and inspect the merchandise!

Here’s a short guide to help you use your five senses to become a savvy reseller:

SEE.

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Always, always, take a close look before you buy. Step into better lighting and brush away dust if necessary. Seasoned buyers carry a small flashlight and a magnifying glass to help with this important task. When inspecting glass and ceramics, look for chips, cracks and crazing (a web or network of fine cracks). Examine linens for holes, snags, fraying, fading or spots. Look for identifying marks or labels, which are especially helpful if you don’t have other expertise to rely on. It never hurts to assess value in the marketplace by scanning eBay completed sales or a similar resource that catalogues items sold. Condition is a key determiner in helping you resell at the highest price, so look with care. That said, many buyers are willing to put up with small flaws, with full disclosure.

SMELL.

Odors are a bane to buyers and can be difficult to remove. Take note when you enter a home and be on guard if you detect mildew or smoke—common culprits that can destroy a desirable item. Airing and washing items can sometimes eliminate smells but this involves time and hassle and may not be satisfactory. Cat urine is particularly difficult to remove and noxious to the nostrils (no offense to felines intended). There is also a rather mysterious odor that tends to creep into the homes of the elderly. If something stinks, trust your instincts and rest assured it will smell even worse when you remove the item from its environment, which often masks much of the smell. Pass on moldy or musty items—these odors spread when stored with pristine inventory.

FEEL.

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Your sense of touch can be invaluable when assessing the condition and value of estate sale items—and are especially useful when shopping for glass and ceramic items. Fingertips can spot a rough edge or chip faster than the eyes. When inspecting linens, a perceptive touch can discern synthetic from natural fibers. Fingers can also detect seams in ceramics that differentiate molded versus hand shaped items or help distinguish real wood carvings from faux-wood resin pieces.

HEAR.

Listen to the chatter at sales. You may be able to pick up on history of items or gain insight into demand. Some sellers will have expertise to share, so it doesn’t hurt to inquire. Another way you can use your ears is when encountering mechanical items. If you hear something rattling around inside when you give it a gentle shake, you may be dealing with a broken thing-a-ma-jig. You can also improve your purchase decisions by listening to what your gut is telling you. If your inner voice says something is overpriced, negotiate or pass it by. If you’re being too sentimental, check your emotions at the door.

TASTE.

I’m using poetic license to invoke this “sense”—my true meaning refers to aesthetics. Is your taste in line with what’s popular? Are you good at uncovering rare and coveted niche items? The best shoppers have a knack for identifying cool stuff that people want right now. You can’t always predict what will sell, but if you keep an eye on the marketplace, you can improve your ability to spot hot items in high demand.
May fortune favor you as you hone your senses in the exciting field of treasure hunting. Good luck!
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    ABOUT OUR
    ​SCOUTING BLOG

    Learn about our recent discoveries and what captures our imagination in this blog, then peruse the treasures in our Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay.

    Brought to you by...

    ... Susan Buie, writer by day, vintage curator and co-proprietor of the Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay in all the moments in between.

    Guest bloggers welcome. Do you have special expertise you’d like to share? Guest bloggers receive full attribution and a link back to their web site, blog or store. For consideration, submitted blogs must meet our criteria, are subject to editing, are not compensated and cannot be published elsewhere. 

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