Scouting Blog for Cool Vintage Finds

Sensible Tips for Buying to Resell

1/23/2019

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.

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.

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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2018 Christmas Gift Ideas

11/23/2018

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No more vanilla Christmas presents—give cool vintage finds instead!

There's a better way to get your Christmas shopping done this year, and it doesn't require fighting for a parking space or wandering the malls. Relax in the comfort of your own home and peruse the pages of the Cool Vintage Finds Store! You'll avoid a vanilla experience and instead find one-of-a-kind treasures for your family, friends and even yourself.

Keep reading for ideas to help you have a more rewarding gift-giving experience!

Something special for your sweetie.

Our store offers dozens of categories to help you pinpoint the gift that will bring a smile to your honey's face. From clothing to jewelry, art & antiques and beyond, you'll encounter oodles of intriguing gift-worthy items to consider.

His and hers ... or his and his... or hers and hers ... coffee mugs just might hit the spot.

Something thoughtful for mom.

Love the fragrance your mom used to wear when you were a kid? Chances are it's discontinued and she'd love to wear it again. Check our store for hard-to-find perfumes, colognes and eau de toilette from yesterday.

More mom-friendly ideas ...

Everyone can use a pretty tea towel.

It's always nice to have special occasion dishes on hand.

How about a collectible cookie jar?

Something special for dad.

Maybe Dad would enjoy a book with historical significance, a magazine with a personal connection, art that for his office or den or clothing to round out his wardrobe. Keep looking, you'll find just the right thing!

Clothes make the man, so get dad a sweater that expresses his inner coolness.

Hook your dad up with art that recalls the Old West.

Something cool for a sibling.

Maybe it's a t-shirt from your favorite band growing up or a long-lost toy. Or a poster from the movie you both were crazy about. Our Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay is an ever-changing repository of cool stuff any bro or sis will appreciate, especially coming from you!

Shop our store and you might encounter a cool rock tee for a family member.

Cuz you're both Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fans, right?

Something awesome for your friends.

You know what your friends like! No probs acquiring nifty gifties for all your best buds, right here.

It may be a bit self-serving, but why not get something to equip your pal's bar?

Imagine a world with this cool poster. #Lennonforever

Something you've always wanted.

Don't neglect yourself while you do your Christmas shopping! Pick out a gift you've been craving so there's at least one package under the tree you know you really want.

Buy yourself a sweet reminder of a furry friend.

Shop now for quick shipping and happier holidays!

When you shop the Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay, your purchases will be shipped promptly and with care! If you're buying a gift that you'd like shipped to an address other than your own, be sure to add the alternate address to PayPal before buying. Happy shopping!

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