Treasure hunting- Legit way to make money!

[inkey2]

anyone who thinks the hidden treasures aren't hiding out there at every yard sale and junk shop is very much mistaken. If I had the time I would do nothing but hit all the flea markets, garage sales etc. I have been interested in pop culture collectables and other things since I was 14 years old...I am now 58. The key is to gather knowledge about your interest or hobby and cash in on it. I bought a 1950s Hamilton watch at agarage sale that was worth $2000...paid fifty bucks for it

[greenwooddesign]

So many great finds!

[hellokelliebean]

where do you sell things like this? I want to start thrift store shopping soon especially looking for gold any help? :)

[missmarie273]

@hellokelliebean

Thanks for your interest. I'm actually considering writing a thrift store, "How-To" e-book on the subject. Thrift stores are becoming increasingly aware of their gold items and they price them at a premium. They always make mistakes and you can find a wildcard if you're persistent and visit often to check for new inventory. I sell at auction houses, Ebay, Craigslist, Ecrater, and through word of mouth. My gold usually goes straight to a refinery though were I am paid 90% scrap

[missmarie273]

It's important to become educated in all facets so you don't miss out on a great find and some good money. Recently I started purchasing vintage Olga and LucieAnn nightgowns and peignoirs for around $2.99 each. Most people think GROSS who would wear a used nightgown, right? NOT TRUE. There is a HOT collectors market for these and some sell for as much as $300. Would you want to miss out on that kind of score? You never know what might be valuable, so you need to become an exptert shopper.

[missmarie273]

Excuse me. I gave you a gross estimation. They sell for as much as $1,500.

[Noway778]

@hellokelliebean ah nice question...the answer is: you sell it in a shop...thank me later

[bothellj]

I like your video. It is amazing what you can find at garage sales, etc! I have been doing it for years for my shop, Bothell Jewelers & Collectibles, near Seattle.

[alfie008]

Nice. I picked up an old cookbook once for $2 valued between $60 and $80.

[WETDREAMCARCLUB]

GREAT JOB! ALSO LOVE THE SONG : P

[Bgarcia1219]

I have the juicy couture necklace.....do u know what it is worth??

[missmarie273]

@Bgarcia1219

They sell anywhere from $50 on up to $100+ depending on the model and demand.

[missmarie273]

@Bgarcia1219

They sell anywhere from $50 on up to $100+, depending on the style and buyer demand.

[pitolove71]

@missmarie273 Hello, my girl & I love going to yard sales and thrift stores "treasure hunting." However I am in need of a website where I can appraise some of the vintage stuff that we buy. Ebay isn't enough sometimes because they don't have the exact item. I bought an old year book signed & don't know how to appraise it or how to find the people who signed the book. How do you do your research? Any websites or library tips? PS, I sang this song 2 my girl when we 1st met! Thanks a million, God B

[nuttybar9]

do you sell your stuff on EBAYif not you should

[nwmtnp]

awesome

[MonogramPictures52]

I have done this all the time and made tons of cash last year, planning to do better this year

[errindoores]

I do this all the time, and i know my stuff.

I once paid 50p for a victorian gold and .5carat diamond brooch, i sold it at auction for 400 pounds!

Silver jewelery is a common find, occasionaly i will find gold.

I once came close to buying 14.000 pounds worth of paintings(two) for a fiver each!

I wasnt sure at the time and went to an internet cafe to look up the Artist..Johnathan wade royal hibernian academy. got back to the trift shop and a student chap got there before me!

some we win.....

[thedesertartist]

wish i had the time to hit the thrift stores like that,.. good scores!

[MUDSWAT]

Wow,

You do very good at this. Not everyone can go out and be this lucky. It takes a little know how, like what to look for and where to go. Some places don't have a lot of thrift stores. I live in a small town maybe one thrift store in a 30 mile radius. This sucks because lots of people go to this one store looking for treasure. So you fail almost every time.

Please give example of when you would test something. I know most store owners don't want you dumping acid on things?

Thank you.

[missmarie273]

lol believe me, I've made my share of mistakes in the past. Eventually you get used to it and know what to look for. I still make mistakes now and then, but it's nothing more than maybe a $2 item at a thrift.

There are a lot of great opportunities beyond thrifts, check out proxibid, people who misdescribe items on ebay to their own disadvantage, self-storage auctions, ect.

I carry a diamond tester and aqua regia. Most thrifts and auctions are fine with me testing, but I mostly rely on exper.

[missmarie273]

. . . experience. Once you get used to the density, look, and feel of gold, you rely on the testing acid less and depend on your instincts. I still test when it's a big ticket items. Silver hollow ware, flatware ect., I rarely test, because they have been hallmarking it for centuries.