Hey there! Here’s a story from Rush Walters about how he makes extra cash flipping garage sale and auction finds on eBay.
Being a high school teacher has its ups and downs. One downside is the income, but a big perk is having summers off. My wife and I both teach in a small town in mid-Missouri. In my first year teaching and coaching boys’ tennis in 2015, I earned $38,000 a year, which made budgeting a challenge some months.
When we got married in 2018, I thought a second income would help, but my wife couldn’t work legally until she got her green card in 2019. Living on one teacher’s salary was tough, but we managed our budget well. Still, there wasn’t much left for fun stuff like dining out or going to the movies.
That’s when I started flipping items on eBay from garage sales and auctions. I heard a coworker was making good money flipping sports memorabilia, and I thought, “I can do that!” I had an eBay account and had been to garage sales before, so I gave it a try.
I began my Saturdays early, grabbing coffee and the local newspaper to find sales. I’d circle the new sales for the day, avoiding those that started the day before since the good stuff would likely be gone.
Flipping items on eBay quickly became my side hustle. I got advice from my coworker, who was really into it, even sleeping in his car at trade shows to save money. I learned a lot from him and through my own experiences—both successes and mistakes.
I realized the value of my time. Spending half a day at an auction for a $20 item wasn’t always worth it. Here’s my step-by-step process for beginners looking to flip items on eBay.
### Step 1: Mining for Diamonds
Before you start, you need cash, a newspaper, and your smartphone with the eBay app. Always carry small bills for better bartering power. Get the local newspaper, mark the classifieds, and plan your route strategically.
Prioritize sales based on their type:
– **Moving Sales**: Sellers are motivated to get rid of items quickly.
– **Estate Sales**: Sellers want to clear out everything, often at any price.
– **Garage Sales**: Sellers are usually more interested in making money, so bartering can be tougher.
Be early to sales to get the best deals. Use the eBay app to check the value of items by searching for previously sold items.
### Step 2: Bartering
When bartering, start by offering half of the asking price for items under $20. This gives you room to negotiate. Remember, most sellers just want to get rid of stuff, not make a living from it.
Know your limits and the value of your time. Don’t get caught up in the excitement of a deal. Always ask yourself if the potential profit is worth the risk.
### Step 3: Quality eBay Listings
Create a free eBay account and start with auction listings. They can drive up prices through competition. Start your auction price lower than the item’s value to attract more attention.
Take quality photos from all angles and write specific descriptions. This protects you from disputes with buyers. If a buyer tries to leave a bad review unjustly, eBay’s customer service can help.
For shipping, always have the buyer pay. Enter the correct weight and dimensions to avoid extra charges.
### Conclusion
– **Plan your garage sale visits**: Know where and how to find valuable items.
– **Barter effectively**: Lower prices mean higher profit margins.
– **List items thoroughly**: Good photos and descriptions are key.
Learn as you go. Experience is the best teacher. You’ll have both good and bad flips, but that’s part of the journey.
Rush is a high school engineering teacher and tennis coach in mid-Missouri. He enjoys exploring, cooking, board games, and spending time with his wife and family. Interested in flipping items for resale? What questions do you have for Rush?