Garage Sale, Thrift Store and Flea Market Hauls WE 02-28-2016

These are the finds I had this week.

These three come from the North Fort Myers Flea Market.  A Maxell TC-30 VHSc camcorder tape, TDK Hi8 MP120 video cassette.  Both new in packaging.  Also a Ball Ideal mason jar circa 1922-33.  Overpaid for that one and hope to break close to even.

Keurig K40 coffee maker.  Bought at Goodwill for $19.99 plus tax.  Was filthy but after an hour of cleaning it works perfectly.  I have been using it all week and will probably keep it.

Star Wars C-3PO Thermos brand "FUNtainer"  10oz stainless steel food container.

Two balsa control line or free flight model kits.  Open but all pieces present.  Also a Goodwill find.

Both from the same garage sale.  A "Fisherman's Crutch" and Xena the Warrior Princess costume sewing pattern.  My girlfriend rolled her eyes when I picked that one up.  It is worth $20+.  Also had a Scrabble board game that day.

And finally another Keurig B31 small coffee maker.  Still have to clean and test it.  Will take some time to clean but hope it works.

That is the high lights for this week.  Hope to have many more this coming week.

First Sale as a business

So today I had my first sale as a business.  My first listing was for a Heineken wooden shoe.  It started as a 7 day auction.  But it did not sell.  I relisted it for 30 days as a 'buy it now' sale with a 'best offer' auction.  Currently there are 45 views and no watchers.

What sold was a Pelican i1015 cell phone case.  Went for the price I asked for.  Which is good.  I had a 97% return on my investment which is good.  Was not the best but anytime I am not in the red it is a good day. 

But it did not stop there.  I sold a Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus graphing calculator.  It was working but had a problem with the screen.  It was disclosed in the auction details and pictures.  The ROI on it was 520%.  That is awesome!  Now to repeat!

It took me 13 days before I sold something which did have me worried.  If you decide to get into this just wait it will happen.  Research the completed and sold listings and price accordingly.  Take condition into consideration and you will be successful. 

North Fort Myers Flea Market

The North Fort Myers Flea Market is located at the old Northside Drive-In theater on Old 41.  2521 Tamiami Trail North, North Fort Myers, Florida 33903.  It is open on Wednesdays at 6am.    They don't have a website so they may be open other days.

As a drive-in theater it closed in the early 90's.  It was neat watching films here.

The Flea Market

I consider this a real Flea Market.  It is not like some of the big ones with permanent booths filled with as seen on TV stuff, Chinese imports and tacky art.  It is rows of people with folding tables full of used stuff.  Lots of antiques, old items, junk and colorful people.  There is also a huge amount of produce. 

The place was packed with vendors and customers.  It is a very basic setup.  Rows of cars and folding tables.  I estimate there were 150-300 vendors.  Some of the stuff was absolute junk and should be in a landfill but there were plenty of good stuff as well.  Next time I am going to pick up some produce as well.  It was really awesome looking.

If you have time hit this Flea Market up sometime.

Pinterest, using for eBay advertising

Ok so I had a hard time with this one.  Pinterest I just did not get it.  It seemed to be focused towards women and just did not compute with my way of thinking until I got into it.  

What it is.

It is basically a virtual cork board you can pin ideas to.  You find something on the internet and choose to pin it to your board.  People like your board and they get updated.  The more specific your board the more people will seek it out.  Take Star Wars, people will find this board.

How I am using it.

I created a board called my eBay auctions.  Basically all my auctions are getting pinned there.  Don't know if this is right but I have seen my eBay auction views go up in the past hour.  Will have to monitor too see if this if right.

Garage Sales and Thrift Haul WE 02-21-2016

I am going to start doing weekly haul blog posts.  If there is too much it will be just the highlights.  Some people don't like them but I find them fun.  So here we go.

This may be the best find of the week.  It is a Keurig B40 coffee maker.  Don't know if works or not but I really don't care.   Parting it out I can make 40-50 bucks if does not work.

Bought this on a hunch at a Salvation Army.  An Anchor Hocking pint sized mason jar.  It was cheap so I did no research on it, just snagged it.  Researching eBay I found some being listed for 19.99 but being sold with the make offer.  It is on eBay now the same way.
 

 

I am not a video game person but I picked it up.  It was really cheap, in great condition and complete.  eBay did not have great prices on this so hopefully I can do better than breaking even.

Always pick up new obsolete blank media, or so they say.  I listed this one a few minutes ago andinstantly had 6 views.  This was put with 2 others to make a 3 pack.

 

Puzzles!  I found these at both garage sales and Goodwill.  New sealed puzzles.  Who buys these and does not do them?  Some are listed on Amazon for up to $30.  Have to open my Amazon FBA account soon as I already have some 18 puzzles now.

 Lego "Creator" set.  Makes three different vehicles.  I spend more on a sausage biscuit and 2 hash browns at McDonalds then I paid for this.  Box is smushed but it all seems to be there.

Risk board game, Lord of the Rings - Trilogy Edition.  Picked up at a garage sale.  Hardly looks like it was played with.  Like new condition.

Italeri F-14A <<Bombcat>> model kit.  Found at a Goodwill the box was crushed and had been opened.  Checked the contents and all the pieces are present including the instructions and decals.  Will be a great 'builder' model kit for somebody.


Also found other stuff including lots of baseball caps.  Above is just the highlights.  Now have to research and list things.  So far I don't have much listed yet as it is taking me a lot of time to do so.  Will have to refine my processes or find a software solution to speed things up.  One thing is for certain I will be listing things when I find them.

The power of Twitter and #hashtags

This was a little experiment with Twitter.
 I know I am not the first and am probably late to this game.  Earlier in the day I was thinking of ways to drive traffic to this blog.  But then it hit me, why not use Twitter to drive traffic to my eBay listings?  Every eBay listing has a share button and an option for Twitter.  But sharing alone will not do it.  Currently on my Twitter account I have ZERO followers.  I posted the following tweet:

 

I had 9 views on this item when I tweeted.  In less than an hour this is the amount of views I had.

 

That is a huge increase.  Now to re-tweet during the important daytime hours instead of the middle of the night.  Doing so may turn them into bids.  One of the most important things to do was to research the #hashtags.  I just typed them into a Google search box with "heineken hashtag" and looked at the results.  Doing this with several ones gave me such data as how many views I could receive and how popular a #hashtag was.

Twitter is a powerful tool and I will continue to learn to use it more effectively.

Planning out what garage sales to hit.

So I don't have to go into my day job until 1pm, figure I will hit up some garage sales in the morning.  But how do I find garage sales?  Well there is an app for that!

My personal cell phone is a iPhone 6 so I use the IOS version but it is available for Android as well.  Basically the app interfaces with Craigslist and searches for garage sales.  It is not perfect but it is way better than driving around blindly looking for signs on the road.  

When you bring up the app it shows where you are.  The blue dot is you.  It will list the garage sales within a 20 mile range.  I had 92 sales listed.  You can research the sales by clicking on the red bubble.

When you touch the listing it brings up the Craigslist post.  These are posted by the people who are hosting the garage sales.  Some might be very descriptive and some are very cryptic.  In the ad there should be the sale days and hours.  Also hopefully a usable address.  You can research the listings the night before and change the colors of the bubbles by clicking on the pallet box on the bottom of the screen.

You can also create a route by clicking on the star.  Do this in order, the first one you click will be #1.  Next being number 2 and so on.  If you want directions from your current location to the next sale click on the square with a right arrow in it.  Once clicked it will bring up the Google Maps app. 

Advantages of using this app. 

1. Easily lets you browse and research what garage sales you want to hit.
2. Updates every time you start the app.  Often finds new listings.
3. Allows you to organize what sales you want to hit by color.
4. Uses Google maps to guide you to the next sale  

Negatives of using this app.

1. Info is only as good as the user inputs it.
2. Finds a lot but not all listings.
3. Can only search on Saturday and Sunday.  No option for Friday.  They need to fix that.
4. User has to put in a regular address.  Often people put in on the corner of this and that.  Not helpful for Google maps.

In conclusion, this is an awesome tool.  I have been using it for a month now and have rarely been let down.  Sometimes an old ad is left in Craigslist and creates a wasted trip.  But all in all a useful tool.

  

It starts with a wooden shoe...

My first eBay auction:

So that is item number one.  I like beer and have drank more than the population of Germany in my time.  It seems fitting to choose this to list first.  The first item is the hardest to list as you have to set all of your options.  Since I am in Florida I have to collect the 6% sales tax if bought by another person in Florida.  That was hardest to figure out.  After many Google searches I managed to figure it out.  Bad thing with the Google searches is it brings up posts from all years.  Information that is outdated is abundant.  But in the end I figured it out.  It is a 5 day auction that will end on Sunday night.  From my research Sunday is the best day to end auctions.  We shall soon see.  Wish me luck.

One note, the image above is a screen shot from my iPhone 6.  It is using the eBay app.  I have found this to be a frustrating app.  It at times does not display the information correctly.  In the above picture there is 1 of 1 pictures, but in fact there are three.  A visit to eBay with FireFox confirms this.  Always use more than one platform for viewing your auctions.  I am fortunate to have Windows XP, 7 and 10 along with a Macbook Pro, iPad, iPhone 6 and Samsung Android.  It is stuff I have from my day job and computers I have collected along the way.

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Business Start

As of February 15th 2016 I am officially a registered and licensed business in the state of Florida.  I still do not have anything listed on eBay as of yet but I will be in full swing by Sunday.  So far I have 72 items in my inventory ready to list.  Spreadsheets have been made and are being filled out.  Can't wait to fill out and file my Florida tax collected form on March 1st. 

Starting an eBay Business in Florida

I am in no way a legal expert or CPA.  Take this as just an outline.  I did not find it all that hard to do the research and find the info.  If you are anyway unsure consult a professional.   This list is in the order it needs to be done.

This guide is for setting up a Sole Proprietorship.

Registration of Fictitious Name - (DBA)

     This step is optional.  I chose to do this as it also allows me keep my business and personal finances a little more easily separated.  To register a DBA you need to go to the following website:

https://efile.sunbiz.org/ficregintro.html 

You will need to follow the instructions on the page and fill out the online application.  The filing with the state costs $50.
     The second part of this process requires you to list classified ad in the legal section of your local paper.  It must be the locality you intend on doing business.  My local paper charged me $59.04 for the ad.
    Registering a DBA does not mean someone else cannot also register it as well.  It is not a trademark.  It is just so you can operate a business under a name other than your own.

Employer Identification Number - (EIN)

     A EIN is just like a Social Security Number.  Basically you are creating a SSN for the business.  For a sole proprietorship it keeps your personal and business taxes somewhat separate.  To get an EIN you register online and is free from the IRS. Be warned the IRS computers take off the evening and weekends.  You can apply M-F 7am-10pm at the website below:

https://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Apply-for-an-Employer-Identification-Number-%28EIN%29-Online

 Florida Business Tax Application (DR-1)

 

     If you sell an item on eBay to someone in Florida you are required by law to collect sales tax.  DR-1 is the form you fill out to register with the state to collect these taxes.  This can be done online at this website:

http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/taxes/registration.html

Go down the page to "Register" and select "Start a new registration".  Follow the instruction and fill out the form.  Once the form has been filled out it will take 7-10 days to get the registration by mail.  You can goto the website in 3 days and get the registration number by using your confirmation number.  This filing does not cost anything.  Be sure to read the following PDF:

http://dor.myflorida.com/Forms_library/current/gt800013.pdf

This will give you an overview on how and when to pay the state their taxes.  You must file on time even if you don't have any Florida sales taxes collected.  If you don't it can result in a $50 penalty.

City Business Tax Receipt

     If you live in a city that is incorporated you probably have to file for  'City Tax Business Receipt'.  I live in the city of Cape Coral and this is a simple one page form.  Cost $56.25 and was needed before I could get a County Business Tax Receipt.

County Business Tax Receipt

     If you don't live in an incorporated city you at least do live in a county.  My county required me to have the City Business Tax Receipt before filing for the County.   The hardest part of this form was sitting in the waiting room.  Just bring all the above paperwork above, minus the DR-1.  They don't need that.  Cost in my county was $50.

Free Business Checking Account

     This is the last step.  You need a bank account.  Many banks have free business checking for small businesses.  Most I have seen you will need to bring your EIN, DBA and then sign a affidavit stating you are a business.  Google "Free business checking" and you will come up with many options.  There should be a link that lists these in all 50 states.  Pick the best bank that meets your needs.

Hopefully this should get you started and on your way to starting an online eBay business.  Even if you don't live in Florida this guide may be a good outline to help you find the information you need in your state.

Guide for Attending a Garage Sale

This guide is just a set of guidelines for going to a garage sale and not being a total clod.

Showing up at the sale.

     Parking your vehicle is your first impression.   Keep it on the street, as in the blacktop.  Don't park in the grass and run over a sprinkler head.  Don't compact the grass.  Park on one side of the road and don't block the neighbors driveway.  Someone has invited you to their home, be considerate. 

Make small talk.

    Butter up the sellers.  Comment on the weather, compliment the lawn or the house.  A first impression goes a long way when it comes to negotiation.  Don't come off as combative.  Negative comments come off as combative.  Keep it positive and people will be more likely to deal with you.

Bring small bills.

     I know better than everyone that ATM's mostly have $20 bills in them.  Try during the week to get singles and fives.  A bit of pocket change will help as well.

Dress down.

    Do not dress like you have money if you expect someone to give you a deal.  If you wear high end clothes you will look like you have money, you won't get a good deal.  Dress like you shop at thrift store and you play on the sympathy of the seller.  No jewelry, no high end watches and no Nike shoes.  You don't have to be a bum but don't wear a suit either.

Bundle.

     Grab several items and haggle a better price for the entire lot.  This works.  Watch the TV show "American Pickers" and see.  I do this all the time.

Smile.

     Just do it.  People like dealing with happy people rather than sour pusses.

Bottom line is this is not rocket science just a little common sense.

Guide for having a garage sale.

This is a guide for garage sale sellers.  If you are wanting to have a sale and clean out your house of unwanted stuff this guide is for you.  It will instruct you how to get buyers like me to purchase your stuff.

Why have a garage sale and what is the purpose?

     Garage sales are the last step before your stuff either gets donated to a thrift store(Goodwill, Salvation Army, Church, etc.) or gets put at the curb for trash collection.  This is clutter, things you don't use.  I have a personal rule that if I have not touched it in 5 years I don't need it.  Your goal is to get rid of this and maybe make a little cash at doing it.  If you ask too high of a price you will not sell anything.  Don't give it away but don't expect 90% of retail either.

Advertising the sale.

     You can list the sale in the news paper but lets be frank, nobody reads the paper anymore.  News papers are a thing of the past with internet taking over.  Craigslist is your friend here.  Other online resources can be found with a "Google" search.  Any of your professional buyers are going to be using smart phone apps to find your sale.

Putting signs out at the road.

     Do not make them small!  You need to be able to read them from 100 feet away.  Four-Five inch letters are a must.  Brightly colored poster board is a real eye catcher.  Make BIG arrows pointing to where you live.  Where I live we have a lot of canals and dead ends.  The easier you make it for people to find you the better the sale.

Hours of operation.

      The latest start time should be 8am.  When you set up in the morning you should be ready to sell an hour before your start time.  DON'T TURN AWAY EARLY BIRDS.  You want to get rid of your stuff, don't turn down a sale!  Two-Three hours before the sale is a bit much but an hour should be acceptable.  If you don't want people contacting you early don't put your phone number in the advertisment.

Pricing Items.

      Put price tags on your items.  Don't make people ask.  A lot of people will not ask if there is no price.  It is just basic human nature.  If you have a box of baseball caps put a sign with "baseball caps $1.  A sign saying DVDs $2 a piece, or whatever.  It is a starting point.  If you don't put most people won't ask.
      Have this all done at the beginning of the sale, the night before.  Don't still be pricing things when your sale starts.  You want people to walk in and know what you want for this.

Negotiating your price 101.

     Don't be offended if someone offers you a lower price than listed.  It is not an insult to get a low ball offer.  Do not take things personally, this is business.  Meet half way.  If you have something listed for $10 and some one offers $5, make a counter offer half way at $7.50.  If they offer less than that think about it.  Do you want to put that item back in your house or donate it?  If you want a few bucks take the offer.  The offer/counter offer can go several rounds.  It is fun for many people, buyer and seller.  Bottom line don't get emotionally attached to items.

Having change on hand.

     Have a good selection of one dollar bills on hand along with fives and coins.  Bottom line is most ATM's are only stocked with $20 bills.  Not many people visit a bank these days.

Customer service.

     This is the last but most important!  How you act and your body language can either make a sale or turn off a customer.  SMILE!  Say hello and make a little small talk.  Comment on the weather or complement their vehicle, dog or whatever.  Don't treat these people like they are invading your privacy, you invited them here!  A person who is comfortable is more likely to spend money.  Stair at them and give them the stink eye and they will be uncomfortable and leave.

Resellers.

     I am one of them and there are a lot of them.  Some people don't like us because we are buying from you and reselling it online.  A lot of people make there money this way.  Some come and buy stuff they know.  These people you will not notice.  Some will be scanning bar codes with their smart phones.  Either way these people are giving you money for unwanted items.  But bottom line is you want it gone.  Don't get offended at the guy scanning bar codes.  Be offended by the person being a pig and making a mess.  Most resellers are respectful.
     Bottom line is if you don't like it, research eBay and sell it online yourself.   Do you know how to do the research?  Do you like shipping items?  Do you have a seller account with a good reputation?

  I will say this about people asking to buy old and unused gold jewelry.  Don't sell to these people they will not give you proper prices for these items.  Take that stuff to a Jewelry and Coin store.  They will give you a fair price.

Different Strokes for Different Folks.

     Alright this one may be a little bit racy.  Different people of different cultural backgrounds act differently.  Around my parts we have hispanics of every nationality and Haitians.  People of different cultures are brought up differently.  Patience is a virtue and that is all I will say about that.

Accomplishments January 2016

Alright so the first month of 2016 is over. I pretty much stuck with the plan.  Here is the month broke down:

I listed personal items on eBay 3/4 weeks.  One was missed due to running out of shipping supplies.  Lesson learned on that one.  I was able to get out to garage sales twice.  One weekend I found only 3 things.  Last weekend I found 13.  Things are picking up.  I visited thrift stores pretty regularly.  Goodwill, Salvation Army, Kiwanis, St. Vincent DePaul, St. Mathews House and few others.  All of them have there ups and downs.  Also learned that each one has different pricing.

Of my Q1 goals number 4 was completed, a second eBay account was opened.  After further research I am thinking another two will be needed.  My main one will be BNZ_Sales.  It will be for general items.  Electronics, housewares, toys and such things.  Another will be needed for men's clothing.  Possibly a third one for something else I am working on.  

Number 8, start a blog.  Obviously this has been done.  Number 9, buy a couch.  Bought one on Craigslist for $99.  Really nice for the price.

These are my buisness goals:

I was able to register a DBA with the state of Florida.  I was going to register a EIN as well but the IRS site takes the weekends off.  So Monday I will do that.  Also created a Twitter and Periscope accounts.  Links are on the right in the sidebar.  Please add your name to my e-mail list below if you would like to receive updates on this blog.  Thanks and onward to February I go!