Garage Sale Flipping: Turn Toys into eBay Profit

Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO of VaynerMedia, shares his passion for finding treasures at garage sales and turning them into profit on eBay. His new series, "Trash Talk," takes viewers along on his garage sale adventures, showing the process of finding items, negotiating with sellers, and determining their value on eBay.

Why Garage Sale Flipping?

Vaynerchuk explains that garage sale flipping is more than just a way to make money; it's a source of happiness for him. He finds more satisfaction in finding a great deal and flipping it on eBay than in closing multi-million dollar deals for his company.

He also emphasizes the potential for making a meaningful amount of money by reselling garage sale items on eBay. Even a few hundred dollars a week can make a significant difference for people trying to cover rent or other expenses.

Episode 2 Highlights

This article focuses on Episode 2 of "Trash Talk," showcasing specific items Vaynerchuk found and how he determined their value on eBay.

Turning 10 Cents into $30

One of the most successful finds in Episode 2 was a Thundercat action figure, purchased for just 10 cents. Vaynerchuk researched the item on eBay using the "sold listings" filter, discovering that similar figures were selling for $35.

• He listed the Thundercat action figure for $29.99.
• He also found a Hard Rock Cafe mug for 50 cents, which he listed for $9.99.
• Another significant find was a box of Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars for $10, despite the cars being in rough condition.

Walking Away from Overpriced Sellers

Vaynerchuk stresses the importance of knowing when to walk away from a deal. At one garage sale, a seller was asking $2 per piece for Disney action figures and toy cars, which Vaynerchuk considered overpriced.

• He was willing to pay $2 for the entire bag of 30 cars, but the seller was unwilling to negotiate.
• Vaynerchuk decided to walk away rather than insult the seller.

Flipping a $2 Board Game for $22.99

At another garage sale, Vaynerchuk found a "Ticket to Ride: Europe" board game for $2, which he negotiated down from $3.

• He checked eBay's "sold listings" and saw the game selling for $20-$40.
• He listed the board game for $22.99.

Learning from Mistakes

Vaynerchuk acknowledges that not every item found at a garage sale will sell for a high price on eBay.

• He purchased a Star Wars item for $2 but discovered it wasn't as valuable as he initially thought.
• He emphasizes that even with some losses, the profits from the winning items make the whole process worthwhile.

Early Birds vs. Smart Snails

Contrary to popular belief, Vaynerchuk argues that you don't have to be an early bird to find great deals at garage sales.

• He found some of his best items later in the day, highlighting the importance of being smart about what you buy.
• He purchased another box of Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars for $40 and a vintage box for $5, later finding out that one Matchbox item was worth $15-$16.
• He also bought 245 pins for $20, with the potential to resell them for $200-$500, depending on whether he sells them in bulk or individually.

How to List Items on eBay

Justin Novello, who works with Vaynerchuk on influencer partnerships at VaynerMedia, explains the process of listing garage sale finds on eBay.

Step 1: Find Out What the Item Has Sold For

The first step is to research similar items on eBay, using the "sold listings" filter to see what comparable items have sold for.

Step 2: List a Starting Bid

Based on the research, set a starting bid for the item. Vaynerchuk suggests listing in an auction format, allowing buyers to bid on the item.

Step 3: Wait 'Till It Sells

List the item for a price consistent with what similar items have been selling for, be patient, and wait for it to sell.

Conclusion

Vaynerchuk concludes that garage sale flipping is a great way to make extra money on the weekends. By following the tips and strategies shared in the article, anyone can find vintage toys, hot wheels, and other treasures to resell on eBay for profit.