Scavenge of the week August 6-12, 2023

[craig rex]

I had a big scavenging haul in Chicago a few weeks ago, and I’m working on a few posts about it. Here is part one.

I haven’t been scavenging much in the few weeks since, though I expect that to pick up very soon as the big trading card sellers get back to normal business now that the National Sports Collectors Convention is finished. I did find a few bargains last week in the form of uncertified autographs, with this Ted Lindsay a nice example.

Years ago, the only way collectors could obtain autographs was at the games, at card shows or by sending the cards through the mail (TTM). Those types of autographs don’t necessarily hold a lot of value compared to manufacturer certified autographs, but for certain players who didn’t sign much or died young, and the legends, the value is still there. And you can always pay up to get your non-certified autographed authenticated by one of the major companies. I use PSA through a “group break” discount price of basically $10 to $20 a card. Last year was my first try doing one of these group breaks and I sent in about 60 cards. This year I plan to send in between 100 and 200. It will make for an expensive January as far as paying those submission fees but I know it will pay off in the end. Most cards and photos that I submit will make me a $10 or $20 profit, with some quite a bit higher. I’m very selective about what I send, and learned a lot from last year’s submission, so there shouldn’t be many duds in there. It’s something to look forward to after what will hopefully be a busy Q4.

What did you find this week?

[Retro Treasures WV]

No super amazing home runs at the huge city wide yard sale, but plenty of solid items. The highlights from this week:

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266370510967

Whirlpool Part# ECKMFEZ1 Automatic Refrigerator Ice Maker Kit 355962 New Sealed

Paid $1. new in box fridge parts always do well. This one should sell fairly quickly.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266370510740

RCA U1000 UNISON Phone System 4-Line Base Station DECT 6 Digital Receptionist

Paid $2. Executive phones can be really good money. Keep an eye out for them.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266370510295

Nike Elite Quad Zip System Max Air Hoops Backpack Bag – Black / White

Paid $5. Nike basketball backpacks have high STR and routinely go for $50+ used.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266370509775

SOC Sandpiper of California BUGOUT Backpack Coyote Brown Military Tactical

Paid $8. Good brand with good STR. Should sell quick.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266370525803

Jim Henson’s Bear In The Big Blue House What Will You Find Pop Up Game 1999 NEW

Paid $1. I love sealed older toys. This show was a fave of our oldest. Great show to nap to! Anyways, rare item with a rare buyer. I hope to sell at Christmas season.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266371173849

Louisville Slugger META 29/19 USSSA Composite Baseball Bat SLMTX10S-21

Paid $30 for this and one more bat. More paint wear than I would like but still valuable. Will likely sell for $150 offer. I bought the other bat to negotiate a better deal and hedge my buy cost. The other will sell for $30-40 and get me in the profit.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266371628742

Belleville 675 ST Gore-tex Boots Mens 12 R Cold Weather Waterproof Steel Toe

Paid $2. Combat boots are always plentiful at yard sales. These are really nice ones in a great size. Should sell pretty quickly.

 

I bought a TON of women’s shoes at one sale – 22 pair. All very nice. A bunch of Ralph Lauren leather driving shoes and other nicer brand shoes. Paid $3 a pair – many will sell for around $50. The cheapest will be $30-35.

[craig rex]

That’s a really good weekend of yard sales from where I’m sitting. Love both those backpacks and the boots. Really using your scavenging rules to grow your business in the best way!

I played baseball growing up, so the price of bats doesn’t surprise me all that much. But it’s still wild how much composite bats cost, even when they’re as well loved as the one you bought. With how common year-round athletics is now, I will be curious to see if that one sells soon or not until spring.

[Retro Treasures WV]

This was a $400 bat new. The rules on baseball bats are alot more complex than they were when I played baseball. This bat is not allowed in any Little League. It is only good for travel ball.

I figure this will be a spring sale but you never know!

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