Buying second-hand items can be a budget booster. And buying items in estate sales offers access to various products you can either sell for profit or use in your home. You can fill your house with gently used goods to new-in-box products. Estate sales can be a goldmine, especially if you search for high-quality and unique goods at friendly prices.
Though you may not find trendy items at estate sales, the goods sold have stood the test of time and are good aesthetically and quality. If you’re a novice, this article will show various items in which to invest your time and money!
1. First edition books
Many estate sales feature numerous bookcases ranging from nonfiction to classic novels, but it’s difficult to identify first edition books. However, if you’re an avid reader, then you can purchase books less costly in estate sales than it would cost you to drive to a library.
So, how do you spot a first edition book?
For most first editions, you’ll find the date on the title page matches the date on the copyright page. Sometimes, you may find the words “first edition” on the copyright page, but generally, it still needs verification by an expert.
Alternatively, check the printed sequence numbers at the bottom of the page on the copyright page. The book is the first edition if it includes the numeral “1” in the sequence. Books aren’t often in much demand unless they are first editions.
2. Fine Art
You may have come across stories of people who bought paintings at an estate sale for pennies that turned out to be worth thousands, if not millions, of dollars. Though this is a rare case, this area offers many alternatives at estate sales, especially for those doing art prints or oil paintings. For each sale you visit, you’ll find a unique artwork selection. This can range from paintings, sculptures, stained glass, and other well-known classics.
If you’re purchasing artwork for your personal use, it’s easy to select one that complements your décor. So, always stay updated on the most popular themes like Art Deco and the Mid-Century modern. Also, find out which illustrators have brought in more cash at auction so that it’ll be easy and worth it to look for their work in estate sales.
3. Jewelry
Estate sales are prominent for having jewelry features, whether designer pieces for selling or vintage jewelry for personal use. Though prices vary from gold and diamond deals to high designer goods and vintage costume jewelry pieces, you can expect great discounts on rare costume jewelry, while most fine jewelry is priced closer to market value.
If you’re interested in jewelry from a specific designer, it’s best to conduct research beforehand to ensure the company is known for its specific design, such as an engraved logo. With such information, it will be easy for you to confirm the authenticity of the jewelry pieces.
4. Kitchenware
Kitchenware is a broad field with numerous options, from kitchen tools to vintage Pyrex. You’ll easily outfit your entire kitchen and even save more money by shopping at estate sales. Many of the items sold are nearly new or brand new, requiring a little freshening clean-up before use.
Though there is a small difference between their original and estate sale prices, the products do not have a warranty. Therefore, it’s vital to choose older appliances and vintage furniture products as they may not be the exact thing you expect aesthetically. So, if you’re planning to flip the kitchen collectibles, consider unusual versions and uniquely shaped items, as they may be worth to collectors.
Ideally, many proprietors reduce their prices by 25% on the second day of estate sales and 50% on the last day. So, lastly, if you see an item that is overpriced on the first day of the sale, it could be in your best interest to check the item on the second and last days of the sale!
