Naked eBay Blog

Fast Food Coffee Mugs by Fire King = Fast Money on eBay

2007-02-07T19:35:00.000-08:00

What it is:
These are white glass mugs produced in the 1970s and 1980s by Fire King.

What to Look For:
You will primarily be looking for mugs made for McDonalds and Burger King. They will be marked on the bottom with the Fire King logo.

Selling Strategies:

Auction Title:
Always include the following in your auction title:
•Fire King
•Mug
•Name of the restaurant

Category:
Place your mugs in: Pottery & Glass > Glass > Glassware > 40s, 50s, 60s > Anchor Hocking > Fire King

Pricing:
Start your bidding under $10 ad watch the bids roll in!

SPECIAL NOTE:
You MUST be willing to ship to Japan in order to get top dollar. $10.00 will get it there by Air Mail. American Pop Culture is big in Japan, and collecting these mugs is just a tiny part of that craze. Even though the language barrier can cause a little confusion, the Japanese are good customers: polite and easy to work with.

Highlights:
A Burger King mug with the restaurant's address printed on it recently sold for $480.00!

Ease of Shipping:
Easy. Place a wad of paper inside the mug, wrap in bubble wrap, place in a sturdy box and pack with foam peanuts or newsprint.

Avoid:
Nothing really to avoid here, although there are some McDonald's mugs that are more common than others and will not generate as much money for you.

Target Selling Range (Profit Potential):
McDonald's mugs currently sell for $50 to $100 depending on design and condition of the paint.
Burger King mugs are selling for $75 to $150 individually.
Any of these mugs do especially well in small groups (2-4).

Go see for yourself. Click Here to see what these mugs have been selling for on eBay.

Dr. Strangespeller or: How I Learned to Stop Transposing and Love the Spell Check

2007-01-31T23:47:00.000-08:00

I can't spell worth a damn.

I rely on spell check the way my granny relies on her Social Security check to keep her stocked in smokes and cheap beer. So, I have been as guilty as anyone of making boneheaded spelling errors in my titles and auction body.

Most typos and misspellings just make you look unprofessional or uneducated, but when you misspell keywords, especially in your title, you set yourself up for failure.

Here are some of my favorite eBay misspellings:

Ernest Hemingway sells quite well, but his doppelganger, Mr. Hemmingway, is underappreciated.

A bowl and a bowel are wholly different receptacles. I don't suggest substituting one for the other.

People interested in genealogy will seldom find your geneology listings.

A crocodile is a large reptile used to make beautiful leather goods and at least two Australians famous. A crocadile is a related lizard, usually found lost in the Shoe & Accessories category.

Ralph Lauren is a famous American designer (who's real name is Ralph Lipchitz!) Ralph Laren appears to be a maker of clothing which does not sell very well on eBay.

As you can see, this spelling business is more science than art. The search function is unforgiving and creativity in the arrangement of letters is punished harshly.

That's all for now. I'm off to enjoy a big steaming bowel of oatmeal!

Alcoholics Anonymous Books - AA = $$ on eBay

2007-01-28T22:27:00.000-08:00

What it is:

The Alcoholics Anonymous big book has been in print since 1939, and is now in its fourth edition. It is probably the most collected book on the planet. Surprised? Don't be. This book has helped millions of people reclaim their lives. Some just want a nice vintage copy for their bookshelf. Others try to collect a copy of each printing. Still others seek out specific printings for material that was later removed.

What to Look For:

Any printing of the first edition will make you money. Second edition copies make the grade up to the mid 1960s. There is also good demand for first printing copies of the third edition (1976). Copies in dust jackets command premium prices.

Selling Strategies:

Auction Title:

Just place the words "Alcoholics Anonymous", as well as the edition and printing.

Category:

Books > Nonfiction.
You could really put them anywhere and collectors will find them.

Pricing:

Start is low and let the fun begin! There is no need to practice defensive pricing here.

Highlights:

Some recent auction prices from eBay:

$2000 for a first edition, 1st printing.
$732 for a first edition, 10th printing in the jacket.
$654 for a first edition, 3rd printing in poor condition.
$547 for a first edition, 9th printing in the jacket.
$483 for a first edition, 14th printing in the jacket.
$460 for a first edition, 11th printing in the jacket.
$460 for a first edition, 12th printing - NO jacket.
$425 for a second edition, 1st printing in the jacket.
$411 for a first edition, 14th printing - NO jacket.
$180 for a second edition, 2nd printing - NO jacket.
$88 for a third edition, 1st printing in the jacket.
$76 for a second edition, 7th printing - NO jacket.

Ease of Shipping:

Pretty simple. Like and other valuable book, place it in a plastic bag to protect it from getting wet, then pack it in a good box with newsprint or foam peanuts.

Avoid:

Stay away from third edition copies, unless they are the first printing.

Target Selling Range (Profit Potential):

First edition copies will almost always sell for at least $300, with particularly nice or early copies going in the $500-$600 range. The second edition will range from about $75 to $300.

See For Yourself:

Go see for yourself on eBay. Click Here to see what AA books have been selling for.

The Final Word on eBay and Paypal Fees

2007-01-26T22:48:00.000-08:00

If an eBay policy genie shot out my monitor and offered me one wish, I know exactly what it would be.

My wish would be for eBay to DOUBLE insertion fees. That's not a typo and you didn't misread it. eBay's insertion fees are too damn low.

Doubling insertion fees would do three things:

ONE: It would weed out a bunch of the low value crap that clutters up searches and makes it harder for bidders to find what they are looking for. Too much low interest stuff in a category has the same effect as keyword spamming. The keywords technically apply to these common, low dollar items, but they still clutter up searches and lead to search fatigue among potential bidders.

TWO: It would force sellers to be more selective about what they list. Sellers would have to ask themselves: What is the likelihood somebody would actually want this thing? A more selective seller population would go a long way toward making certain categories browsable once again. Serendipity would show her beautiful continence and buyers would stumble upon things they never knew existed. As it stands today, the idea of browsing the categories is akin to perusing the shelves of a dollar store for a Rolex. You know before you start that it isn't worth your time.

THREE: It would set off the biggest whiners' chorus in the history of ecommerce. Whenever eBay sellers start bitching, there is a 99% chance that something good is happening. I've been told this makes me contrarian, but I take the opposite view.

People just don't appreciate how cheap it is to sell on eBay. Here is a great tool that will show you exactly how much goes to eBay when you sell an item (and it ain't much). ebcalc.com is an online calculator that lets you plug in all your variables (like starting bid, final value, Paypal fees, etc.) and then gives your exact profit in dollars and cents.

Go there and play around. Plug in different numbers and see what happens. If you are remotely numerate you will quickly discover the intelligent design behind the fee structure. The powers that 'bay' have made it impossible to pay more than 12.65% in combined standard fees for any item that sells for over $20. For items selling for more than $30 (with an opeing bid under $10) you will never pay over 10% in standard eBay & Paypal fees.

Do you see where this is leading? The higher your average ticket (and $30 is quite modest) the smaller the bite eBay takes in fees. This is not rocket surgery, people. And don't get me started with you frickin' morons who refuse to accept Paypal because it's soooooo expensive. I'll save that for a day when I am not felling so mellow.

Old Concert T-Shirts - The Black-Gold of Pop Culture

2007-01-18T22:48:00.000-08:00

What it is:

Vintage concert t-shirts. You remember these! The black t-shirts emblazoned with the band name and artwork on the front and usually having the tour dates printed on the back. Collectors actively bid on shirts from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

What to Look For:

The big names of Rock-n-Roll are always in demand: Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Lynard Skynard... the list goes on.

Bands tend to do much better than individual artists, but there are exceptions to every rule. Don't pass up Jimmi Hendrix or Bruce Springsteen. Shirts from early in a band's career usually sell for more than later shirts.

Just buy them all, as they shouldn't cost more than a dollar or two.

Selling Strategies:

Auction Title:

Include the name of the artist or band and the date, as well as the words 'concert', 'tour' and 't-shirt'.

Category:

Entertainment Memorabilia > Music Memorabilia > Rock, Pop

or

Clothing, Shoes & Accessories > Vintage

Use both categories for the more desirable shirts.

Pricing:

Start your bidding at $9.95 and let collectors fight over it!

Highlights:

Wouldn't you love to have been the seller of any of these?

$312 for a 1967 Monkees shirt

$279 for a 1991 Iron Maidon shirt

$178 for a 1982 Clash shirt

$152 of a 1981 Rolling Stones shirt

$140 for a 1994 Motley Crue shirt

$102 for a 1980 Bruce Springsteen shirt

Ease of Shipping:

Doesn't get much easier. Fold the shirt and put it in a plastic bag. Place in a padded mailer.

Avoid:

Since you never have to pay much for these, there is really nothing to stay away from. Even a many of the dogs will sell for $10 if you want to bother listing them.

Of course, any shirts you sell should be clean and odor free. Some people like them to show some wear, but those with large holes should be avoided.

Target Selling Range (Profit Potential):

Most of the shirts you find will sell in the $25 to $50 range. $100+ sales are not uncommon.

Go see for yourself on eBay. Click Here to see what vintage concert t-shirts are currently selling for.

Haunted Auctions and the Witches of eBay

2007-01-17T00:16:00.000-08:00

You will either think this is the biggest hoot going on eBay, or be totally disgusted by it.

Most of us were read fairy tales when we were kids. Remember Aladdin's magic lamp? Jack's beans? Frosty's hat? How about Dorothy's ruby slippers or Gollum's Precious? Harry Potter's...whatever Harry Potter has?

OK, think for a minute. What would you pay for a magic ring? How about a box containing a wish granting genii? Did you know those things can be found on eBay? Well, they can. And many sell for hundreds, sometimes even thousands of dollars.

Don't believe me? Just click your heels together three times then CLICK HERE to see for yourself.

Read some of the description if you have the time. They can be quite long and give the detailed genealogies of the witches and warlocks who supposedly once owned these baubles.

The level of creativity and gall boggles the ol' gray matter. These sellers have eBalls!. And the bidders eat it up. From a marketing perspective this is 99% sizzle and 1% steak.

The photos of the items are my favorite part! Mists swirl and flames dance around these powerful objects. Blessed Be PhotoShop!

This seller seems to be the most successful at the game, and is certainly among the most creative. She has even formed a dealers' association: the United Association of Metaphysical Dealers (UAMD). Never hurts to have some initials next to your name! Here are items currently being offered by UAMD members.

Is this is scam? My first reaction was, 'Hell, yes, it's a scam'. But while writing this my view has softened. Maybe it's a new form of entertainment. Mystery. Wonder. Escapism. And judging from the glowing feedback these sellers receive, the placebo effect is strong as Kong.

I can see the ghost of Barnum winking at us. This way to the Egress!

Time and Profit Guidelines for Selling on eBay

2007-01-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

Time is the master ingredient. You can't list an auction on eBay without spending some. It takes time to write the listing. It takes time to photograph the item and edit the photos. It takes time to pack and ship the item. How much is your time worth?

Here are the rules I've evolved over the last nine years to help me choose which items are worth my time to list:

The Wizard's Rules of Time Justification

RULE ONE: Don't spend your time on an item unless you can reasonably expect to make a $30 profit.

RULE TWO: If an item requires a very detailed and lengthy description, or will be time consuming to pack for shipment, only list it if you can reasonably expect to make a $100 profit.

Exception to rule number one: If an item can be listed with only a photo (or two) and a one sentence description (or two) PLUS be packed for shipping in less time than it takes to make a bowl of cereal, then a smaller profit margin is acceptable. Many postcards and small photographs would fall into this category, as well as some clothing items.

Some may say that you would be passing up many items on which you could make a $20 profit by following these rules...and they would be correct.

The idea is to become more selective. When it comes to your eBay business, your time is worth what your listings are bringing in. By following the Wizard's rules you will be giving yourself a pay raise.

Of course if you like beating your head against a wall for popcorn money, just list a bunch of low margin crap until your fingers bleed and the eBay logo is branded on your retinas. As always, the choice is yours.

Get the eBay ID You Want...Maybe

2007-01-12T00:47:00.000-08:00

Steve Lindhorst at GenuineSeller.com has written a great post about getting the eBay ID you want if the current holder has not been actively using it. A memorable and relevant eBay ID is an important part of building your brand and securing a place in the minds of your customers.

Real Photo Postcards Will Make You Real Money

2007-01-12T00:03:00.000-08:00

What it is:

Also known as RPPCs, these are actual photographs that were produced by developing them onto photographic paper the size and weight of a postcard, with the standard postcard back consisting of space for address, message and postage. Most date before 1940, with the heyday being 1910 to 1930.

There are other ways of placing an image on a postcard which are not "real photos".

The easiest way to tell the difference is to use a magnifying glass. If the image is printed, you will see that it is made up of little dots, just like a photo printed in a newspaper. A "real photo" postcard will show no dots under magnification.

What to Look For:

There is a buyer for just about anything except "instant ancestors", those photos of people standing no place in particular, staring at the camera.

Hot areas for collectors include:

Buildings

Vehicles

Street Scenes

Aviation

Saloons

People in unusual dress

Animals

Landmarks

Hunting

Fishing

Working (called Occupationals)

Ships

Exotic Locales

Railroads

Risque/Nudes

the list goes on

The highest prices usually come from identified buildings and street scenes, with occupationals a close second.

Selling Strategies:

Auction Title:

Include "Real Photo" in your title along with the most intriguing description you can come up with for your image. If you RPPC shows a certain city, include it and the state name as well.

Category:

Place in the most appropriate subcategory under:

Collectibles > Postcards & Paper > Postcards > Real Photo

If your image is of a building or street in a particular city, place it in the most appropriate subcategory under:

Collectibles > Postcards & Paper > Postcards > US State, Town Views

Pricing:

Start your bidding at $9.95. Good images will sell for good prices.

Highlights:

Are you ready for this?

$280 for a 1910s card showing a horse drawn milk wagon.

$253 for a 1920s card showing Walker's Grove in Plainfield, Illinois.

$227 for a 1910s card showing main street in Truckee, California.

$205 for a 1905 card showing the Chester, New Jersey railroad depot.

$182 for a 1920s card showing and a group of Ohio University sorority girls in black face.

$173 for a 1910s card showing people dancing in Glendive, Minnesota.

$150 for a 1930s card showing a topless girl in Tahiti.

$120 for a 1920s card showing a gas station in Maine.

$106 for a 1930s card showing a world record marlin.

$105 for for a 1920s card showing an extreme close-up of a woman's eyes.

$99 for a 1910s card showing a horse drawn bread wagon.

$99 for a 1917 card showing the Bluestone Mine in Mason, Nevada.

$78 for a 1930s view of Sperryville, Virginia.

$56 for a 1927 card showing boats at Cedar Lake, Indiana.

$53 for a 1950s card showing fly fishermen.

$50 for a 1920s card showing a train wreck in Dwight, Illinois.

Ease of Shipping:

Simple. Place in a plastic sleeve between three layers of cardboard and slip into an envelope.

Avoid:

Stay away from cards holes, large tears and creases. Also avoid the "instant ancestors" mentioned above.

Target Selling Range (Profit Potential):

Most of your cards will sell in the $10-$20 range, but the upside potential is huge. Many of these cards are one of a kind and collectors know if they let it get away they may never have another chance. If two bidders decide they must have a certain card it can turn what should have been a $20 auction into a $100+ sale.

See For Yourself:

Go see for yourself on eBay. Click Here to see what these items have been selling for. Ignore the listings by knuckleheads who started the bidding at $350 and didn't sell the damn thing.

Why the eBay System Encourages Last Minute Bids

2007-01-10T15:31:00.000-08:00

"Newbays" are easily discouraged. One thing that particualry sets them to fretting is few or no bids as the end of an auction approaches. Bottom line: it shouldn't.

Trevor Ginn has posted the results of a study titled Last minute bids on eBay: A comparison with Amazon Auctions that should put your mind at ease. It will show you why the design of the eBay system leads experienced bidders to the Land of Snipe.

Vintage Nike is Like Money in the Bank

2006-09-21T00:52:00.000-07:00

What it is:

Nike began in 1971 as a manufacturer of light weight running shoes. It's "swoosh" logo has become an icon worldwide and vintage pieces of all kinds are in demand. These are collectibles that people will actually wear. Vintage does not have quite the same meaning here as with other collectibles. There are many Nike creations from the mid 1990s that are quite valuable.

What to Look For:

Nearly all Nike gear from the 1980s or earlier are worth your time. Keep a special eye out for early Air Jordan high top basket ball shoes, as well as waffle soled running shoes from the 1970s (the soles really do look like a waffle).

Selling Strategies:

Auction Title:

Include the following in your auction title:

The words "Vintage Nike"
The year, if known.
The model, if known.
The type of item (i.e. running shoes, track suit, etc).

Category:

Clothes, Shoes, Accesories > Men's Shoes

or

Clothes, Shoes, Accesories > Vintage

Pricing:

Start at $9.95. The bidders are sure to make you happy.

Highlights:

These highlights should squash any doubt's you have about buying vintage Nike. Just do it!

$455 for a pair of 1991 Nike Airtech Agassi shoes.
$428 for a pair of Air Jordan shoes from 1985.
$325 for a pair of 1983 Terra running shoes.
$280 for a 1979 pair of waffle soled racers (missing the arches).
$242 for a 1970s Nike logo t-shirt.
$211 for an early 1980s Nike track suit.
$162 for a 1970s Nike hooded sweat shirt.
$117 for a 1980s men's cotton half-shirt.

Ease of Shipping:

Place the item in a plastic bag to protect it from getting wet. Put it in a good box and fill with foam peanuts or newsprint.

Avoid:

Avoid badly worn items with holes or large tears. Collectors seem to be more forgiving of condition problems in shoes.

Target Selling Range (Profit Potential):

Nike is hot with vintage clothing aficionados. Most vintage NIke gear will make you $50 to $100 on eBay.

See For Yourself:

Go see for yourself on eBay. Click Here to see what these items have been selling for.

How to be a Miserable Failure at eBay Selling

2006-09-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

Want to join the army of whining semi-literates who fail to make money selling on eBay?

Great! Grab your pencil and get ready to take notes. Put these rules to work and you can start wracking up insertion fees with nothing to show for it.

Six Solid Rules for Certain eBay Failure

Start the bidding high. Preferably at more than the item is actually worth. You don't want a bunch of tire-kickers poking around your auction. All you need to do is find the one person on earth willing to pay any price you ask for your item. Bidding wars? Ppppssst! Who needs 'em. All you are after is that one big bid.
Jack up your shipping charge. Buyers don't care what you charge to get the item to them. Better yet, keep the shipping charge secret until the auction ends. Everybody loves surprises! It also lets you pad your profit if you ignored rule number one.
Use fuzzy pictures. Run to your local Wal-Mart and pick up one of those $7.88 digital cameras they sell at the checkout. You know the ones: no LCD display, no flash and it doubles as a key chain (I love multi-tasking tools!) Now go into a dim room and snap a few shots of the item you are selling. If you are really good, you can achieve a level of graininess not seen since granny gave her Philco to the Salvation Army.
EXTRA CREDIT: If you can manage to show your dirty breakfast dishes or empty beer cans in the background, all the better. People are interested!
Pretend to be an expert on the item you are selling, even if you are not quite sure what it is. Use phrases like, "a great addition to your collection," or, "SUPER RARE!" People typically know nothing about the things they bid on. Your feigned expertise is sure to instill bidding confidence.
USE ALL CAPS WHEN WRITING YOUR TITLE AND DESCRIPTION! IT MAKES YOU APPEAR ERNEST AND SOPHISTICATED. BESIDES, WHO HAS TIME FOR THE SHIFT KEY?
Devote at least twice as much space to your terms and conditions as you do to the description. Make sure them bidders know you ain't gonna cotter to any of their shenanigans. Don't forget to include a threat of some kind. People need discipline!

Well, that should get you started. Once you master these six rules you will understand that there just isn't any way to make money on eBay. On the other hand, if you implement them and still manage to have a few dollars rolling in, please contact me. I have some advanced tips for you.

This post was written for the Problogger.net group writing project. Click here to check it out. A world of 'How to' awaits you.

Good luck, Genius!
The Wizard of Auctions

A Low Opening Bid = More Money

2006-09-18T13:42:00.000-07:00

Many novice sellers are afraid to use a low opening bid for fear that it will be the only bid they receive. If you are selling crap that nobody wants, I'm sure this is a legitimate concern.

If, howerver, you are selling something desirable, you are leaving money on the table with a high opening bid.

The reasons:

An item that receives an early bid is much more likley to receive multiple bids.
Auction fever can't take hold. It takes a low opening bid to plant the seed of larceny in the average heart.
Insertion fees. Keep the opening bid under $10 and the basic fee is only 35 cents.

Accutron Watches Sell for Good Money on eBay

2006-09-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

What it is:

Introduced by Bulova in 1960, the Accutron was revolutionary. It used a tuning fork instead of mechanical works to keep time and is incredibly accurate. Bulova called it, "The Watch that Hums." They were even worn by the astronauts! Vintage Accutrons are in great demand from collectors. How do you know that a Bulova watch is an Accutron? It says so on the face.

What to Look For:

First a note on dating Accutron watches. Bulova used a code on the back of each watch to denote its year of manufacture. The letter M was for the decade if the 1960s and the letter N was for the 1970s. Therefore an Accutron marked M9 was made in 1969. One marked N4 was made in 1974.

Any Accutron made before 1978 is worth listing on eBay (1977 was the last year the tuning fork mechanism was used). Particularly popular are Astronaut models(just like the ones worn by the astronauts) and Space View models (they have a clear face so the mechanism is visible). For Accutron collectors, it seem the wilder the style, the more interested they are. This means you should salivate at the site some a groovy looking Accutron with a textured face and a blue or pink crystal!

It does not matter if your Accutron is running or damaged. They are bought for parts, or to repair. I sold an average looking, non-running Accutron with heavy scratches to case and crystal last year for $56. It cost me twenty-five cents at a garage sale.

Selling Strategies:

Auction Title:

Include the following in your title:

Accutron
The year it was made.
The model if you know it.
The word "Vintage".

Category:

Jewelry & Watches > Watches > Wristwatches

Pricing:

Start it at $1 and WATCH the bidders do the rest.

Highlights:

Here are some recent auction prices. These highlights do not include any sterling silver or gold Accutrons, which sell even higher.

$300 for a vintage Spaceview in its box.
$274 for and Accutron Astronaut watch with rotary bezel.
$231 for a 1960s Accutron with Goodyear logo.
$127 for a 1970s Accutron with a brown dial.
$124 for a 1970s Railroad Approved Accutron.
$122 for a 1960s stainless steel Accutron.
$116 for a vintage Accutron with gold-toned face.

Ease of Shipping:

Watches are easy to ship. Place it in a plastic bag, wrap it in bubble wrap and place in a small, sturdy box. Fill any air spaces with foam peanuts or newsprint.

Avoid:

Nothing to avoid as long as the price is low enough. This is a strong area of collecting and getting stronger.

Target Selling Range (Profit Potential):

Just about any old Accutron will sell for $50, with most hovering in the $75 range. I have sold severely worn pieces that look like absolute junk for over $30.

See For Yourself:

Go see for yourself on eBay. Click Here to see what these items have been selling for.

Vintage Pyrex sells on eBay

2006-09-15T12:26:00.000-07:00

What it is:

Ah, Pyrex. Your mother loved it! Clear ovenproof glass and multi-colored mixing bowl sets; sanitary and easy to clean. Collectors and kitchenistas buy them today for both practicality and nostalgia.

What to Look For:

You are primarily after sets of mixing bowls and percolators, as these are the most often found Pyrex pieces at estate and garage sales. But don't pass up pie plates, casserole dishes, large measuring cups, etc. Percolators in the original box (not uncommon) command premium prices.

Selling Strategies:

Auction Title:

Include the following in your title:

The word "Pyrex".
The type of object.
The word "vintage".

Category:

Place in Pottery & Glass > Glass > Glassware > Pyrex

Pricing:

Like most things, you will have better luck if you start your bidding low. Start at $9.95 and let auction fever spread.

Highlights:

Here are some recent eBay prices for vintage Pyrex.

$91 for a set of primary colored mixing bowls.
$82 for a set of four nesting polka-dot mixing bowls.
$66 for a 1970s three piece casserole set.
$64 for a nine cup coffee percolator.
$61 for three 11 1/2 inch clear pie pans.
$56 for a vintage Pyrex double boiler.
$52 for an eight piece refrigerator set.

Ease of Shipping:

Requires a little effort to keep it safe, but its not that bad. Wrap well in bubble wrap, place in the proverbial "sturdy box" and fill with foam peanuts or newsprint.

Avoid:

Leave chipped, cracked and heavily worn pieces where you find them.

Target Selling Range (Profit Potential):

Most vintage individual pieces sell for about $10. Percolators/Coffee Pots will make you about $30. Nice mixing sets are good for $40-50.

See For Yourself:

Go see for yourself on eBay. Click Here to see what these items have been selling for.

Ignorance, Prejudice and Making Money on eBay

2006-09-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

When I tell people what I do for a living, one of the questions I am asked is, "Why would somebody sell you an item worth $100 for fifty cents?"

The short answer is: Ingorance and prejudice. Ignorance does not imply that these people are stupid (though they may be in some cases). Ignorance is a lack of knowledge. We all start out ignorant, and then we learn. Always remember that increasing your knowledge will put money in your pocket, and keep you from making mistakes.

Prejudice, when it comes to items being offered for sale, is a dire condition that prevents people from overcoming their ignorance. Just about everyone today has access to the Internet and it is simple to go to eBay and look up the value of an item. Fortunately for us, prejudice colors the perception of many. They look at an item and immediately presume it to be worthless. They are happy to sell it to one of us for fifty cents or a dollar, all the while thinking they got the best end of the deal. You can thank the seller's prejudice the next time you turn some spare change into a night on the town by selling your find on eBay.

As the Wizard of Auctions, it is my goal to help you abolish your ignorance as to just what has value on eBay. Increased knowledge, plus persistant hunting, means more money in your pocket.

Seven Golden Cities

2006-09-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

Seven golden cities! Do you know the story? On February 23, 1540, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado set out to find the Seven Cities of Cibola, places so rich that the doors of common homes were said the be clad in gold and studded with sapphires!

What does this have to do with selling stuff on eBay? Stick with me.

Coronado was the first full fledged treasure hunter to set out on the American continent. Conquistadors before him had acquired riches, but that was not their main aim. These men where after land, power and fame. Coronado was different. It was the hunt for treasure that drove him.

Almost 400 years later, in 1930, the great folklorist J. Frank Dobie wrote a book about lost mines and buried treasure in the Southwest. Dobie believed those who searched for lost riches were the inheritors of Coronado, whether they rushed to California ablaze with gold fever or slogged after the lost treasure of pirate Jean Laffite in the bays of Texas. He called them Coronado's children.

We are Coronado's children of the information age. We find our treasures, not in lost mines or pirate grottoes, but amid the rubbish of garage sales, the flotsam of flea markets and the worldly remains of estate sales. We are truly the old Spaniard's blessed heirs. There is treasure everywhere! And knowledge will open your eyes.

Naked eBay Blog

Fast Food Coffee Mugs by Fire King = Fast Money on eBay

Dr. Strangespeller or: How I Learned to Stop Transposing and Love the Spell Check

Alcoholics Anonymous Books - AA = $$ on eBay

The Final Word on eBay and Paypal Fees

Old Concert T-Shirts - The Black-Gold of Pop Culture

Haunted Auctions and the Witches of eBay

Time and Profit Guidelines for Selling on eBay

Get the eBay ID You Want...Maybe

More on Real Photo Postcards

Real Photo Postcards Will Make You Real Money

Why the eBay System Encourages Last Minute Bids

Vintage Nike is Like Money in the Bank

How to be a Miserable Failure at eBay Selling

A Low Opening Bid = More Money

Accutron Watches Sell for Good Money on eBay

Vintage Pyrex sells on eBay

Ignorance, Prejudice and Making Money on eBay

Seven Golden Cities