by Anastasia Andrzejewski
When people ask me what is the most interesting, weird, crazy or unique thing I ever sold on ebay I always bring up my the old, tattered Adidas Soccer Ball box (note: this was an EMPTY box) I listed and sold probably 10 or 12 years ago.
I found the box in the basement. It was a bit decrepit. Somewhat crushed, flaps missing, probably a little stained. Oh, and did I mention that it was empty?
Well, I just had a hunch. I know people collect sports memorabilia and soccer (football) is a huge sport worldwide. And if I recall correctly the ball was endorsed by soccer legend, Pele. I figured, I’ll try and make 10 bucks before shipping and fees. So, I took pictures and listed the box as an auction starting at $9.99. A bidding war ensued and I ended up selling the empty, tattered box for about $90. Yes, US$90. And, someone who didn’t win emailed me several time begging me for the winner’s email address because he wanted to buy it from the winner (of course, I didn’t share that information).
The point of this story? You can make money–and I would say, good money–from what most people would clearly deem as garbage.
So, check your basements and garages for those empty 1982 World Cup Adidas Soccer boxes. And, here are some other items you probably have around your closet which might be worth putting up on ebay:
- clothes you’ve never worn (if tags are attached that’s even better)
- clothes that are worn but in great condition (brand name and designer stuff is especially good)
- vintage and retro clothes
- concert and souvenir t-shirts
- ugly and weird clothes (think Ugly Christmas sweaters)
- board games (especially if they are complete)
- books you no longer read
- programs and Playbills for shows, theater, concerts, plays, etc.
- CD’s, Records (vinyls, LPs, whatever you want to call them), even old cassette tapes and 8-tracks!
- toys (for example Fisher Price, Playskool, GI Joe, My Little Pony, etc.–check your basements!)
- cell phones and accessories you are no longer using
- anything Apple (even if very old and/or broken)–computers, laptops, ipods, ipads, iphones, etc.
- kitschy coffee mugs
- glasses and mugs with advertising on them (e.g. pint glasses or steins advertising a beer or soda)
- China, glassware, tableware, flatware you no longer use (sets or single pieces)
- vintage kitchen utensils
- crafting supplies you no longer want or use
- sport equipment
- vintage ephemera (ticket stubs, brochures, pamphlets)–for example a ticket stub for a concert for a popular performer, a vintage brochure for an old Tiki restaurant in your town, a souvenir pamphlet from Disney World, etc.)
This is obviously just a partial list. Hopefully it will inspire you to take a look around your house–under your bed, in the closet, on the shelves–and find some treasures to sell. At the very least you will be cleaning out clutter from your home while keeping it out of the landfill. You will also probably make a few extra dollars and if you’re lucky maybe a big chunk of change. And, there is the added bonus that you might make somebody’s day by connecting them with their new treasure (aka your old stuff)!
Anastasia Andrzejewski is President of George’s Toy Chest, LLC. George’s Toy chest buys and sells unique, collectible and antique memorabilia and is your online source for vintage and antique toys and retro collectibles. George’s Toy Chest sells their vast inventory on ebay where they have an excellent feedback record and have attained the coveted Top Seller Ranking.