If you love shopping garage and estate sales, why not make a business out of it? Antique appraiser Gary Germer joined us to share his expert tips on how to get started selling your vintage wares. For more information about Gary, visit www.garygermer.com.
Garage sales vs. estate sales. Garage sales are things sorted out of someone's home that they don't want, so you can usually find things much cheaper there. Estate sales are where the person has died or downsized dramatically and needs to liquidate — you'll often find antiques, art, and more interesting things, but sometimes at higher prices.
Tip 1 — Train your eye. Choose a category or two that really interests you — records, vintage clothes, art, toys, etc. — or a subject, like interior decor, science, or cooking, and learn all you can about it. Use your phone to see completed sales on eBay, or Google Lens or ChatGPT to help you quickly research onsite (be careful with AI — it's only about 70-80% accurate, and it wants to tell you what it thinks you want to hear). Follow auctions and sit on your hands at first.
Tip 2 — Start small. Don't buy everything — it's better to miss a good deal than to buy a bad one. Have a weekend budget, $50-$100 or more, and buy to at least triple your money. Start with smaller things which can be sold quickly.
Tip 3 — Where to sell. eBay, Etsy, Rubylane, Chairish, Facebook Marketplace, etc. — find which works best for you. Good photos and storytelling matter (sell the steak with the sizzle). Eventually, consider a small shop in an antique mall or co-op.
Tip 4 — Scaling up. Keep notes and records — treat it like a real business. Track what sells well and learn more on that. Keep in touch with people who buy from you, through Instagram, Facebook, and direct mail.
Final note: start small, learn as you go, and have fun — I think that's the most important part.
Originally aired on AM Northwest, KATU.
