You never stop learning as an antiques and collectibles dealer, and this summer has been proof of that for us. We've mentioned the embarrassment of garage-sale riches this summer, and recently, the questions we've been receiving have all circled around: What was the biggest surprise? Biggest discovery? What'd you learn? We're revealing three aha! moments from this summer: Twin Winton pottery (and how our own anti-hillbilly bias kept us from seeing it before), Hallmark Holiday Barbies (sold in Hallmark stores, not toy stores), and Juliana Jewelry (plus a fantastic website you'll want to visit to train your own eye). Stay tuned to the end for a new Tonka Trucks tip we recently learned as well.

What makes an antique or collectible valuable? Sometimes, it’s not the object itself; it’s what the object is made of! In this episode, we explore how materials can drive collector demand, value, and sales, from glowing uranium glass and Fiesta red to Bakelite, celluloid, Lucite, ivory, sterling silver, pewter, wood, leather, silk, and unusual vintage fabrics. We discuss how to identify collectible materials, spot valuable objects in bags of “junk,” and explain why color can be a clue when attempting to identify a specific material. We also dive a bit into how knowing what an object is made of can absolutely help your online descriptions. Stay tuned for the bonus tip on ephemera (don't toss those scraps)! In short, what your pick is made of may sometimes be the most important part of its story...and your listing.

Back-to-school season is a great time for antiques and collectibles sellers to rethink what they’re putting in front of shoppers. In this episode, we look at vintage school supplies, antique desks, globes, maps, textbooks, typewriters, yearbooks, letterman jackets, caps and gowns, and nostalgic classroom collectibles. We're also witnessing a growing interest in analog desk and office accessories, which dovetails perfectly with this season: old office technology, desk sets, ink blotters, art glass paperweights, and wall art! We advise sellers here not to dismiss dorm decor and collegiate style possibilities (think preppy Ralph Lauren-inspired fashion), and discuss how staging a vintage “study area” in your booth can invite shoppers and increase sales this time of year. Whether you sell antiques online, at flea markets, or in an antique mall, these back-to-school and office trends can reveal some surprisingly strong opportunities.

You’ve researched your antique or collectible. Checked for price comps. Taken some great photos. At this point, the description can feel almost like an unnecessary hassle...in reality, it's anything but! In this episode, we're digging deep into what to include in online listings for vintage clothing, coins, books, electronics, even musical instruments and lamps. The most surprising details can actually help move an item, whether that's measurements, materials, accessories, even care instructions. We also discuss vintage clothing sizes and vanity sizing, and how to do basic coin grading (even if you're not a pro). We wrap it up at the end with a bit on successful title methods. Improving your descriptions isn't busywork. It's strategy. The better your description, the better chance you have of making the sale.

Think the world of automobile collectibles is all about gas pumps and petroliana? Think again. In this episode, we explore some of the less-thought-of automotive collectibles. Did you know some car manufacturers sold their own tools? That license plates were once made of enamel? Or that you can find figural hood ornaments made by glass manufacturers? Get behind the wheel and take a leisurely drive through the world of automotive signage, maps, hubcaps, gear-shift knobs, and Route 66 memorabilia. And yes, you should absolutely be on the lookout for Model T accessories (yep, they're still out there!), as well as transportation and tobacco trading cards. It's all part of the hunt.

We realize this is a total Cadillac problem: John has so much inventory from insanely good garage sales that it's become something of a management issue. In this episode, we're breaking down how to handle a flood when it happens (and how to manage or prepare for dry spells). In this business, it seems like it's always one or the other. Here, we're breaking down John's inventory system, revisiting "shop you home" advice, discussing some current home decorating trends, and talking about what John's doing to prepare for a slow winter buying season. The feast-or-famine cycle is a real part of this business. You won't avoid it; the key is to make it work for you.

We promised a linen-specific episode, but as we planned for it, we realized we wanted to hit something far broader: home goods. On this episode, we share a real garage sale find and explain why you should always pick up hardware. (Our $4 bag of mid-century cabinet pulls will turn into HUNDREDS of dollars in profit!) We also picked up some vintage brass sash chain with surprising profit potential. We talk about trends we're starting to see in home decor (maximalism, color, pattern drenching), and, yes, we DO get to the linens: embroidery, lace, cross stitch, tablecloths, sheets, tea towels, and vintage fabric. Whether you're selling on eBay, Etsy, or at antique shows, you'll learn how to spot valuable vintage home goods, identify the details buyers are looking for, and uncover hidden profits in items most people walk right past.

In this episode, we're tackling a question sent in by one of our listeners: how do you ship antiques and art overseas? We're breaking down what we learned about freight forwarding (yep, they know how to handle customs paperwork, shipment consolidation, etc.), and we also discuss a pleasant surprise that we found by simply getting a little outside of our usual garage sale budget. We'll share why thinking beyond "yard sale prices" helped us uncover incredible resale opportunities, including a haul featuring handmade quilts, vintage Star Wars collectibles, Buffy the Vampire Slayer memorabilia, Peola Valley Pottery, LEGO collectibles, and more. It can be a little intimidating to step beyond your comfort zone, but if you move strategically, it can amplify your profits on eBay, Etsy, or in your antiques booth.