Bad luck with garage sales this year?

[Spartcom5]

Hey guys! Long time no see. I have still been finding decent stuff out there but nothing incredible. I have noticed however, garage sales have not been kind to me this year at all. I always ask when I show up if they have any watches I could look at..... I either get a no response or more often than not they look horrified I asked and there's no way. I guess not many people have watches anymore? I will keep trying and getting out there but it is looking bleak!

Also, is there a better way to go about this other than asking to see some watches when they ask what I am looking for? I am younger in my 20s so some people think it's weird I am looking for watches lol. One time I asked they told me to go buy an apple watch.....

 

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[Drmad7]

You are doing it right it seems...IF you are wearing a watch while asking about them. I’m older than 20 but still say “ I’m into watches, it’s pretty much an addiction!”. People are less suspicious of me basically trying to make money from their item.

 

[Spartcom5]

Honestly, never thought about wearing a nice older watch while out searching! I think I'll do that next time for sure.

 

[captain flintlock]

Just keep at it. It was like that for us last year. Several decent things here and there but nothing earth shattering. However, this year so far has been fantastic. I think things just go through a slow period where people aren’t having sales or the lack of good ones. Maybe widen your search area a bit. Keep searching though!!

 

[Hawks88]

I did that for years and asked for watches. I got lots including 3 Rolex’s for cheap. A lot of times when asking the person says sure wait a minute and goes in the house. I look around and a small crowd waits to see what comes out of the house. Next thing is everyone wants in on it, so I got business cards made up and said looking for wristwatches, pocket watches and scrap jewelry call me at this number. I got lots of calls one on one with the owners.

 

[smokeythecat]

I gave up awhile back. Never did well.

 

[artslinger]

Use the same law that the casinos use, the law of averages! They know that the more people stay and play, that they will lose. In your case, the more people you ask, the more chances are that you will score. All of my watch scores have been because I asked. You also shouldn't be too concerned with peoples reactions when you ask, they are funny, but keep on asking! :-) People think that I'm lucky at work when they see, or I tell them what I scored. Luck may have a little to do, but nobody brings the watches, art, or jewelry, and put them neatly by my door with a pretty little bow! No, like so many out there, we get up early day in and day out, and dedicate our time, resources, and energy. To me, it's a lot of fun, and I've enjoyed it today as much as when my lovely mother would drag me to them every Sat morning back in the 80s.

Another recommendation, keep your eyes opened, learn about many other things. Like that, if you don't find the watches, you may find other things equally as beautiful and valuable, until you do find the watches. here is a very valuable tip, I should charge you for it, say, maybe one of your future watch scores. Go on Craigslist under the garage sale section starting early in the week, and email, text (for those wonderful people that give out their phone number), and ask " Hello, at your sale, do you have any old watches working or non"? Always remember to thank them. Yes you will get a lot of no, but who cares, the yes is just around the corner. This requires work and dedication, but it does pay off. try it, then email me, and I'll send you my address for your to send me my watch. You're the luck that you're waiting for! :-)

artslinger

 

[Beachkid23]

What works for me: Do you have any watches you dont wear anymore? Not old watches. Just watches. Then I wear a seiko tuna and tap on my wrist while I ask. So this way they understand what im asking for.



I did get one today at the flea market. Though today for $40. Asked if she had any not sitting out. Needs a stem.

 

[randazzo1]

Sounds right to me too. One thing I’d add is that I used to buy only watches and jewelry but recently expanded my buying to “everything” and am having loads more success - like 10x better.

 

[JimDon]

Definitely wear an older cheap watch like a Timex. I saw this guy with a MR T starter kit, gold rings necklaces, gold Rolex, sterling belt buckle and cowboy boots asking. I have to believe it turns people off.

 

[GibH]

Definitely wear an older cheap watch like a Timex. I saw this guy with a MR T starter kit, gold rings necklaces, gold Rolex, sterling belt buckle and cowboy boots asking. I have to believe it turns people off.

I guess you could say..."I PITY THE FOOL!".

 

[jerseyben]

Sounds right to me too. One thing I’d add is that I used to buy only watches and jewelry but recently expanded my buying to “everything” and am having loads more success - like 10x better.

Funny. I used to buy everything. I was unfocused and bought loads of crap. After dumping that same crap at my own yard sale or simply throwing it away, I got focused and disciplined. Now, I only buy records, coins, video games, jewelry, vintage stereo equipment, and a small handful of antiques. Sure, some days I come home empty handed. I still prefer it this way. Now, if I come across someone "clearing out" and everything is being sold for pennies on the dollar, sometimes I still load up. However situations like that only happen once or twice per season. There are still things I just won't touch... Most furniture, glass, dolls, and sports stuff. Tools is an area I still struggle with. I used to buy tools as my main area of focus but have since stopped buying tools at all. Cell phones is another area I have stopped messing with all together. Of course, the rule that I will always follow is this: If I find something truly unique/rare/intriguing - buy it when you see it!

 

[Fushek]

Funny. I used to buy everything. I was unfocused and bought loads of crap. After dumping that same crap at my own yard sale or simply throwing it away, I got focused and disciplined. Now, I only buy records, coins, video games, jewelry, vintage stereo equipment, and a small handful of antiques. Sure, some days I come home empty handed. I still prefer it this way. Now, if I come across someone "clearing out" and everything is being sold for pennies on the dollar, sometimes I still load up. However situations like that only happen once or twice per season. There are still things I just won't touch... Most furniture, glass, dolls, and sports stuff. Tools is an area I still struggle with. I used to buy tools as my main area of focus but have since stopped buying tools at all. Cell phones is another area I have stopped messing with all together. Of course, the rule that I will always follow is this: If I find something truly unique/rare/intriguing - buy it when you see it!

Yeah ... tried the "buy anything" method for a while and donated/yard saled a bunch of stuff myself. I think that your method is the best model.

Have an area of focus where you are an "expert" in. I love toys, board & video games so that's often my main goal.
Always be alert for the oddity or even the obvious. Some of my best finds have been things I am NOT an expert in, just stayed alert.
Don't be afraid to buy in bulk when the cheap opportunity arises. I recently bought over 300 fantasy books for $30. My eBay room is a disaster, but I've already sold over $300 worth of books from it (with hundreds more to come).

 

[WoodnHead]

You can always look to your reasons why you buy watches, make it into an interesting story and make a connection. It helps if there's truth in it. I buy buttons. Years ago my Mom gave the family 'button tin' to my S.I.L. :^( (I get that it was a kindness to a new family member but it felt like I lost part of my past.) So... when I go to a yard sale or estate sale I ask if they have any buttons or sewing supplies. I explain that my family's button tin was given to the D.I.L. and I missed out so I try to pick up buttons anywhere I can.

When you focus you develop an "eye". You get to know what is a good buy and what to pass on in a narrow field. Of course I am still early in my focusing phase, and have lots of stuff hanging around too long, but I am finding myself passing on a lot of things I would have picked up a year ago. I focus on needlepoint kits, buttons, embroidery thread, embroidery hoops, small shippable mid-century anything - especially Scandinavian, and folk art.

Recent nice flips were Duchess, Princess and Queen wooden embroidery hoops. Duchess and Queen routinely go in the $35-$50 range in good condition and can often be found for $1 or less. Elsa Williams needlepoint kits are great. Jacobean style kits are highly desirable. Bought 2 a month or so ago for $1 and $2. One sold for $55 one for $65. Dimensions Gold kits often do well. Bought an ornament kit for $4, sold it for $119. A few years ago I would just grab every kit I saw. Now I pass up more than I buy.

I tend to avoid anything too new, trendy or new name brand. I have a hunch that just attracts problem buyers, or invites issues with something being considered counterfeit. Just seems to work for me.