Here is something fun to look for in thrift stores and at garage sales. Vintage bed sheets. You're thinking, "Who would want to buy a bunch of old sheets on eBay?" Collectors and crafters!
Anything with characters from the 60's, 70's, and 80's are very popular on eBay. Some good sellers are Charlie Brown, Peanuts Gang, Strawberry Shortcake, Star Wars, Smurfette, and even the bear from the Snuggle dryer sheet ads. (I've sold Peanuts and Strawberry Shortcake and they did well.) Here are some recent listings:
EUC ~ VINTAGE PEANUTS 3 PIECE TWIN SHEET SET
Nice Vintage Smurfs Twin Flat + Fitted Sheet Fabric
TWO VINTAGE STAR WARS TWIN BED SHEETS or FABRIC - GREAT
Notice the number of bids on these listings - 8 bids, 11 bids, 23 bids. A lot of bids indicates a highly sought after item. You can find sheets, comforters, pillow cases, and window treatments at thrift stores for just a few dollars. An interesting twist: People aren't necessarily putting these sheets on their beds. This is another case of recycling - using an item as a raw material for something else. Creative crafters all around the world are making items out of the sheets - such as window treatments , tote bags, and other accessories. If you find these sheets and they are in fairly good condition, try to sell them on eBay. Crafters will cut the sheets apart anyway so it doesn't matter if there are small holes in them. Check out what someone did with some Star Wars sheets:
When you are listing the sheets for sale, be sure to use the key words "fabric" or "material" in the title. If you're going to offer vintage character sheets, be prepared to ship them internationally. Some of our USA characters from previous decades are hot in Japan right now.
Click here for my free list of thrift store items to sell on eBay.
Happy Selling!
I remember once selling some 1960s flannel sheets with cowboys and indians on them. don't recall the exact take, but it was pretty good.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. I never would have thought listing something like sheets as fabric like that. I will have to keep that in mind. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog. I came upon it through Northern Cheapskate's blog. Just starting out on eBay so great to get advice from someone who knows the ropes.
ReplyDeleteShoestringsEnd.com
I sold my twin Dukes of Hazzard last year for $95!!!!!. And....the lady bought them only for the pillow case!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI actually sold curtains locally with the same Star Wars pattern as on the sheets pictured above. That is so neat the tote bags etc. the one person made.
ReplyDeleteI am always telling my husband to watch out for character sheets,vintage linens with bold patterns etc. Crafters LOVE those lots!
Put a nice lot of vintage lace, potholders, pillow cases,sheets,tablecloths esp. old white lace tablecloths etc. and make it a Scrap Cutter Fabric lot and watch the bids grow grow grow.
I am actually going to be listing a big lot of vintage jackets tomorrow. Looks like I mugged the Brady Bunch Women or something LOL. They are all in good shape but the market I am actually shooting for is those looking for vintage fabrics.Its a test to see how it goes.Wish me luck
As always thanks for sharing such great articles.