A BOLO, short for "be on the lookout" is an item that resellers highly desire because it can be purchased at a low price and sold for a much higher price online. BOLOs change from time to time as items are discontinued or hard to find yet more highly desired by consumers. BOLOs are often shared in my
eBay Sellers Facebook Group so sellers can learn new items to look for when they are out thrifting, at garage sales, estate sales, or flea markets. Some groups charge a fee for access to this information, however, the information flows freely in my group so please come join us if you aren't already a member.
Here is my list of the top 10 BOLOs floating around at this time. If you are in a thrift store or at a garage sale and only want to hit the high points, here are some items to keep in the back of your mind. These items are not items that can be purchased at retail stores - these are items that sellers have been finding in used condition when thrifting or at garage / estate sales. Please do your due diligence and research anything before purchasing for resale as BOLOs change over time.
Mr. Coffee Cocomotion hot cocoa maker. Sellers report finding this in both new and used condition. It can sell for up to $300 in new condition on eBay and about $100 in used condition. Current listings on Amazon for a new Mr. Coffee Cocomotion are around $130.
Starbucks City Mugs. These mugs can sell for hundreds of dollars on eBay even in used condition. The average is around $60 if it is a rare mug. If you plan to sell on Amazon, the mug must be in new condition.
Medi-Rub diabetic foot massager. This one shows up at estate sales a lot - perhaps the person had diabetes. Patients with foot neuropathy use this device to help blood flow to the calves and feet and to relieve pain from leg cramps. Insurance may cover this item which is why it is seen a lot with other medical supplies at estate sales. This item can sell for around $100 used on eBay, $175 new on eBay, and $190 on Amazon in new condition. (This item can only be sold on Amazon in new condition.)
Here is an oldie but still a goodie -
Remington Tight Curls. These are hot rollers used by pageant girls because they produce the desired ringlet curls. These can sell for around $100 in either new or used condition. If a few curlers or clips are missing, go for it anyway - the pageant moms like to have spare supplies on hand. These are not typically sold on Amazon.
Cranium Games. Cranium has been around since 1998 and has many versions of games. Right now the hot ones are Hullabaloo, Cariboo, and Whoonu. These games can be sold on either eBay or Amazon in new or used condition. (On Amazon, the correct terminology for a used game is "collectible.") Sale prices for used games can be around $50, for new games over $100 on each site. Please note that Amazon has strict rules for listing collectible games with regard to the pieces included, instructions, and the condition of the box. Do your homework before listing on Amazon in collectible condition.
Hiddey Mickeys. Disney enthusiasts will know about this one. For the purposes of eBay, Hidden Mickeys refer to a
plush animal, such as a bear or bunny, whose face has the iconic
representation of Mickey Mouse. Hidden Mickey plush can be highly collectible but there are very specific criteria about what makes one collectible, so do your homework if you want to learn more about this niche. These can be sold on both eBay and Amazon, in new or used condition. (Again, on Amazon a used toy is categorized as collectible.) It can often pay off to dig through the bins of plush at a thrift store. Hidden Mickeys have sold for over $1,000 on eBay if rare, and often go to Japan where collectors will pay top dollar for this Disney Collectible.
Dale of Norway Sweaters. These are finely crafted wool sweaters for men, women, and children made in Norway that usually have a ski or snow theme and pewter buttons or clasps. They can sell for over $250 in used condition. You can only sell these on eBay - used clothing cannot be sold on Amazon. (Learn more about specific clothing items like this with my course,
The Profitable World of Pre-Owned Women's Clothing.)
Bucilla stitchery kits. These are kits for craft items such as Christmas stockings, tree skirts, fabric wreaths, advent calendars, pillows, wall decor, baby items, and other holiday-themed items. Bucilla is most well-known for their elaborate stocking kits. My mother made all kinds of things from these kits when I was growing up - and it was a painstaking process applying the sequins and beads. The needlework is gorgeous and some of these kits can sell for over $200 in new condition, it just depends on if the kit has been retired and what the craft item is. Bucilla also makes embroidery, cross stitch, crewel, and other types of needlework kits. These can be sold on Amazon in new condition only. Look for these at estate sales. Sometimes there will be an entire room full of craft supplies.
Filson vests and outerwear. The Filson company was founded in 1897 by CC Filson, a homesteader and railroad conductor in Seattle, Washington. The company developed during the gold rush, outfitting people who came to the area but didn't have the proper clothing for the climate. Filson makes high quality wool, vests, jackets, sweaters, and fishing and travel vests. Some Filson items in used condition can sell for over $300 on eBay. (Selling clothing on Amazon requires approval and used clothing isn't allowed.)
Tundra Sweaters. These are similar to Coogi and "Bill Cosby" type sweaters. Tundra sweaters are a mens sweater made in Canada, made of thick wool, usually brightly colored with wild stripe or geometric designs. They can sell for over $100 in used condition. My daughter sold one last summer for $80 - we found it at a Goodwill for $5.
Maybe someone out there has these BOLOs and may be looking for an eBay seller to sell them on consignment.
Learn how to sell items for other people on eBay for a commission.
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