The What Sold Podcast

The story of items bought and sold by a modern day treasure hunter

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The What Sold Podcast

Every day across the country, people are cleaning out their houses, taking unwanted or unused things and donating them to thrift stores. To them, it's just trash...worthless!
Why is any of this important? Because one of these items happens to be your FAVORITE THING! You've heard that what's trash to one may be treasure to another, and we are here to prove it!
Join us as we show and tell of treasures found and sold by a full-time reseller. Where did he find it? What did it cost, where did it come from, and most importantly, what's it worth?"

Episodes

3 days ago

In this episode of the 'What's Old Podcast', hosts Brandon and Matt Brock, aka the Merchant Genie, share their comical and sometimes near-death experiences from thrifting, emphasizing the competitive nature of the business, particularly against unexpectedly formidable elderly competitors. They discuss the importance of persistence and the intriguing dynamics of ageism within the thrifting community. The hosts segue into discussing the feasibility of reselling as a side hustle for retirees, touching on the benefits of this business for individuals of all ages. Matt shares his experiences and strategies for sourcing items from estate sales, highlighting the potential for high returns and the importance of building relationships within the community. They explore various ways to find estate sales and the advantages of attending these sales for resellers. The episode wraps up with personal anecdotes illustrating the unpredictable nature of thrifting and the potential for significant profits from reselling items sourced from estate sales.
 
00:00 Welcome to the What's Old Podcast: Thrift Store Adventures
01:00 The Thrift Store Battlefield: Tales of Competition and Camaraderie
02:25 Ageism in Thrifting: A Business for All Ages
04:57 The Ethics of Reselling: Morality Over Profit
05:57 Negotiation Tactics and Building Relationships
14:21 Inventory Management and the Art of Letting Go
19:09 High-Value Items: A Closer Look at Sales Strategy
20:53 Discovering Unique Finds: Turquoise Jewelry and More
21:10 A Sneak Peek into Upcoming Jewelry Hauls
21:43 The Allure of Estate Sales: An Insider's Guide
23:24 Navigating the World of Estate Sales Online and In-Person
24:17 The Business Side of Estate Sales: Opportunities and Challenges
27:15 The Art of Estate Sale Hunting: Strategies and Stories
29:05 Exploring the Personal Side of Estate Sales and Collectibles
35:57 Wrapping Up: The Future of Estate Sales and Reselling
 
What Sold Podcast Pictures
whatsoldpodcast@gmail.com
https://www.estatesales.net/
#estatesales #retiredresellers #resellers #howtofindestatesales #estatesalelocators #whatsoldpodcast #rustythereseller #whatsold #reselling #ebaystore
Rusty the reseller:
https://www.youtube.com/@RustyTheReseller
 
What Sold:
https://www.youtube.com/@whatsold
 
Postcard Planet:
https://www.youtube.com/@postcardplanet
 
What Sold Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc513e2aPbloS20mTwuv8bA

6 days ago

In this episode of the What's Sold podcast, hosts Brandon and Matt, also known as the Merchant Genie, discuss the intricacies of being a secondary market merchant, touching on societal perceptions of various occupations and the personal connection to one’s job. They explore the importance of reuse and refurbishment in today’s consumer culture, highlighting personal stories of repairing and repurposing items to extend their life and reduce environmental impact. The conversation includes practical advice for navigating thrift stores, identifying valuable items in overlooked sections, and leveraging knowledge about brands and market trends to make profitable resale decisions. Stories of successful flips, such as a damaged pair of Maui Jim sunglasses repaired for a fraction of their retail cost, underscore the potential rewards of thrift shopping and reselling. The episode encourages listeners to share their own thrifting successes and insights, aiming to foster a community of learners and enthusiasts in the reselling niche.
00:00 Welcome to the What's Sold Podcast: Introductions and Nicknames01:01 The Identity of a Reseller: Navigating Social Perceptions02:20 The Value of Buying and Selling: A Market Perspective02:45 Sustainability Through Reselling: Environmental and Economic Impacts04:09 Creative Reselling: Refurbishing and Repurposing Finds07:56 Highlighting Sold Items: From Silver Cups to Rare Teacups13:55 Thrift Store Treasures: A Guide to Finding Hidden Gems16:05 Unlocking Thrift Store Treasures: Jewelry and Watches16:46 The Secret World of Costume Jewelry17:42 Navigating the Lucrative Landscape of Shoes and Clothing18:37 Decoding Vintage: Labels, Levi's, and T-Shirts20:41 Exploring Accessories: Handbags, Neckties, and Eyewear21:00 The Electronics Enigma: High Value and Hard to Test22:33 Kitchen Collectibles: The Charm of Vintage Pyrex25:13 Thrifting Stories: The Maui Jim Sunglasses Saga29:17 Creative Reselling: Turning Finds into Fortune32:37 Building a Community: Listener Engagement and Learning
What Sold Podcast Pictures
whatsoldpodcast@gmail.com
#thriftstore #mauijimsunglasses #silvercordialcups #sterlingsilver #bonechina #whatsoldpodcast #rustythereseller #whatsold #reselling #ebaystore
Rusty the reseller:
https://www.youtube.com/@RustyTheReseller
 
What Sold:
https://www.youtube.com/@whatsold
 
Postcard Planet:
https://www.youtube.com/@postcardplanet
 
What Sold Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc513e2aPbloS20mTwuv8bA

Thursday May 09, 2024

In this episode of the 'What Sold Podcast,' hosts Brandon and Matt, also known as the Merchant Genie, discuss various aspects of buying and selling unique items, with a focus on thrift stores and antiques shops. Matt shares the fact that he was almost an American Picker, as he and Peaches were in consideration for an antiques roadshow type show. The hosts invite listeners to share their own unique stories. Matt details his recent finds, including finally selling that mandolin and various items from a trip to South Carolina (especially that silver umbrella handle), emphasizing the thrill of giving new life to previously owned objects. The episode also features a comprehensive guide on how to differentiate real pearls from fake ones, covering aspects like weight, knotting between pearls, clasp types, imperfections, and tests for authenticity. This educational segment aims to help listeners and potential sellers identify real pearls, highlighting the importance of expert opinions in uncertain cases.
00:00 Welcome to the What Sold Podcast!00:43 Introducing Cousin Rusty: The Merchant Genie01:17 Listener Stories and Thrift Store Adventures01:59 The Antiques Roadshow Audition: A Behind-the-Scenes Look05:14 Mandolin Restoration: From Trash to Treasure08:12 Thrifting Haul: Unique Finds and Their Stories08:54 The Art of the Deal: Unveiling Recent Purchases09:42 A Sterling Silver Umbrella Handle and Other Curiosities15:28 Unveiling a Unique Antique: The Daguerreotype Box16:50 The Value of Daguerreotypes: Rarity and Quirks17:32 Modern Applications: Bringing Vintage Photography into Today20:28 Exploring the Market: Selling Unique Antiques21:20 Engaging with Audience Queries: The Pearl Dilemma22:16 Pearl Identification: Real vs. Fake33:02 Concluding Thoughts and Future Finds
 
What Sold Podcast Pictures
whatsoldpodcast@gmail.com
#pearls #realpearls #silverumbrellas #thriftstores #mikimoto #whatsoldpodcast #rustythereseller #whatsold #reselling #ebaystore
Rusty the reseller:
https://www.youtube.com/@RustyTheReseller
 
What Sold:
https://www.youtube.com/@whatsold
 
Postcard Planet:
https://www.youtube.com/@postcardplanet
 
What Sold Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc513e2aPbloS20mTwuv8bA

Tuesday May 07, 2024

This episode of the What Sold Podcast delves into the mystery of the thrift shop, both good and bad. The hosts, Brandon and Matt (otherwise known as Rusty the Reseller), discuss their experiences and strategies in finding and reselling hidden treasures. Through their stories, they emphasize the potential value of items that are often overlooked, sharing insights into lucrative finds such as a Griswold cast aluminum griddle and a highly valuable Aynsley bone china set. The episode also explores the dynamics of working with thrift stores, including the benefits and potential conflicts, as illustrated by a detailed anecdote of a bulk purchase negotiation that took an unexpected turn. It's a comprehensive look at the thrifting and reselling business, offering valuable tips and cautionary tales for both novice and experienced resellers.
 
00:00 Unveiling Hidden Treasures: The Thrift Store Adventure Begins
00:38 Meet the Resellers: Brandon and Rusty's World of Antiques
02:21 The Art of Thrift Store Reselling: From Cast Iron to China
06:18 The Thrift Store Goldmine: Uncovering a $1,500 Tea Set
16:19 The Business of Thrifting: Strategy, Risks, and Rewards
17:51 Navigating Business Ethics and Community Impact
19:09 The Art of Negotiation and Building Relationships
22:24 A Surprising Turn: The Thrift Store Saga Continues
28:55 Legal Precautions in Business Deals
32:58 Reflecting on Business Practices and Listener Engagement
 
What Sold Podcast Pictures
whatsoldpodcast@gmail.com
#thriftstore #aynsleybonechina #griswoldcastaluminum #lotsales #sellingcontracts #whatsoldpodcast #rustythereseller #whatsold #reselling #ebaystore
Rusty the reseller:
https://www.youtube.com/@RustyTheReseller
 
What Sold:
https://www.youtube.com/@whatsold
 
Postcard Planet:
https://www.youtube.com/@postcardplanet
 
What Sold Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc513e2aPbloS20mTwuv8bA

Thursday May 02, 2024

This episode of the What's Sold podcast features hosts Brandon and Matt, discussing the art of finding valuable items in thrift and antique stores to resell for profit. They share personal experiences and tips on identifying and selling treasures, including how to effectively list items on eBay. The episode covers the importance of detailed titles, high-quality photos, and understanding what buyers are searching for, with a special focus on niche items like vintage pipes and postcards. They also touch on the importance of engagement from listeners to grow the podcast and encourage feedback through reviews and emails. Additionally, insights are provided on shipping strategies, pricing, and leveraging eBay's "sell similar item" feature for efficient listing. The discussion emphasizes the value of time management in listing items and identifying serious buyers to maximize selling success.
 
00:00 Unveiling Hidden Treasures: The Thrift Store Chronicles
00:33 Wrestling Names and Nostalgia: A Lighthearted Banter
01:57 Engaging with the What's Sold Podcast: Growth and Community
05:20 The Art of Selling Postcards: Tips and Tales
14:06 Deep Dive into Listing Strategies on eBay
17:16 Mastering eBay Listings: The Art of Selling Pipes
17:45 Highlighting Unique Features: From Amber Stems to Solid Gold Bands
19:01 Crafting the Perfect Title and Utilizing Photos Effectively
21:31 Efficient Listing Strategies and Pricing Tips
22:21 The Minimalist Approach to Descriptions and Maximizing Listings
24:25 Leveraging eBay's Tools for Quick and Effective Listings
27:59 Time Management and Valuing Your Effort in Online Selling
30:36 Identifying Serious Buyers and Dealing with Wishy-Washy Customers
32:04 Final Thoughts and a Tip on Selling Genie Lamps
 
#listingonebay #ebaystores #howtolistonebay #genielamps #whatsoldpodcast #rustythereseller #whatsold #reselling #ebaystore
What Sold Podcast Pictures
whatsoldpodcast@gmail.com
Rusty the reseller:
https://www.youtube.com/@RustyTheReseller
 
What Sold:
https://www.youtube.com/@whatsold
 
Postcard Planet:
https://www.youtube.com/@postcardplanet
 
What Sold Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc513e2aPbloS20mTwuv8bA
 

Tuesday Apr 30, 2024

In this episode of the What's Sold Podcast, hosts Brandon and Matt explore the ins and outs of the importance of understanding sell through rates on eBay.  Matt discusses the concept of sell-through rates on eBay, explaining how this metric can guide resellers in choosing which items to sell for the most profit. The episode showcases specific examples, including the sale of a bangle bracelet and miniature Hot Wheel cars, illustrating Matt's approach to sourcing and selling items. The dialogue further covers the importance of niche finding in the resell market, addressing the dynamics of demand and sales strategies across platforms like eBay and Etsy. The hosts also touch upon the broader implications of reselling, from the economic to the environmental.
00:00 Welcome to the Treasure Hunt: Unveiling the What's Sold Podcast00:39 Meet the Hosts: Brandon and Matt, the Reselling Duo01:26 Diving Into the World of Reselling: Strategies and Stories01:37 The Art of the Deal: Showcasing This Week's Finds02:31 The Business Behind Small Items: A Reseller's Perspective03:23 From Thrift Store Finds to Profit: A Sterling Silver Success Story05:46 Expanding the Inventory: The Strategy of Bulk Buys08:13 The Lifecycle of Unsold Inventory: Knowing When to Let Go10:39 Mastering eBay Sales: The Importance of Sell Through Rate11:31 Exploring Niche Markets: From Pipes to Pandora Bracelets28:25 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
#sellthrurates #ebaysellthroughrates #sellthroughrates #whatsoldpodcast #rustythereseller #whatsold #reselling #ebaystore
What Sold Podcast Pictures
whatsoldpodcast@gmail.com
Rusty the reseller:
https://www.youtube.com/@RustyTheReseller
 
What Sold:
https://www.youtube.com/@whatsold
 
Postcard Planet:
https://www.youtube.com/@postcardplanet
 
What Sold Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc513e2aPbloS20mTwuv8bA

Thursday Apr 25, 2024

Today Matt and Brandon focus on returning items from both a seller's as well as a buyer's perspective. Matt emphasizes the importance of accurate descriptions and the risks of encountering scams. Matt also shares insights on handling returns as a seller on platforms like eBay, emphasizing the need to be cautious about spending earnings before return policies expire. Oh, and we show you a sweet track suit that sold!
#returns #returnpolicies #ebayreturnpolicy #ebayscams #costofselling #whatsoldpodcast #rustythereseller #whatsold #reselling #ebaystore
What Sold Podcast Pictures
whatsoldpodcast@gmail.com
Rusty the reseller:
https://www.youtube.com/@RustyTheReseller
 
What Sold:
https://www.youtube.com/@whatsold
 
Postcard Planet:
https://www.youtube.com/@postcardplanet
 
What Sold Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc513e2aPbloS20mTwuv8bA
 
 

Tuesday Apr 23, 2024

Today we talk about how Matt sold some (more) paper ephemera. This time from his very own photo booth. Selling photos produced in photo booths can be an easy and low cost way to add to your selling portfolio.  Matt and Brandon also talk about a comprehensive exploration of reselling, covering insights from the What's Sold Podcast on identifying valuable items, engaging with the reselling community, understanding costs, fees, and taxes on platforms like eBay, and emphasizing integrity in transactions. They also go into great depth on the importance of knowing net profit percentages, business costs, planning before venturing into a secondary market retail business, and the challenges and expenses faced in reselling and small businesses in general. What you don't know can kill you. 
#smallbusiness #businesscosts #beingareseller #photobooth #photoboothpics #whatsoldpodcast #rustythereseller #whatsold #reselling #ebaystore
What Sold Podcast Pictures
whatsoldpodcast@gmail.com
Rusty the reseller:
https://www.youtube.com/@RustyTheReseller
 
What Sold:
https://www.youtube.com/@whatsold
 
Postcard Planet:
https://www.youtube.com/@postcardplanet
 
What Sold Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc513e2aPbloS20mTwuv8bA
 
 
 

Thursday Apr 18, 2024

In this episode Matt and Brandon discusses various strategies for sourcing antiques and collectibles, including thrift stores, estate sales, auctions, antique stores, yard sales, and online platforms like eBay. Matt shares experiences of refurbishing and selling items like mandolins and tools. Matt talks about the importance of research and knowledge in identifying valuable items. Additionally, he touches on the potential of working with thrift stores or individuals to sell items on consignment.  The duo also touch on the strategy of building a business around selling items for others and the importance of researching and identifying valuable items. Matt explores traveling to source items and the potential for profit in reselling.
#sourcing #antiquing #fleamarkets #whatsoldpodcast #rustythereseller #whatsold #reselling #ebaystore
What Sold Podcast Pictures
whatsoldpodcast@gmail.com
Rusty the reseller:
https://www.youtube.com/@RustyTheReseller
 
What Sold:
https://www.youtube.com/@whatsold
 
Postcard Planet:
https://www.youtube.com/@postcardplanet
 
What Sold Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc513e2aPbloS20mTwuv8bA
 
 

Tuesday Apr 16, 2024

Today Matt and Brandon delve into what a reseller actually needs to source items to purchase and sell. What types of things does one need in order to really do a good job of sourcing items. They also offer tips for resellers on identifying valuable items found in thrift and antique stores, as well as other places. The hosts candidly share stories of valuable finds, discussing practical tools like magnets and loops for evaluating jewelry and other items. The podcast further explores the logistics of running a resale business, including costs, taxes, and the potential financial benefits of reselling as a side hustle.
Tools of the Trade:    Loupe Magnifier    Rare Earth Magnet     Scale  Digital Caliper  
#loops #toolsforresellers #digitalcaliper #rareearthmagnet #loupe #whatsoldpodcast #rustythereseller #whatsold #reselling #ebaystore
What Sold Podcast Pictures
whatsoldpodcast@gmail.com
Rusty the reseller:
https://www.youtube.com/@RustyTheReseller
 
What Sold:
https://www.youtube.com/@whatsold
 
Postcard Planet:
https://www.youtube.com/@postcardplanet
 
What Sold Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc513e2aPbloS20mTwuv8bA
 
 

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