You just never know where you'll find bargains these days. So it pays to keep your eyes open.
For example, here at Consumers Union, employees can purchase some of the items we buy and photograph for ShopSmart. An inventory list is e-mailed regularly to staff. Week after week, month after month, I would see one plate commemorating the wedding of Lady Diana and Prince Charles on the list. It was reduced from $34 to $17 and finally to $1 and there were still no takers.
Finally, I decided to take it off their hands. I have a commemorative plate at home of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. Why not get this plate to put next to her?
I went to the store, inspected it for chips/defects, and paid my dollar for it. Then I went online to gather some information about the plate where I found, to my amazement, that it's selling for $70! Of all things!
I'm going to send a copy of this blog to my daughters with the following note: “Ladies, when you inherit this 'ugly' plate, do not toss it—it's worth money!"
Now that I've shared my bargain experience with you, why not share yours with me? I'd love to hear it.Subscribe to ShopSmart today!
elisabeth
11:11:05 AM on Mon Nov 30 2009
I think your plate is worth $1.00 -- the $70.00 plates you found on line may be for sale, but did they sell? The value of things like antiques and collectibles is based not on what the seller hopes to get, but what a buyer is willing to pay.
Megan
12:19:24 AM on Thu Jan 14 2010
I'm so excited I found this blog :)
My best bargain find was when I was helping to prepare for a cousin's bridal shower, and we were on the hunt for antique candy dishes. We were scouring several thrift stores in the area, when a skirt hanging on the rack caught my eye. To my surprise, it was a Lilly Pulitzer skirt, and I am a HUGE Lilly lover! I looked at the price tag, and initially thought it was $35, but then to my amazement realized it was $3.50. I snapped it up, and was shocked again when it rang up half off of the $3.50, and I just purchased a perfect Lilly skirt (usually between $75-$125) for just $1.75! What a bargain!