The Importance of Researching Every Item

Ok maybe not every single item but it's good to research everything you aren't totally sure of.  I bought a box of random mixed nick-knacks at an auction this past weekend because it had a few Fenton figurines in it.  I found these cats in the bottom of the box and on first glance I just assumed they were cheap trinkets.  The kind of thing I'd throw $1 on and put in one of my vending spots.  They are really heavy though and they were marked Dept 56.  I've sold Dept 56 holiday houses a few times but had never seen these solid metal cats before.  After a few minutes of poking around online I learned that these are from a line called Classical Cats by Martin Leman that came out in the 80's.  Each is hand painted and they are made of solid pewter.  At this time there are two from this line listed on eBay.  One is listed at $35 and one at $40.  Glad I didn't go with my first impulse of throwing $1 tag on them.  Now they are headed for eBay!

A Lot of Bang For My Buck

Last night at an auction I picked up this white bag stuffed to the top full of stuff for $1. I was the only bidder and only bid myself because I wanted this pair of Bratz shoes that were sticking out for my middle daughter.

      After we started to unload the bag we realized that there was a lot more in it that was of use to us then we had expected.

     Not only did my middle daughter get the shoes, but she ended up with a new backpack style purse and a jersey. No idea why she wanted the jersey, but she did.

           We also ended up with a M&M costume that I will either let one of the kids in the family use, or sell on eBay for a few bucks, and several pairs of jeans and a few shirts that were my oldest daughters size. All in all, I'd say I did pretty well for my buck!