Buying thrift shops, flea markets and property gross sales may be overwhelming. With the sheer quantity of stuff, how are you aware the place to begin? How do you notice gems amid all of the junk?
As an expert reseller who has been combing by means of thrift shops for the higher a part of 30 years, I will help. In the event you’re prepared to chop your buying time in half, rating larger bargains or stroll away with brag-worthy finds you’ll be able to flip for money, learn on.
From hard-to-find home goods to resale money-makers, every thing featured in my “Thrift Store Like a Professional” sequence qualifies as a BOLO (“be looking out” for) merchandise. Whenever you discover it, purchase it!
Learn on to study this month’s featured discover.
Featured discover: Bakelite
![Flatware with Bakelite handles](https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=2190/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15204245/shutterstock_1226759404-scaled.jpg?s=6e1ad09f1cd1ccb6d0a2102a0a3c4c29bdf76c7ce8113fede150bc31eb18df89 2190w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1830/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15204245/shutterstock_1226759404-scaled.jpg?s=ce2ec58f32bac1662076dd1a3b98f41ee9f2d4d3122103c50d99856aa610c01f 1830w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1530/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15204245/shutterstock_1226759404-scaled.jpg?s=b4027adf63cc36efc96e06e3b990c8a0f67f7fd468a1c61207fb7ac838c8d4b2 1530w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1460/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15204245/shutterstock_1226759404-scaled.jpg?s=fad8b35c6c1dd0d36f22783ec1718f8b6d8a0e53dfeb34f742a0bf0280192617 1460w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1350/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15204245/shutterstock_1226759404-scaled.jpg?s=d31f3dda8ef1fc6687dbac078f540f89e610333898ef84649bc51fcfe4757b98 1350w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1220/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15204245/shutterstock_1226759404-scaled.jpg?s=c9244df8984e10d8d046d13b291fb52e3752a8a263ce0edd3812bbcbf572bdc4 1220w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1020/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15204245/shutterstock_1226759404-scaled.jpg?s=f88b9190e77035ecc5ac49c71cfba79a609e7a49acf9f341c8a3d8df9622d0d0 1020w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=960/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15204245/shutterstock_1226759404-scaled.jpg?s=ee716d06aceced2877d71f6685d0176c1d88f6426a9c778860f9ab27a1913296 960w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=900/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15204245/shutterstock_1226759404-scaled.jpg?s=3d22c47ac6d55613308676c6641b9ff04169080818f783534a3e78c3b838f9ec 900w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=730/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15204245/shutterstock_1226759404-scaled.jpg?s=ee82dbd3428c2962595de8d5ab499188e231d45acb23b1d38844dc2b2bf3b6ed 730w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=640/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15204245/shutterstock_1226759404-scaled.jpg?s=78168307d6d8ac0c73274e475a6b4ecc92f9945593fb27dc3f74acae06161e86 640w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=610/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15204245/shutterstock_1226759404-scaled.jpg?s=dea243cbb68762d4b32e8c17e18a0c3965c827ca27de99a7defaed6798489247 610w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=510/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15204245/shutterstock_1226759404-scaled.jpg?s=209af96c369681a201c3f0bc8f39e3d9d88fb95d9ba8855afddb1ed9dd03f275 510w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=450/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15204245/shutterstock_1226759404-scaled.jpg?s=6e0e726cf0b963ba436f17957fd7fb5440c02db708c0206a4afd86d02e995a86 450w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=320/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15204245/shutterstock_1226759404-scaled.jpg?s=1f5de90c33206293fb3422ad84a35bf2376dbc9ceea25d5925b18b256527f0d1 320w)
This month’s featured discover isn’t a single merchandise, however a fabric used to make many gadgets — Bakelite. Invented in 1907 by chemist Leo Baekeland, Bakelite was the primary artificial plastic. Its growth paved the best way for the trendy plastics trade.
As a result of Bakelite was moldable, heat-resistant and comparatively light-weight, it was used to make quite a lot of industrial and family merchandise.
First publicly introduced in 1909, its recognition coincided with the early Artwork Deco interval, and plenty of gadgets fabricated from Bakelite replicate the smooth traces and stylistic cues of the time.
As we speak, Baekeland’s namesake product is prized by collectors and designers world wide. Essentially the most sought-after gadgets embrace:
- Costume jewellery
- Drawer pulls and knobs
- Recreation items
- Kitchen utensil and flatware handles
- Buttons
- Clock and radio casements
Why purchase it?
![vintage bakelite jewelry](https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=2190/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12162046/shutterstock_1566211951-scaled.jpg?s=858a944cd9f3a08bcfa8e8c17f824a6ca5f94af8184d8d17414133cd334b5112 2190w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1830/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12162046/shutterstock_1566211951-scaled.jpg?s=2e41a6843a7024d454cbfae13765a343653bec68ca3917672829609227711d4b 1830w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1530/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12162046/shutterstock_1566211951-scaled.jpg?s=50d8a155a34631d5bf5b30f7f9740700d19bd8dcd80126d9a54c2500dc54366e 1530w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1460/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12162046/shutterstock_1566211951-scaled.jpg?s=755f76ece02c2ec803f7e01f3b4b44606e8370ee2c40478b4f4f72f03a310e40 1460w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1350/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12162046/shutterstock_1566211951-scaled.jpg?s=37344dd873edb6be49c4092e639347ae3c0ccb82dd71678ae1a1b9c0776972b9 1350w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1220/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12162046/shutterstock_1566211951-scaled.jpg?s=c91a7d8b2b3cfdd8622fa8bc8f72587be1d95b21fe93fd7d0a4c86be5d26e15c 1220w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1020/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12162046/shutterstock_1566211951-scaled.jpg?s=8c1b9f63440a272ad6ab1283457edba2f30b015b9199004d55ab283099faec1c 1020w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=960/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12162046/shutterstock_1566211951-scaled.jpg?s=8066df698d2f65926677c4d3418bd20f77d3586687150df3c751d1c2ea24e067 960w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=900/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12162046/shutterstock_1566211951-scaled.jpg?s=e78d1f5e37c09a9fe628b4826664071fd237a4a2dcabf0d0f1ec5d2f7d5219f9 900w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=730/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12162046/shutterstock_1566211951-scaled.jpg?s=b53c43a40c58f453eb224d212a361881a5de0973d1b3f8a852eefda0b2e6b8a2 730w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=640/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12162046/shutterstock_1566211951-scaled.jpg?s=9fabaab470302148f046507bec459fdd6345b0439b2cfd59199ec0aab9ef43ba 640w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=610/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12162046/shutterstock_1566211951-scaled.jpg?s=490874239af2c783b4620df31989fcc42c42a7d1396a4c1ae1917ab8d2b5d97d 610w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=510/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12162046/shutterstock_1566211951-scaled.jpg?s=9acca3f616a299687ed133e504a907cdfd29308cb8168c029013bd5d2c3ef2ce 510w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=450/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12162046/shutterstock_1566211951-scaled.jpg?s=c7cf27d5a6abd0cf54e3f150224766124e96476d3534dd1d284577168b2946f6 450w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=320/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12162046/shutterstock_1566211951-scaled.jpg?s=9bb81acafbaff1624c597d3ce6364319ef5bb640262f26df67ff46c4c7d87cee 320w)
In the event you’re not an Artwork Deco fanatic or jewellery lover, there’s one other compelling cause to purchase Bakelite — resale worth.
As a result of it’s simply mistaken for contemporary plastic, Bakelite can nonetheless be discovered at thrift shops and yard gross sales throughout the nation.
Two years in the past, the supervisor of a thrift store pulled me apart and mentioned, “I held again some outdated bracelets for you; I’ll go get them.” She returned with a shoebox stuffed with jumbled bracelets. A number of have been plastic, however a number of have been fabricated from Bakelite. The entire field price $5, and I couldn’t pay her quick sufficient. I resold three bangle bracelets for $110.
Although many of the jewellery is in non-public arms, it’s not unusual to search out Bakelite {hardware} connected to vintage furnishings. I’ll fortunately purchase a broken chest of drawers simply to salvage the Bakelite drawer pulls.
On Etsy, this set of six drawer pulls in Bakelite and brass is listed for $295. On eBay, this octagonal Bakelite bracelet bought for $231.68 and this apple-themed brooch introduced $390.
What to search for
![Vintage Bakelite jewelry](https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=2190/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173522/shutterstock_1304186044-scaled-e1649799516143.jpg?s=779cb01916a713c7d5e02627510ab953f3a73ac4eb09f1413d77300eb5617127 2190w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1830/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173522/shutterstock_1304186044-scaled-e1649799516143.jpg?s=f04e9053f458ea7230a01ba984af04cecde8fee9fb6c43cd2fd3e614210ab913 1830w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1530/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173522/shutterstock_1304186044-scaled-e1649799516143.jpg?s=e00b8177b9bf51a0882f08e7a2f2f7bb22aa9b92415c2d443d6d089d95cffff2 1530w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1460/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173522/shutterstock_1304186044-scaled-e1649799516143.jpg?s=3af080fd7b9451b4d2676008031cb05852e72e41cb12e11f0483e96c4c17237e 1460w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1350/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173522/shutterstock_1304186044-scaled-e1649799516143.jpg?s=870af91e7ceaad35b975421936c7904995db707168864ee218bcd92969778ddf 1350w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1220/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173522/shutterstock_1304186044-scaled-e1649799516143.jpg?s=247dbde153030b016be9bee9e83456c0c0b538eab718a767a395ea92194f4a4a 1220w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1020/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173522/shutterstock_1304186044-scaled-e1649799516143.jpg?s=d4d88d7706340e034fe5782b0547782230e531f009146722de37baf27b19df59 1020w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=960/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173522/shutterstock_1304186044-scaled-e1649799516143.jpg?s=2684670e43346f414b62c91f62c1c5f1b050b8d6f1aa79c3904e41e400b1df28 960w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=900/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173522/shutterstock_1304186044-scaled-e1649799516143.jpg?s=abeec34533b9a253d8470cb2c5d656b6c7f620087f8b234d69f63b2ec553ba07 900w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=730/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173522/shutterstock_1304186044-scaled-e1649799516143.jpg?s=b5f20819dbd4b5a49fb170db9c83d7a874111dfbff1ecefbef0680827d8989e0 730w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=640/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173522/shutterstock_1304186044-scaled-e1649799516143.jpg?s=42e9310c0209d57af3ebef49716531055a45194911327b4f0df706ee347a8d61 640w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=610/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173522/shutterstock_1304186044-scaled-e1649799516143.jpg?s=369f71c2973005c768c2da34dce732546cc6b882ca442f02038915185d30147f 610w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=510/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173522/shutterstock_1304186044-scaled-e1649799516143.jpg?s=20ce5369089361f6abac8ab9d1214a605e7a6a0630f1fbb7641f39567583e554 510w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=450/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173522/shutterstock_1304186044-scaled-e1649799516143.jpg?s=b6afd7d9578561d548457cc5e62cc66fadfbbea76341a5dc7c9bd8990e1964cf 450w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=320/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173522/shutterstock_1304186044-scaled-e1649799516143.jpg?s=4b3c83f48fafdbb0fc898cc153247cc2f8be8ed7952420d61aefc8c4e9ffddc3 320w)
Distinguishing a chunk of Bakelite from trendy plastic takes apply. With out testing the merchandise (which we’ll discuss later) search for these options:
- Weight: Bakelite is heavier and denser than trendy plastic. When two items of Bakelite are tapped collectively, the sound is just like the clang of pottery.
- Colour: A part of Bakelite’s early recognition was the superb spectrum of colours it supplied. Search for butterscotch yellows, cherry reds, grassy greens and shiny citrus oranges. There’s additionally a sure depth and richness to the colours that’s troublesome to explain. When you’ve seen a number of items up shut, you’ll know what I imply.
- Marbling: Bakelite generally is a strong coloration or marbled. Marbled items function distinctive “swirls” of greens combined with gold, pink with orange, or brown with amber. In jewellery, extra marbling means increased resale worth.
The way to check for authenticity
![Vintage bakelite radio](https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=2190/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173135/shutterstock_649535995-scaled.jpg?s=a742c052d39590a14dc0d67cde5233235ab931191eb154f582c931c2023ca5ac 2190w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1830/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173135/shutterstock_649535995-scaled.jpg?s=f9bbc859d4f57feb4bfd6eb1e051b890c0eca41d50e8bc9e6a5ff492d6869b22 1830w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1530/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173135/shutterstock_649535995-scaled.jpg?s=ea5cb40d4c1d5de4d847bd86004713b2b5c5402cb29a7bb9d81eb7f32b93fb0b 1530w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1460/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173135/shutterstock_649535995-scaled.jpg?s=a115afdfc751395803cd8b33547f3d8a200264f2dcb7106c40297f0ae84cc2f1 1460w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1350/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173135/shutterstock_649535995-scaled.jpg?s=717cd5811734772c7e695ce943321bc458048a77e1957349f291cd1a20904102 1350w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1220/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173135/shutterstock_649535995-scaled.jpg?s=edf2dd6ad54b5fcd8a52c95a1303625b4daab75c47143be96b2b7586301332ad 1220w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=1020/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173135/shutterstock_649535995-scaled.jpg?s=0ba949986214e7c5b362e948ab1703f70bc3a24492451501cc654e241449d291 1020w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=960/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173135/shutterstock_649535995-scaled.jpg?s=debe6ecd385a00bf9ad4eb714de15d144351c6e7918e3658ea9f11d5c429561b 960w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=900/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173135/shutterstock_649535995-scaled.jpg?s=008cbe1233e0f12408aa9d22a965539170457b06101403188d2af84366b42ef1 900w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=730/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173135/shutterstock_649535995-scaled.jpg?s=96f380f5b4e67fe34ad79056c31e16680d61771d7bff259264f2a5969fcc505f 730w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=640/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173135/shutterstock_649535995-scaled.jpg?s=1350a4872272faeb4e879f26a99cf4f1a03ef0385f51fc4742543f07c547acdb 640w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=610/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173135/shutterstock_649535995-scaled.jpg?s=f432dccb959565aa06ebccb5c9a7c339a3474c38ec11a99a5fed8660f0dc0d7a 610w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=510/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173135/shutterstock_649535995-scaled.jpg?s=4c9968ee7cbc031c6f0b8ce1e2b1b896cf40c6c2ad4a1aaebf04096d968d4f32 510w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=450/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173135/shutterstock_649535995-scaled.jpg?s=9e3b51495256c5c830bc73f6c671f8df1bac6ceefaa1b8606e3f598099ce0ac3 450w, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/workers/images/width=320/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/12173135/shutterstock_649535995-scaled.jpg?s=86e491258b988733ccb13c1abf6a86687bd489c65f3d4c92ad5e653117952068 320w)
Assume you’ve discovered an genuine piece of Bakelite? The “sniff check” is a fast technique to discover out before you purchase. Utilizing a bracelet for instance, right here’s the way it works: First, rub a small space of the bracelet together with your thumb (rub lengthy sufficient to create a bit of warmth). Subsequent, scent the merchandise. If the rubbed space provides off a definite chemical odor (suppose formaldehyde), it’s doubtless Bakelite.
Nonetheless unsure? Attempt the “409 check” on a small spot at residence. It’s a extra definitive technique to decide if a chunk is actual Bakelite.
Professional tip: Bakelite is sturdy, however abrasive cleansing merchandise can boring the end. To wash a complete Bakelite piece, a tender fabric, heat water and gentle dish cleaning soap work finest.
Disclosure: The data you learn right here is all the time goal. Nonetheless, we generally obtain compensation while you click on hyperlinks inside our tales.