Dangit!

[Thumper]

Gots a cool looking estate sale coming up next weekend. Looks like the guy was into old outboard motors and that was my "niche" a few years back. I made a ton of money buying old (non-running) motors for $50-$75 each. I'd tear 'em down and sell the individual parts. I could easily turn $50 into $500-$750 depending on the motor (usually kickers up to 15HP).

I'm drooling over this one but it's not in town (2 hour drive). I don't know the seller and it's just not worth the gamble to possibly make that drive for nothing. I have 2-3 local sales to hit anyway ... but this one sure is tempting. Looks like some really nice resto projects there! I'd imagine there are prolly a bunch of boxes full of loose parts in this garage also. :(

http://pictures.estatesales.net/809106/18271551/1.jpg http://pictures.estatesales.net/809106/18271541/1.jpg

[Bwana]

You're going to regret it.

[Thumper]

I'm afraid you may be right Bwana. But if I don't go, I won't know what I missed.

The problem is, some sellers are high-priced. There are certain sales I've attended that have things priced close to retail levels. If you're buying for yourself or possibly decorating your own home for example, some of those things can be a great deal. I buy to resell ... so I have to have a good "cushion". I've gotten to know the people running our local companies and know how they price, as well as how negotiable they are. They're usually pretty negotiable with their regular customers and know how retail/wholesale works. I can only buy at wholesale (or preferably below). There are a couple companies in town who not only price high, but they won't "bend" much either. Without "knowing" this seller and how he prices/operates .. it's not worth the gamble. Gas money for a 280 mile round-trip just isn't worth the gamble. :(