This is a massive upcycling post to show people some of my tricks.
Any support for my cause gets me pumped up to do and share more. It pushes me to walk a few extra blocks or not quit until I find more. I work alone, so I'm my only source of motivation otherwise. This all adds up for saving more unnecessary waste.
We're all hopefully going to the same moon, but for now, we all live on the same planet and need to take care of it.
This was Monday's haul. I had to take 3 trips back to my place and up four lovely flights of stairs on foot. I tweaked my back at the gym, so it wasn't fun, but wasn't going to skip one of the best days for doing this, or take taxis for shortcuts. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
This might look like a bunch of random stuff, but follow along to see how I process it.
Monday's finds:
- Apple iPod Boombox - clean and working.
- 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 CFA study and test books (yessss).
- Shark Navigator vacuum - simply had a clogged hose.
- HP Printer - works perfectly.
- Sony TV with damaged screen (internal boards work).
- Samsung TV with damaged screen (same).
- Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Stroller with tons of accessories (partially damaged frame joint, but rest great).
...This may or may not sound like much, but when you break it down, it starts to become mean more.
There were also some laser tag guns with batteries in them, but my hands were full. RIP laser tag guns...
I also felt sort of guilty* for not taking this huge headless Canadian Goose decoy:
Some Proof Shots:
Gold mine exactly as found...
Taken out of a clear plastic bag with its original plug.
Layup!
Interestingly, a security guard I met at 3:30 AM when carrying the Samsung TV back offered to buy it from me immediately pending a successful test at my place a few blocks away. The screen was cosmetically fine, but it was damaged underneath, so I had to give him the bad news when he called 30 mins later. Oh well, but I'll make more money selling the parts anyway. It would've made for a nice story though.
After the team picture, work time...
TV's:
Most people toss their TVs because the display gets damaged.
I do some simple tests and a visual inspection of the ports.
It was this classic scenario for both, with their internals perfectly fine.
This is what they boiled down to after taking the backs off:
Sony main board ($65): layup sale for a hard-to-find TV from 2010
Sony power board ($115): recently sold for $125 with others listed at this price, so I'll "undercut" the market
Sony T-con board ($20): super small and light
Samsung main board ($50): small and light
Samsung power board ($30): not much, but it helps others
...I debated selling their bases for $45 and $60, but they're slow sellers and I let them go. Managing my space is important.
CFA Books: I've found and sold same types before.
2018 study books 1-5 set ($100): good seller with cheap shipping
2017 complete set ($175): I'll split this up to sell the set of practice exam books separately.
2016 practice exams ($60): practically no writing and the ref guide adds value
2015 practice exams ($45): same as above, exam books are always good sellers
Other Tech:
HP printer worked just fine via test prints ($110): I actually have a second one of these I found a few weeks ago I still need to list.
Apple iPod Boombox ($120): works great, just a few scuffs on one edge from the sidewalk to lower value from $150
Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Stroller
It had a small issue on the frame to prevent me from selling it for ~$400 cash on Craigslist, so I salvaged what I could from the frame and will list everything below individually, which comes out to much more money.
Discontinued ride on board with adapters ($95): yep, and it'll sell.
Discontinued complete seat/frame with special canopy ($90 cash): canopy adds the extra value/differentiation
Bassinet ($60 cash): perfect condition with mattress
Rear foam-filled wheels ($45 cash):
Storage bag ($45): always a quick seller
Spare canopy ($35):
Brake lever set ($25):
Brake wire ($30): these sell... find the value!
Seat bumper bar ($30): easy seller
Cup holder w/Cameleon 3 adapter ($23): fits several models with the right adapter, so it'll sell like other used ones have
...If the main chassis was in good shape, I could sell that for $80 cash easily.
...I chose to toss the two front wheels since they were a bit worn.
Vacuums don't always suck:
The owner who didn't realize an orange peel clogged the hose does suck though. Some rinsing with water and wiping with rubbing alcohol, and everything is ready to roll.
Power nozzle ($50): heavy shipping, but works like a charm...
False: I'll break this down into smaller parts:
- Motor: $30 (sells very easily)
- Swivel neck w/ Control Board: $30
- Brushroll & Belt: $18
- Rear Wheels & Pins: $16
- Small Front Roller Wheels & Pins: $15 (usually the fastest to go)
Magic - $50 turns into $109! Most of these have negligible shipping, while the main part would've cost a bit to certain zip codes. I've sold parts like this forever, so this is the way to go to maximize.
Hose ($35):
Elbow & swivel joint ($25): sneaky, sneaky, I know...
Canister ($30): a slow selling part I may put it back into the recycling for space purposes
Power switch ($18): people often throw their vacuum out because this little switch broke
...I could've removed and sold the main motor for $30 and some other smaller parts, but I let them go.
...I could sell the entire vacuum for $60 on Craigslist, or much more online as parts, even after fees.
What's this all equal in realistic potential resale value before fees??
Compound a positive inflow of inventory daily to sell (plus previous inventory and thrifting)... and it's freedom!
This June will mark my 4th year free from working for anyone.
Facts:
It took me ~2.5 hours to find this stuff and bring it back. This was much longer than usual because of the extra trips.
It took me ~2.5 hours to clean and break down everything shown here (plus take all pics for listings).
It'll take me about 1 hour to organize all items into itemized folders on my computer and list everything.
Ironically, I've sold just about all of these things before. The same stuff often repeats in my neighborhood. I know the usual sales throughput on most of these.
I hope this deep dive was helpful so you can see what type of thought process is involved here.
Were you surprised by anything?
I understand that I live in a waste-rich area, but being aware of value and opportunities like these will pay off when you come across things you would've missed before.
I never used to see these things on my curbs for years until I literally tripped on them and started opening up my eyes. Now, it's everywhere...
The goal is to help the environment and spread the word about how we can do it with simple actions. Talking about it only gets us so far.
Thanks for your interest and support. Please help me spread this message.
Much more to come.
