My Tupperware adventure began like every other weekend, starting with looking through the classifieds, local community newspaper, and Craigslist for yard sales and estate sales. I found a few that looked promising, wrote down the addresses, and mapped out my route. Later that night, I decided to check Craigslist one more time just in case I had missed anything. Sifting through the ads, I came across one that had a few photos of the items that would be for sale. One photo had a table that was filled with Tupperware – jackpot!
Over the past few weeks when I do my EBay research, I have been focusing on Tupperware. Reading up on the history of Tupperware and checking out EBay, it is easy to see that this brand of plastic kitchenware is still collected and heavily used. Some Tupperware items can bring in a good amount of cash and it is almost a surefire easy sell. I knew that I had to make it to this yard sale and the earlier the better, so I could beat out anyone else on the Tupperware hunt.
8am Saturday morning, I made my way to a local church rummage sale. Rummage sales are a great way to pick up items super, super cheap. I bought a few things and then made my way to another yard sale a few blocks from the church. In the back of my mind I was still thinking about the Tupperware, so I hurried along, didn’t find any worthwhile items, and headed out for my 15minute drive to the Craigslist sale.
Pulling up to the house, I noticed immediately that all of the Tupperware pictured in the ad was still there. I said hello to the homeowner and began to sift through the items, all the while containing my excitement over the “free money” that was sitting in front of me. For once, thanks to the research that I had been doing, I didn’t have to question if I should purchase the items in fear of not being able to re-sell them. I knew they could be resold. It was an easy decision.
I asked the homeowner the price on the Tupperware and he said that he could do a bundle deal. Music to my ears! I first started with the bowls, knowing that a set similar to the ones in front of me just sold on EBay for $25.00.
I figured since the homeowner gave me such a good deal on one box, I might as well try for another. I began boxing up more tumblers, coasters, a piece of Tuppercraft (an offshoot of the Tupperware brand), and a rather large mustard yellow picnic carrier that had a matching cooler. The price? $5. I checked out the seller’s other items and he had a great mix of old and new, with super reasonable prices. I found a vintage 1982 Care Bears candy & lollipop mold set with the original box and added accessories. The sticker price was $0.25. I put it up on EBay the following day and by auction's end, it went for around $10. It was an easy sell – original box & contents, plus Care Bears are popular again.
I took my finds back to my car and was getting ready to leave when I decided to go back one more time and see about purchasing the rest of the Tupperware. The homeowner joked with me and said “Back already?” I checked out a large Tupperware container full of more tumblers and spare Tupperware lids (buy these if you ever see them – people are always looking for replacement lids!). I popped another $5 into his hands and the items were mine. The seller asked if I would be interested in buying lid holders. Tupperware made plastic holders for the lids of the kitchenware, which could be mounted on a wall or in a cupboard providing an easy and convenient way to store lids. There were about 8 holders on the table, ranging in size to match with the different size lids of the kitchenware.
I asked how much and the homeowner replied that he had to ask his wife. I thought my lucky streak had ended. The wife had not been present when I purchased the bundled boxes before and I was glad of that. I figured that either the wife had purchased the Tupperware herself years ago or they had been given to her by a family relative. I thought for sure that she would know the value of them and quote a high price for the holders. She was sitting on the steps inside of the garage and when asked how much, said $1 for all. I had hit a “Tupperware honey hole.”
I left the yard sale having paid $16 for around 40 pieces of Tupperware, which equals to paying roughly 40cents per piece. I felt accomplished knowing that my research had paid off. I didn’t have to wonder if purchasing this vintage kitchenware would bring in any money. I didn’t make myself only buy two or three items for fear that I wouldn’t be able to re-sell them. This is why I can’t state it enough: research, research, research.
At home, I began looking on EBay to find selling prices of the items that I had purchased. Looking at the completed and sold listings, I was able to gain an idea of what the items went for and what prices were too high to ask. Buying a piece for 40cents allows me plenty of margin to make a decent profit without asking for an insane price that no one will pop on. I also discovered the pieces that were included in the bundle that might not do so well – flour sifters, celery crisper without the insert tray, and a few other little items.
There are thousands of listings for Tupperware on EBay. If you want to sell this type of kitchenware, you must make sure that your listing is clear, concise, good pictures, and a good price. Describe the item thoroughly. Though Tupperware is collectible, people still use what they collect. “Scuff marks” are common on Tupperware and these wear marks actually do not deter people from buying them. List the item as in good condition but with normal wear marks. Obviously, if there is a crack or a missing/not original lid, be sure to state that as well. Take good pictures and make sure to get the front, back, top, and bottom of the item. Take a photo of the Tupperware ID number and also list it in the description.
For pricing, search around for similar items and see what they sold for. It also helps to search for active listings to see the competition. Often people will value an item way out of its’ price range, like $25 plus $15 shipping and handling for a Tupperware melon baller. This item will never sell because the price is ridiculous. Just be aware of what prices are out there and set your item at a price that will attract buyers but also at a price where you can make some profit.
Sit back and wait. I’m pretty anxious to see what sells the first round and what I will have to list a second time. With summertime approaching and people going to picnics, Tupperware is in heavy use. Potato salads, deviled eggs, and pickles all need a carrying case and Tupperware is up for the job.
~ Flea Fact ~
Always check last minute yard sale listings. Double check the papers, Craigslist, and yard sale websites before you head out for the day. Research a little the night before going to yard sales as a refresher on what to look for - you don't want to miss a moneymaker!
