In this episode, we're tackling a question sent in by one of our listeners: how do you ship antiques and art overseas? We're breaking down what we learned about freight forwarding (yep, they know how to handle customs paperwork, shipment consolidation, etc.), and we also discuss a pleasant surprise that we found by simply getting a little outside of our usual garage sale budget. We'll share why thinking beyond "yard sale prices" helped us uncover incredible resale opportunities, including a haul featuring handmade quilts, vintage Star Wars collectibles, Buffy the Vampire Slayer memorabilia, Peola Valley Pottery, LEGO collectibles, and more. It can be a little intimidating to step beyond your comfort zone, but if you move strategically, it can amplify your profits on eBay, Etsy, or in your antiques booth.

Some antiques and collectibles sell in minutes. Others sit for months (or longer)! In this episode, we're taking you behind the scenes as John updates several real listings to show exactly how he approaches slow-moving inventory. From a graniteware biggin coffee pot and a rare Lislet humidor to transferware pottery, vintage NFL jerseys, and a Czech ceramic cream pitcher, we break down the changes that can make a difference: adding listing videos, rewriting titles and descriptions with buyer-focused SEO keywords, improving photos, choosing between Etsy and eBay, and targeting decorators instead of collectors when it makes sense. Listening to John's strategies are sure to spark some ideas you can apply to your own slow-moving inventory today.

If you've ever wondered why one vintage item sells in minutes while another takes years, this episode is for you. We're talking about the "fast nickels, slow dimes" philosophy of selling antiques and collectibles, with real-world examples from John's own shop: a Nintendo console that disappeared almost instantly, a Coca-Cola cooler, Jeep grille, and vintage patches that sold within hours, and Royal Vienna bouillon cups that patiently waited years for the right buyer. Here, we discuss which categories tend to move quickly (first edition books, manga, affordable glassware, seasonal décor, and DVDs), why high-value antiques often require a long-term mindset, why you should research every item in a lot (yes, every one), and why a successful eBay or Etsy shop needs both quick-turn inventory and premium pieces.

We're heading back to the heart of Europe in this second Shop the World episode as we explore the antiques and collectibles we commonly encounter at estate sales, thrift stores, auctions, and flea markets. Learn how to recognize Czech glass, Bohemian crystal, and Bavarian porcelain, discover the clues that separate Bohemian glass from Murano, and hear practical tips for how we (as newbies) are evaluating Hummel figurines. We also give some practical tips on buying and evaluating German beer steins. We've been amazed by how often these items have been turning up at summertime garage sales, and we want to make sure you know what to look for, too!

John keeps hearing from fellow sellers that they're having a tough time finding inventory this summer. In this episode, we share a few simple sourcing tips (including what we mean by always keeping your "antenna up"), and take you along on another real-world picking trip. This time, it's a couple of garage sales just a short walk from our house. During this trip, we bought: automotive items, barware, DVDs (we also explain why we buy physical media), Christmas collectibles, mid-century pottery, fishing items, baskets, and even carnival and Depression glass. We promise the inventory is out there if you're willing to look for it. Sometimes, finding items to sell is as simple as slowing down, getting out of the car, and giving those neighborhood garage sales a chance.

Summer is one of the best seasons for antique and collectible sellers (hello, garage sales!), and in this episode, we explore what John has been finding—and selling quickly—right now. That includes everything from vintage picnic items (he had especially good luck with a vintage Coca-Cola cooler) to a specific Tupperware piece you should always keep an eye out for. We also discuss the fishing collectibles that consistently sell, some surprising recent winners (roller skates?), and why you might not want to clean those concrete lawn ornaments, even—or especially—the ones covered in moss. Stay tuned for our section on summer entertaining collectibles, including mid-century barware and ice buckets, plus a conversation about audiobooks (yes, you can absolutely sell physical audiobooks), and why summer is the perfect time for savvy antique dealers to start sourcing inventory for Christmas.

What antiques and collectibles are shoppers favoriting right now? In this episode, John breaks down the most-favorited items currently in his Etsy and eBay stores. We also revisit an experiment from a recent pottery episode, where we compared two pottery lots (one higher-priced stoneware group and one lower-priced Nippon lot) to see what's attracting favorites and what's actually beginning to sell. Along the way, we discuss popular categories including deluxe edition books, Fenton glass, cast iron toys, Pokémon cards, antique hand tools, and more. We also talk about why antique dealers and vintage resellers should regularly check their Etsy and eBay analytics to better understand buyer interest and shopping trends. Plus, stay tuned until the end for a real-world shipping story about getting an antique Coca-Cola cooler safely to its new owner. Proof that even large antiques can be shipped successfully!

Want to spot valuable antiques and collectibles from around the world? In this episode, we explore commonly found Japanese ceramics markings, including Noritake, Nippon, and Occupied Japan; we also talk a bit about the always-popular head vases. We then head to England to explore what are currently great selling trends at John's shop: transferware, Blue Willow, and Flow Blue pottery. When we jet to France, it's all about Limoges porcelain. In Italy, we explore Murano glass styles such as Sommerso, Bullicante, and Millefiori. These are pieces we frequently find at estate and garage sales, and we're sure you will too. Train your eyes on these pieces and you'll have an incredibly successful next buying trip.