Escape the ordinary, embrace the odd

For thrifters, resellers, and vintage lovers, finding great stock is an ongoing puzzle. While auctions are a staple, the real thrill often lies out on the pavement. If you are looking to diversify your inventory or just enjoy the thrill of the hunt, taking your sourcing on a road trip is one of the most rewarding ways to find unique items.Here is a guide to mastering road trip sourcing, inspired by years of digging through boxes and driving backroads. 1. The Strategy: Garage Sales vs. Estate Sales Finding the right balance between estate sales and yard sales can make or break your sourcing budget. The Estate Sale Dilemma: Estate sale companies have a job to do, but sometimes their prices lean toward high-end retail. If the vibe feels too "bougie," it is hard to find a margin for resale. The Garage Sale Goldmine: Stick to traditional garage sales where you can truly dig. This is where the best margins hide. Sourcing Karma: A good rule of thumb is to never take advantage of ...

Before we dive back into the rabbit hole of weird and wonderful things people collect, let’s take a step back. How did I end up down this road? More importantly, how can you start finding incredible treasures of your own? It all started in 1969 at Ray Shaub’s auction house in Quarryville, Pennsylvania. I was just six years old when I bought an antique porcelain jardiniere for my grandmother. She was the one who sparked my lifelong obsession. And let's be honest—it is an obsession. We collectors always tell ourselves, "Just one more piece..." Fast forward to today: I have been buying other people’s stuff for 57 years and selling it for 55. My very first sale? A vintage Hubley fire engine sold to a neighborhood kid. The Best Secret to Sourcing: Go to the Auction Capital Over the years, people always ask me: "Where do you find all this great inventory?"The answer is in my roots. I grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, which I consider the absolute auction capi...