Estate Sale Venting  

winning more
brbeard,
This is how I have acheived greater success with acquisitions.
1. base "everything" (consider all items desired to be of equal quality and premium name recognition) on the percentage of retail dollars at purchase. I try to average between 15 to 20% (less 80 to 85%).
2. never buy with "resale" as a primary consideration (that is business). The math above is almost a guarantee of no or minimum loss of the principal capital expenditure.
3. my "interest list" contains 2146 files and 70 folders (the greater number of "desires" increases the probability and availability for acquisition of a minimum number of items).
4. try to shop daily and spend as much money as possible (this is not a joke) hunting for the items contained in the 2146 files and 70 folders and be pleased with the item(s) you buy. Do not regret the "ones that got away" (put them back on the list and add more).
5. ignore any and all rules "made for others" (if they sell to their dealer friends ahead of a sale - become their friend). The acquisition of an item is "all about me" and I do not let the "needs or feelings" of other (buyers or sellers) influence my goal. "Cash in hand" will do the talking and influence those in "need".
For me this is all fun and games and at "the end of the day" I get to view my treasures and prepare to start over. The only emotion I want to feel when I am spending money is pleasure.
Good luck at the next (estate) sale.

Thanks for all the nice...
Thanks for all the nice comments and commiseration, everyone 🙂 I swear I was trying to start a...well, I guess it would still be a pity party, but a BIG pity party, and not just a personal one for me, ha.
Glassartist - I'm definitely not a "trustifarian" at all. My time is somewhat valuable, and I definitely always calculate out what I'm effectively "paying" for the item by trading my time. These sort of nights are a good time to catch up on reading 🙂 Part of the thrill IS in the hunt and getting a deal and all of that, but I definitely only go to these sort of lengths for special items. Waiting in line all night, and being first, and getting that item that's been unattainable for so long for whatever reason - it's a huge rush and I really do love that. There's just also a downside sometimes! The good typically outweighs the bad for me though. And I've got a regular, 9-5 job (with copious amounts of PTO, fortunately 🙂 ), so this is just a hobby, and these frigid, fraught-filled nights are a somewhat rare occurrence for me.
Thanks for the advice niceguy! I've got quite a few items on my wishlist as well, and have been able to cross a few long-term items off this year thanks to estate sales. The list is long enough that I have to approach (all but the most rare of) them with patience. Like everyone here, I enjoy knowing that I got a deal. I think of my purchases as investments that I can enjoy and live with - or at least, that's how I justify spending all of my money on these sort of things, ha. It's clear that you've got quite a bit more income at your disposal, but I think we both love the hunt. Best of luck to you for your next acquisition as well!

Glad to hear
they are rare. I have had those same nights, but I get to chalk it up as work hours. Even passionate hobbies do have their annoying times. Good hunting next time.