How to Afford to find a RW!!!!

[Ravens9273]

I talk to a few members of RWD privately. I have been asked by a couple how I managed to visit my wife often (while still in Ukraine) and take many trips to the Carribbean with her.

Well i am not rich. I do have my own business however this money is not what I used at all during this pursuit.
I started other little business that paid for everything.
With econimcal times the way they are I figured I would share my little secret to make this pursuit easy on me with the finances. If anyone else can benefit from what I do and do the same by all means I hope it works for you as well.

Long story short I found a secret to selling on ebay. Ebay earns the money for all my trips and vacations. it also just bought a new engagment ring for my wife that I will present to her on our 1st anniversary next month.

Now ebay is no top secret. We all know about it. The secret is what I sell.

I spend about 4 hours a week at one of my many local "PICK N PULL" Junkyards. Those 4 hours a week lead to $10,000 extra income in my pocket each month. This is money used for trips, vacations, etc....

I found that at these pick n pull junkyards parts are sold extremely cheap. I spent a few days studying ebay's completed listings on car parts to see which parts sell for the most and are hot items. I made a book of all these items. When Igo to the junkyard I use this book to see what parts to buy.
There are many parts I buy for a few dollars that sell for $100. On average I sell items for 10x what I pay for it. Sometimes even more.
I do not buy mechanical parts. Mainly interior parts such as electronic rearview mirrors, door panels, sun visors, trim pieaces, air bags etc... Ocasionally some exterior parts as head lights, tail lights etc...

I have become an ebay power seller from this business. I hired a lady who does all my shipping and packing for me so I do not have to deal with the headaches.
I have found this business to have grown from the troubles economy because no one is buying new cars but fixing their old ones up.
It has been great for me to follow my pursuit and at the same time not taking a toll on my other income. In a way I actually enjoy it. I have always had a passion for cars. I rebuild and build custom cars all the time, so going to the junkyard is actually fun for me.
So if anyone else here has a local pick n pull junkyard in your area and want to give it a try. It can lead to a nice side income with little effort. Like I said. I spend 4 hours a week there for $10,000 extra a month.

This is how I was able to afford my pursuit. If my posting can help others by all means give it a go and you know how to reach me for advice.
If others have something they do for the extra income maybe you can help others here as well on their pursuit and through our current rough times.

[Mikebos32]

Pretty slick trick right there. I have a few of those locally myself. I will have to take some time and give that a go and see what's up there. Appreciate the advice.

[Mishenka]

 Great idea ravens !

I was able to afford my trip last year by selling one of the guitars off my web site. I did well with it, turned a $5200 profit.  This made up for loss of income for the month I as gone plus paid all my expenses for the time there and month returning.  I can list anything from my website on Ebay with the click of a mouse. I use paypal for the credit card transactions. I was in the construction Business for 30 years until the crisis, then closed it down. I put all my energy into the music biz and it took off.  There is more overhead but I sell something each day, so its all good.

[JR]

Very KEWL of you to share that Raven. And even better that you created a job for someone

[HiTech]

Ravens9273: Just double checking did you mean 10k every month or 10 every year?

[Ravens9273]

Ravens9273: Just double checking did you mean 10k every month or 10 every year?

I was taking in average 10K per month.
Here is my 60 day sales total on ebay. Now keep in mind I went to Ukraine for two weeks to pick up my wife in February and we spent a week seeing New York and Disneyworld. Right now I slowed down because wife is here.

 
Selling totals
 
 
 
Current 
Listed 42
Will sell 0
Bids 0
Amount $0.00
   
Sold (last 60 days)
Listed 95
Sold 95
Amount $12,516.05
   
Payments (last 60 days)
Received $12,120.05
Not received $396.00
 
Total sales: $12,516.05
 

[Ravens9273]

Several had written to me concerning my side parts business and how they could do the same as well as how I got started.

First I did not start this thread to brag. I started this thread because many of us are going through rough times with the economy. Several who had interest in my idea directly wrote to me saying they are about to lose their jobs. In that sense I am glad I posted this information.

Also it is not a matter of me having competition. The fact is no one here would be competeing with me in sales. Each junkyard is different. They have different cars coming in at different times. I take what I can find at that moment based on what is there. The odds of any of us having the adzact same part, in the same color, and in the same condition at the same time is very unlikely.
However if others here can profit from it the way I have then I am extremely happy for them.
From those I have spoken to I have stated to all that I am only a phone call away. If you are going to the junkyard you can give me a call and I will point you in the right direction to parts that will make you money.

Now I always had a passion for cars. I use to buy run down cars for a few hundred bucks and turn them into custom show cars. I know nothing mechanical but I am self taught with body work, painting, and doing custom work. I am no pro but I am pretty good.
However I would fix up these run down cars then sell them. I did not do this so much for money, but more for enjoyment.
I would go to junkyards at time to buy parts when needed.
One time while redoing a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse I needed to buy new door panels. I had worked on an Eclipse before and purchased door panels at local PICK N PULL junkyard for $12 (for set).

At this time I looked on ebay for the panels. Everyone was selling them for $200 plus $50 shipping.
I could not believe it. The next day I went right to the junkyard to pay $12 for the set again. I also saw they had a couple other sets as well. I decided to buy them and list on ebay for kicks.

At the time I spent about 6 months selling just this one set of door panels. The good thing that made them easy to find was they could be found in 4 cars. All 1995 to 1999 Chrysler Sebrings, Dodge Avengers, Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talons all had this same door panel.
I could find several sets each visit.
I realized how much money I made just from one part and that there obviously had to be many other cars with parts worth money.
I went to the store and bought a small hard back cover notebook. I wanted something small to carry with a sturdy cover that would survive in the junkyard.
First page of notebook I wrote the codes of how to tell year of car by VIN#
For those who do not know. The 10th digit of the Vin# will tell you the year of the car.

Next page I started with Acura. I then started with each car Acura had and did a search on ebay for completed listing of parts for that car.
Example: Completed listings for parts sold for Acura Integra.

Each car had a page in my book.
It took me about 5 days to finish this book.
I wrote down the part and how much it sold for, then headed to the pick n pull

This is where it turned into a side business for me.
The possibilities are endless. If you have good junkyards near you that have a good turn over on cars you could make my 10k a month look like a joke. However your local junkyard will determine the amount of money you make.
If your local yard does not get alot of cars in on a regular basis it could effect your business. If the yard brings many new cars in regularly to keep your inventory going you will be in good shape.

Now I will give a run down of my last two days.

Many here now know who I am on ebay.
On days I go to the yard I will have those items listed later that evening for sale.

Yesturday I went. I spent 2 hours in the yard.
Items bought

Air bag set from a 2004 Pontiac grand Prix. (this set will fit 2004 to 2008)
Paid $80 for set. Ebay listed price $679

Sunroof to 1999 to 2002 Mercury cougar. Very high demand part. 1999 and 2000 cougars had faulty sunroofs that broke easily. Many who owned these cars needed to replace. A working sunroof to a 1999 or 2000 model is worth $300. From a 2001 and 2002 model $500 since it was updated not to break.
Mine was from a 2000 year.
Paid $30 Ebay listed price $319

1995-1997 Chevy Blazer door panels tan leather
Paid $12  Ebay listed price $179

1998-2005 Chevy Blazer single drivers side panel
paid $6  Ebay listed price $89

Set of headlights for 1993 to 1996 Lincoln Mark 8
Paid $30 Ebay listed price $199

1999 Eclipse Door Panels Tan
Paid $12 ebay listed price $149

That is all I bought yesturday. All items were listed last night on Ebay.

Today.
3 hours spent at junkyard.

I did not plan to go to Junkyard today. However this is something for others to know. It helps to make friends at the junkyard.
I made friends with those who actually put the cars into the yard. I offered them $20 each time they call me with something good.
Today I received a phone call at 7am from friend at junkyard. They received 3 cars today with high dollar air bags (Air bags is one of my favorite things to sell)
They receied the following

2007 Chevy Malibu
2006 Saturn Ion
2004 Chevy Cavalier

All 3 cars had full set of air bags.
This yard I pay $50 for full set of Air bags

Right now I have all of the above air bags in my home. They will be listed on ebay tonight.

2007 Malibu. (With this car it was necessary to buy both seat belts and dash cover with the air bags)
Paid $50 for air bags. $10 for seat belts and $20 for dash cover.
Total $80. Will list on ebay for $1000

2006 Saturn ION air bags
Paid $50. Do not know yet but will liston ebay for either $400 or $450

2004 Chev Cavalier air bags. ( one of my favorites. They sell so fast when listed.)
Paid $50. Will list on ebay for $400

I also bought a set of leather and suede seats from a 2001 Sebring Convertible front and back.
Paid $20 for each front seat and $30 for back seat. Total $70. Will list on ebay tomorrow (need to clean them up first from dust and not in mood tonight) But will sell for $600

1998-2005 Chevy Blazer tan leather door panels
paid $12 Will list for $179

1993 Pontiac Firebird tan leather door panels
paid $12 will list for $199

Those were my last two days. Like I said I did not plan to go today but with the phone call received I could not turn away from such good parts.
All items can be verified for those who know me on ebay.

This is am example of what can be done. I am here to help anyone who wishes to make a go for it. It had been big help on my life and for anyone who gives a good shot at trying to make it work for them.

[groovlstk]

Ravens,

Whether it's cars or women, you seem to have the magic touch, brother 

[Marc@LTP]

Ravens9273

sent you a PM

[Ravens9273]

Several had written to me concerning my side parts business and how they could do the same as well as how I got started.

First I did not start this thread to brag. I started this thread because many of us are going through rough times with the economy. Several who had interest in my idea directly wrote to me saying they are about to lose their jobs. In that sense I am glad I posted this information.

Also it is not a matter of me having competition. The fact is no one here would be competeing with me in sales. Each junkyard is different. They have different cars coming in at different times. I take what I can find at that moment based on what is there. The odds of any of us having the adzact same part, in the same color, and in the same condition at the same time is very unlikely.
However if others here can profit from it the way I have then I am extremely happy for them.
From those I have spoken to I have stated to all that I am only a phone call away. If you are going to the junkyard you can give me a call and I will point you in the right direction to parts that will make you money.

Now I always had a passion for cars. I use to buy run down cars for a few hundred bucks and turn them into custom show cars. I know nothing mechanical but I am self taught with body work, painting, and doing custom work. I am no pro but I am pretty good.
However I would fix up these run down cars then sell them. I did not do this so much for money, but more for enjoyment.
I would go to junkyards at time to buy parts when needed.
One time while redoing a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse I needed to buy new door panels. I had worked on an Eclipse before and purchased door panels at local PICK N PULL junkyard for $12 (for set).

At this time I looked on ebay for the panels. Everyone was selling them for $200 plus $50 shipping.
I could not believe it. The next day I went right to the junkyard to pay $12 for the set again. I also saw they had a couple other sets as well. I decided to buy them and list on ebay for kicks.

At the time I spent about 6 months selling just this one set of door panels. The good thing that made them easy to find was they could be found in 4 cars. All 1995 to 1999 Chrysler Sebrings, Dodge Avengers, Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talons all had this same door panel.
I could find several sets each visit.
I realized how much money I made just from one part and that there obviously had to be many other cars with parts worth money.
I went to the store and bought a small hard back cover notebook. I wanted something small to carry with a sturdy cover that would survive in the junkyard.
First page of notebook I wrote the codes of how to tell year of car by VIN#
For those who do not know. The 10th digit of the Vin# will tell you the year of the car.

Next page I started with Acura. I then started with each car Acura had and did a search on ebay for completed listing of parts for that car.
Example: Completed listings for parts sold for Acura Integra.

Each car had a page in my book.
It took me about 5 days to finish this book.
I wrote down the part and how much it sold for, then headed to the pick n pull

This is where it turned into a side business for me.
The possibilities are endless. If you have good junkyards near you that have a good turn over on cars you could make my 10k a month look like a joke. However your local junkyard will determine the amount of money you make.
If your local yard does not get alot of cars in on a regular basis it could effect your business. If the yard brings many new cars in regularly to keep your inventory going you will be in good shape.

Now I will give a run down of my last two days.

Many here now know who I am on ebay.
On days I go to the yard I will have those items listed later that evening for sale.

Yesturday I went. I spent 2 hours in the yard.
Items bought

Air bag set from a 2004 Pontiac grand Prix. (this set will fit 2004 to 2008)
Paid $80 for set. Ebay listed price $679

Sunroof to 1999 to 2002 Mercury cougar. Very high demand part. 1999 and 2000 cougars had faulty sunroofs that broke easily. Many who owned these cars needed to replace. A working sunroof to a 1999 or 2000 model is worth $300. From a 2001 and 2002 model $500 since it was updated not to break.
Mine was from a 2000 year.
Paid $30 Ebay listed price $319 (sold 3/25/2009)

1995-1997 Chevy Blazer door panels tan leather
Paid $12  Ebay listed price $179 (sold 3/25/2009)

1998-2005 Chevy Blazer single drivers side panel
paid $6  Ebay listed price $89 (sold 3/25/2009)

Set of headlights for 1993 to 1996 Lincoln Mark 8
Paid $30 Ebay listed price $199

1999 Eclipse Door Panels Tan
Paid $12 ebay listed price $149

That is all I bought yesturday. All items were listed last night on Ebay.

Today.
3 hours spent at junkyard.

I did not plan to go to Junkyard today. However this is something for others to know. It helps to make friends at the junkyard.
I made friends with those who actually put the cars into the yard. I offered them $20 each time they call me with something good.
Today I received a phone call at 7am from friend at junkyard. They received 3 cars today with high dollar air bags (Air bags is one of my favorite things to sell)
They receied the following

2007 Chevy Malibu
2006 Saturn Ion
2004 Chevy Cavalier

All 3 cars had full set of air bags.
This yard I pay $50 for full set of Air bags

Right now I have all of the above air bags in my home. They will be listed on ebay tonight.

2007 Malibu. (With this car it was necessary to buy both seat belts and dash cover with the air bags)
Paid $50 for air bags. $10 for seat belts and $20 for dash cover.
Total $80. Will list on ebay for $1000

2006 Saturn ION air bags
Paid $50. Do not know yet but will liston ebay for either $400 or $450

2004 Chev Cavalier air bags. ( one of my favorites. They sell so fast when listed.)
Paid $50. Will list on ebay for $400

I also bought a set of leather and suede seats from a 2001 Sebring Convertible front and back.
Paid $20 for each front seat and $30 for back seat. Total $70. Will list on ebay tomorrow (need to clean them up first from dust and not in mood tonight) But will sell for $600

1998-2005 Chevy Blazer tan leather door panels
paid $12 Will list for $179

1993 Pontiac Firebird tan leather door panels
paid $12 will list for $199

Those were my last two days. Like I said I did not plan to go today but with the phone call received I could not turn away from such good parts.
All items can be verified for those who know me on ebay.

This is am example of what can be done. I am here to help anyone who wishes to make a go for it. It had been big help on my life and for anyone who gives a good shot at trying to make it work for them.