White goods.
Look for bargains at auctions (surplus goods, bankrupt
stock & catalogue returns)
Do buy: New, unused equipment* Appliances which still carry
manufacturers guarantee* B grade stock* Appliances lacking
instruction manuals (you can obtain these from the
manufacturer at little cost).
Don't buy:Any appliance that has been used, as these must
be checked out for safety by a qualified electricin or gas
fitter.
How to check white goods: Inspect the casing for damage*
Plug the appliance in if possible* Check that all features
work* Check to see if any attachments or accessories are
missing* Obtain the original packaging & manual if possible.
Examples of Buy/Sell prices: Microwave oven - buy at $70,
sell at $245. Fridge/freezer - buy at $176, sell at $380.
Combined washer/dryer - buy at $240, sell at $505.
Office Equipment.
Auctions are the best source of used equipment at bargain
prices. Also try trade warehouses where applicable.
Do buy: Well known brands such as Canon, Olivetti, Sharpe,
Brother* Items with superficial damage as business buyers
are not deterred as long as the price is right.
Don't buy: Non workers* Minor items such as calculators,
dictaphones as the profit is low* Anything that is obsolete*
Anything that needs consumables which are no longer made
(you can check by obtaining a catalogue from Viking
Stationers on 0800 424444).
How to check office equipment: Check for any missing part*
Obtain the handbook if available* Check that all controls work
properly* Check the finished output* Check to make sure
consumables and spares are available.
Examples of Buy/Sell prices: Canon desktop copier - buy at
$90, sell at $200. Basic fax machine - buy at $18, sell at $120.
Hewlett Packard Laser printer - buy at $100, sell at $360. Five
station office telephone system - buy at $190, sell at $800.
Furniture.
Auctions are the best source of furniture, as well as surplus,
bankrupt & catalogue returns. Also from house clearance
services.
Do buy: New furniture* Used furniture if in good condition*
Items which are still fashionable like repro, real wood &
leather upholstery.
Don't buy: Abused or damaged furniture* Cloth upholstered
furniture unless it conforms with the latest fire regualations*
Anything that is out of fashion like PVC covered & chrome
furniture.
How to check furniture: Make a visual inspection, check for
faults* Look inside or underneath, check for damage or bad
repair* Check for conformity with fire regulations* Do not buy
anything you would not buy yourself.
Examples of Buy/Sell prices:Budget 3 piece suite - buy at
$198, sell at $389. Dining table with 4 chairs - buy at $98, sell at
$249. Sofa bed - buy at $80, sell at $178.
Bicycles.
Trade warehouses, especially if you buy 5 or 10 at a time.
Also auctions and small ads, but beware any stolen goods.
Do buy: New cycles* Used, if in good condition* Well known
brand names like Raleigh, Townsend, British Eagle* Cycles in
fashionable colors* Mountain bikes and racing bikes.
Don't buy: Used bikes in shabby condition* Unbranded or
little known brands, especially cheap Chinese imports*
Ladies bikes, as the demand is limited.
How to check a cycle:If the bike is new do not unpack it as it
will sell for more if obvously unused* if used, check the
brakes* Check for punctured tyres* Check that accessories
like pumps, lights , bells etc are included, least the buyer
tries to knock you down on the price
Examples of Buy/Sell prices: Boy's bike, basic model - buy
for $50, sell for $140. Racing bike, 12 spped, gents - Buy for
$100, sell for $245. Mountain bike, basic model - buy for $90,
sell for $198. Mountain bike, top brand - buy for $200, sell for
$400.
Small electrical appliances.
Discount trade warehouses are the best source. Also look out
for bankrupt, surplus and catalogue return stock.
Do buy: New, unused appliances* Appliances which still carry
a guarantee* B grade stock, which have been safety checked
& have guarantee* Appliaces with no instruction manual, as
these can be obtained from the manufacturer at little cost.
Don't buy: Any appliance that has been used, as its resale will
be very poor.
Examples of Buy/Sell prices: Electric kettle - buy at $16, sell at
$40. Toaster - buy at $6, sell at $36. Hairdryer - buy at $4, sell
at $30. Cordless telephone - buy at $50, sell at $160.
