Hidden Treasures & Bookseller Adventures: My Epic Vermont Estate Sale Find
Have you casually scrolled through Facebook Marketplace and accidentally signed yourself up for an epic adventure hundreds of miles away?
Well, that's precisely what happened to me.
Finding Gold
Every bookseller has a story about a find. This one started with a simple search and ended with a cross-state trip on a rainy night. There was an ad with about 40 books casually posted. A glance revealed a few BOLOs (reseller-speak for "Be On the Look Out" items—books or items that hold higher resale values and should be snapped up quickly). However, there was a hitch: the books were in Vermont, a considerable trek from my Rensselaer County, NY home. Initially, I dismissed it as too far away. But something about the images and description piqued my curiosity. Perhaps I just needed an adventure. After a bit of hesitation, I messaged the seller. Soon, I had plans to meet them and inspect the books. Little did I know I was stepping into one of my most memorable reselling adventures.
The Arrival: Vermont Estate Sale at Dusk
Arriving at dusk added a bit of mystery to the atmosphere. The location was an old estate sale building, once a bustling auction house. I wasn’t alone; a mother and daughter were there to purchase the girl’s first car from the owner.
After finishing their transaction, the seller greeted me and unlocked the expansive building.
Stepping inside was like walking into a time capsule: large rooms packed floor to ceiling with fascinating objects. The books were merely the tip of an iceberg. Everywhere I looked, there were items laden with history and nostalgia—remnants from high-end auctions, estate liquidations, private collections, and memorabilia of every conceivable interest.
Inside the Treasure Trove: Books, Books, and...More Books!
My initial plan was straightforward: grab the 40 or so books I spotted and hit the road, maybe find a cool place to eat.
As every bookseller knows, there’s always "just one more box" to look through. Every nook and cranny revealed more hidden gems—books tucked beneath furniture, inside drawers, under boxes, behind antiques.
Calculating logistics became essential. With an average hardcover weighing roughly 2.5 pounds, my trusty hatchback could safely carry about 350-400 books per trip (based on a cargo capacity of approximately 1,016 pounds, factoring in my weight and leaving margin for the suspension). It quickly became clear: this would not be a one-trip job.
Wisdom Among the Pages: Books, Inuit Art, and Stories from the Road
Exploring this seemingly endless trove of books, I discovered something even more valuable—the seller’s remarkable story. He and his wife had managed their estate sale company for decades, transitioning from a demanding, high-stress corporate role to a fulfilling career in antiques and estate sales. Their passion project evolved from simply decorating their office to running auctions, estate liquidations, and building a thriving resale business.
As I carefully sifted through piles of vintage hardcovers and fascinating memorabilia, I discovered several wonderful finds, including vintage nature guides, beautifully illustrated regional histories of Vermont, and collections of local history—each deeply connected to the region. Particularly intriguing were boxes filled with carefully preserved Inuit art postcards and beautiful publications such as the renowned “ Stones, Bones and Stitches: Storytelling through Inuit Art (Lord Museum)” and the visually stunning, "Arctic Spirit: The Albrecht Collection of Inuit Art at the Heard Museum”. These unexpected treasures underscored the richness and diversity of their collection.
Throughout this process, the seller generously shared invaluable insights—wisdom gleaned from decades in the reselling industry. We discussed the nuances of evaluating collections, interpreting market trends, and turning a passion for antiquities into sustainable business success. Each conversation reinforced an essential truth: Great reselling involves more than just transactional exchanges—it's about meaningful connections, respect for stories, and expert understanding of your niche market.
An Unexpected Find: Inuit Art and Postcards
One particularly fascinating discovery was case upon case of beautiful Inuit art—carefully packed postcards ( see my eBay store for those ) and art books left behind after an auction. In estate sales, he explained, it's common for valuable items to be abandoned simply because no one wants to handle the logistics of moving unsold lots. This unexpected addition turned into a valuable part of my haul.
Key Lessons: "Leave No Footprint" & “A Collector’s Treasure”
Among all the insights shared, one particular piece of advice resonated :
"When evaluating a client's collection, leave no footprint or smudge behind. Your ability to complete your job without leaving any impact or mess often sets you apart in this business. Ironically, the less visible your presence makes you more memorable."
"“Treat every book collection with respect… many avid book collectors will spend a lifetime curating what is important to them. The significance of a book’s potential sentimental value to the owner can be greater than expected.”
These deceptively simple principles distinguish one reseller from another, ensuring satisfied customers and repeat business.
Profitable in More Ways Than One
Financially, the Vermont estate venture turned into a very profitable one. The hundreds of carefully selected books and unexpected collectibles brought substantial returns. But perhaps even more valuable were the mentorship, insights, and stories the seller and his wife shared. Their friendship and generosity of knowledge made this long-distance adventure incredibly rewarding—far more than just financially.
This experience is one of many in my journey toward opening a brick-and-mortar bookstore under Forage With Me Books. Collecting wisdom from seasoned mentors, uncovering forgotten literary treasures, and sharing stories are core to my vision for the business. This Vermont journey perfectly exemplifies why
I love reselling and book-hunting.
Along the way, I’ve gathered several mentors, each with inspiring stories. In future posts, I’ll share more of their wisdom and adventures. Until then, happy foraging!
Have you ever stumbled upon an unexpected treasure trove or memorable mentoring experience?
Share your stories below—I’d love to hear them!
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