One of my goals last year was to be able to pay for all my grocery store purchases by earning that money back by selling totally random things I had collected on my walks along the beaches surrounding our home, or from our walks in general.
And well, a lot of other projects sort of creeped up on me {the kitchen remodel, my husband deciding to tear up the yard and install a religious sized family garden, gardening season of course and then traveling} that my goal of earning my grocery money back got put on the back burner. So last year’s goal is now this year’s goal. đ
Last year we spent $1,493.04 on groceries.
Here are the things I’ve listed for sale online so far this year:
- 1 Box of 12 Heart Shaped Rocks @ $24.95 {SOLD}
- 1 Box of 6 Heart Shaped Rocks @ $22.95 {SOLD}
- 2 Boxes of Native Organically Harvested Driftwood @ $89.95 {1 box has sold so far}
*Money earned selling random stuff so far $137.85
* At the end of the year I will deduct all the shipping/supply/selling fees from the grand total.
This time around, I’ll try and sell all those old coffee tins I found in the basement the previous owners left behind. Afterall, they say one man’s trash is another’s treasure, right?
Granted, I didnât find these coffee cans while out on a walk, but I did find them in the basement and since they were left behind, I say they count towards my goal of trying to sell totally random âfoundâ objects.
This morning I listed 7 boxes of Vintage Coffee Cans for sale in my Etsy shop under the antique category ranging in prices from $19.95 for just 1 can to $59.95 for a set of 6.
If all the cans sell, this will amount to $219.70 {less shipping costs} for a bunch of old rusty coffee cans I found in the basement.
Not a bad chunk of change if you ask me.
I based my price solely on what other cans are going for or have sold for in the past.
Here is what I wrote for one of the coffee can listings:
You will receive both Chock Full O’ Nuts Metal Coffee Cans {no lids}.
- Weights on the can vary from 13 ounces to 16 ounces.
- Cans are roughly 4″ wide by 5 1/2″ high
- Perfect for a TV/movie prop or decorating.
- Condition: Rusty and scratched up mostly inside the can, but some on the outside
*****
So what do you think. Will they sell? And if so, which ones do you think will go first?
My guess is the Brim coffee. Only because I don’t see those cans very often and they remind me of my Mother. I’m pretty sure Brim was her go-to coffee.
Have a great day,
~Mavis
Jennifer says
I vote for Brim or Sanka since these aren’t around anymore, not that I’ve seen. Movie prop was my thought after the first paragraph.
My grandmother had a 1966 Chevrolet Super Sport Classic that she rented to a TV mini-series, Chiefs, for $500 a day. They kept it 6 days and Lollipop thought she won the lottery! That was a huge sum of money in 1983 in rural SC.
Tammy says
They might sell on Facebook Marketplace a little better, but who knows? I will watch and see! I’m kind of thinking some of the ones that are older but not really vintage aren’t going to sell. But I know nothing about the market of coffee cans. đ
Pauline in Upstate NY says
I still think that empty metal coffee cans are incredibly useful to store random things in our home/workshop, BUT they would be of no use to me without the snap-on lids. So I wouldnât buy these on your site, but those who crave âantiquesâ might feel differently. (Now, if you find one that still has a *metal* lid, that is special!)
Rita says
I was thinking the same thing. Need the lids!
Honeybee says
I vote for the Chock full o Nuts cans. I have always been fascinated by the name.
Linda Practical Parsimony says
A metal can is a treasure in this time of plastic! Of course, they will sell. Lids are not necessary, but a bonus. People thought I was crazy to want to sell old cans I found in my basement. Do you have a glass gallon Clorox jug or vinegar jug?
Carolyn says
Fill it to the rim with BRIM! I vote for the Brim cans selling, but I’ve always loved the Chock Full O’Nuts name.
Barb says
Don’t forget to do the Brim twist!
Mary G says
Ha! I’m getting a kick out of seeing what you’re putting together for sale. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they do sell. There seems to be a market for everything. I have to say, though, the way you package your items is absolutely lovely, so that bumps up the quality right off the bat! đ
Sue D says
I think the Brim and the Chock Full Oâ Nuts tins will go first. Theyâre all 16oz tinsâŚ
I remember having lunch at a Chock Full Oâ Nuts.
Michelle of Ephrata says
I find myself looking at random finds now wondering what I could sell them for on Etsy. Hahaha. Especially toilet paper rolls! We are a family of 8…. so so so many empty rolls of tp.
Dianne says
I believe they will sell. Especially Brim – not sure if they make Santa anymore. I don’t think they do. My Dad kept all kinds of stuff in coffee cans. I don’t think the meal ones came with lids?
Dianne says
Oh yes, they came with lids. They had to be pried off with a knife or screwdriver. Or they had a pull metal lever.
Sue S. says
If anybody can sell old coffee cans, it has to be you Mavis. Go for it!
Jeanine says
I must sayâŚI have bought a couple of âLog Cabin Maple Syrupâ cans and have them in my kitchen. So, there are some of us out there!
Fifitr says
I was looking for plantpots on Etsy here in the UK just today and came across several colourful coffee cans being sold as plant holders so yes, I think they will sell, either for vintage households or people who have nostalgic memories and want to repurpose them in their kitchens.
tc says
You just never know, today I sold 500 used egg cartons for $40 so I am excited as I get them for free
Caitlin says
When I was a kid, I thought that the height of sophistication was drinking Sanka like my grandfather. For christmas this year my Aunt bought me Sanka branded mugs, and I sobbed with joy. Every morning now I drink out of my Sanka cup and think of my wonderful grandfather. They will sell!
Sharon Kurtz says
I’m in Pennsylvania and I have boxes of these cans. In decent shape. I’ve been trying to sell them about 5 months 3.00 ea h no luck.