10 Things You Never, Ever Pass Up at Garage Sales

"There is real money in fake jewelry," says professional antique appraiser Dr. Lori Verderame. You could go treasure hunting for big names like Miriam Haskell, but even casual browsers should check for quality craftsmanship. Think sturdy settings with prongs, not glue. 

Focusing a specific category like sports can help resellers become profitable, advises Aaron LaPedis, "The Garage Sale Millionaire." Collectors will cough up big bucks for everything from antique sleds to early snowboards to merch from defunct teams. Always cross-reference prices online to make sure you're getting a deal. 

First off, you can never have too many. But there's also big bucks to be made in vintage holiday decor. Hand-blown glass baubles and German Kugel ornaments can fetch upwards of a thousand bucks, Antiques Roadshow appraiser Eric Silver told Elle Decor.

These days, electronics get outdated fast. While there is a market for some collectibles (like first edition Apple computers), stick to tried-and-true devices if you're hoping to actually use your find. Popular Mechanics advises snapping up any good-quality, functioning speakers you can plug into, since the analog tech has stayed pretty much the same.

Unless you genuinely love antiques, try shopping a new era. Online buyers currently dig stuff from the '50s, '60s and '70s, Sotheby's vet Patrick van der Vorst told Money. One specific moneymaker? Professional eBay seller supes314 always scouts for chrome waffle irons, but anything from toasters to transistor radios can get decent prices — as long as they're in working order, that is. 

If the sale's got a $1 table, start scouring it for coffee cups. Devoted fans will pay more for licensed characters and brands — like Starbucks or The Far Side – if you relist them on an auction site. The older, the better, advises veteran eBay seller maxsamedia. 

Antique skillets made before the '50s have a much smoother finish than their modern counterparts, according to Serious Eats. Extra polishing absent from later production makes the surface more non-stick than a brand-new version. Even if it's not that old (yet), cast iron lasts forever and pro chefs swear by the stuff. 

Collectible lures can resell for anything from $5 to $100,000, Country Living reports. Fishing rods and reels can also bring in good money if you know what you're looking at, so don't hesitate to take out your phone to do a little research. 

Don't turn your nose up at some rust. You can either strip it and add protective wax, or buy warrantied Mac, SK or Craftsman sockets and trade them into the company for new ones at no extra charge, according to Popular Mechanics.

Looking for sturdy furniture? Many sellers don't like the prospect of lugging cumbersome pieces back into the house at the end of the day and will give you great prices — especially since it's difficult to sell these items online. Hit up the sale later in the afternoon for even better deals, although the selection might be limited.