I Bought a “Broken” MacBook for $50 and Flipped It for $500. Here’s How
The Art of the Value-Add Flip
I found a MacBook on Facebook Marketplace listed as “broken, for parts” for fifty dollars. The owner said it wouldn’t turn on after a spill. I knew that often, a liquid spill just corrodes a single component. I bought it, took it home, and diagnosed the problem: a tiny, burnt-out chip on the logic board. I bought a replacement chip for five dollars and paid a local micro-soldering expert $100 to install it. After a good cleaning, the MacBook worked perfectly. I listed it on eBay and sold it for $500.
The “Magic Words” to Use in Your eBay Listing to Double Your Sale Price
The Power of a Good Description
When I sell a used laptop, I don’t just say “Used Laptop.” I use specific, value-adding keywords in my title and description. Words like “Meticulously Cleaned,” “Professionally Refurbished,” “Maxed Out RAM,” and “New SSD Installed” signal quality and care. I always include the specific model number. Instead of “fast,” I say “Boots to desktop in 15 seconds.” This detailed, confident language builds trust with the buyer, separates my listing from the junk, and consistently allows me to sell my items for a significantly higher price than similar, poorly-described ones.
How to Spot a “Scam” Listing on Facebook Marketplace from a Mile Away
The Red Flags of a Bad Deal
I’ve learned to spot the red flags of a scam on Marketplace. First, if the price for a popular item like a game console is too good to be true, it is. Second, I look at the seller’s profile. If it’s a brand new account with no friends or a weird profile picture, I’m suspicious. Third, if they refuse to meet in a safe, public place or insist on shipping and ask for payment through a non-protected method like Zelle or a wire transfer, I block them immediately. A legitimate seller will be transparent and flexible.
The “As-Is” Gamble: How to Win Big When Buying Untested Tech
An Educated Bet
I love buying electronics listed as “untested, as-is,” because it scares most buyers away. The key is making an educated guess. I saw a vintage stereo receiver listed as “untested” for $20. I looked at the photos closely. The unit was cosmetically clean, with no obvious dents or damage. The seller said the previous owner was an elderly man. This told me it was likely just stored, not abused. I gambled the $20. When I got it home, I cleaned the controls, and it worked perfectly. It’s a high-end model worth over $300.
The Ultimate “Shutter Count” Guide for Buying a Used DSLR Camera
The Odometer for Your Camera
When buying a used car, you check the mileage. When buying a used DSLR camera, you check the “shutter count.” The mechanical shutter in a camera has a limited lifespan, typically around 150,000 actuations. Before I buy any used camera, I ask the seller to upload a recent photo taken with it. I then upload that photo to a free, online tool that reads the hidden data in the image file and tells me the exact shutter count. A camera with a low count is a great deal; one with a high count is a risk I’m not willing to take.
Don’t “Trade In” Your Old Phone. You’re Losing Hundreds of Dollars
The Convenience Tax
When the new iPhone came out, Apple offered my friend $150 to trade in his old model. It was easy, but it was a terrible deal. I told him to sell it himself. We spent 20 minutes cleaning the phone, taking good photos, and listing it on a direct-sale site like Swappa. He sold it in two days for $400. That extra $250 he earned was his payment for about an hour of work. The “trade-in” program is not a service; it’s a business model that preys on your desire for convenience.
How to “Part Out” a Dead Laptop for Maximum Profit
The Sum of the Parts is Greater Than the Whole
I acquired a high-end gaming laptop with a completely fried motherboard. It was worthless as a whole unit. Instead of trashing it, I decided to “part it out.” I carefully disassembled it and listed the individual components on eBay. The screen sold for $100. The RAM sold for $40. The SSD sold for $50. Even the keyboard, the battery, and the Wi-Fi card sold for $20 each. In the end, I made over $250 from a “dead” laptop by selling its still-functional organs to people who needed them for repairs.
The “Cosmetic” Grading System for Used Tech (A, B, C Grade) Explained
The Language of Wear and Tear
When buying refurbished tech, you’ll see grades like “A,” “B,” or “C.” It’s important to know what they mean. “A-Grade” is the best; it means the device is in near-mint condition with very few, if any, signs of use. “B-Grade” means it’s in good working order but will have some light, visible scratches or scuffs. “C-Grade” means the device is fully functional but will have significant cosmetic damage like deep scratches or dents. I often buy B-Grade for myself, as it offers the best balance of value and condition.
How to Take Photos of Your Old Gadget So It Sells in 24 Hours
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Clicks
To sell my old tech quickly, I take photos like a professional. I don’t use a cluttered background. I place the device on a clean, neutral surface, like a white poster board. I use bright, indirect natural light from a window, which avoids harsh glare. I take photos from every single angle. Most importantly, I take clear, close-up shots of any scratches or cosmetic flaws. This honesty builds trust with the buyer and prevents any surprises. Good photos are the single most important factor in a fast, profitable sale.
The “Negotiation” Script That Saves Me 20% on Every Used Tech Purchase
The Art of the Polite Haggle
When I find an item on Facebook Marketplace, I never just accept the asking price. My negotiation script is simple and respectful. I’ll message the seller, “Hi, I’m very interested in your [item]. The price is a little more than I was hoping to spend. Would you be willing to accept [a price about 20% lower]? I can pick it up with cash this afternoon.” By being polite, making a reasonable (not insulting) offer, and stressing the convenience of a quick, easy sale for them, I am successful about 80% of the time.
Why Keeping the Original “Box and Manuals” is a $100 Decision
The Psychology of a Complete Package
When I buy a new piece of expensive tech, I always keep the original box, the manuals, and all the little plastic bags. It takes up some closet space, but it’s a huge investment. When I sell that item years later, being able to offer it “CIB” (Complete In Box) dramatically increases its value. A buyer sees the original packaging and thinks, “This person took meticulous care of their stuff.” It signals quality and completeness, and I’ve found it can add 20-30% to the final sale price.
The Best (and Safest) Way to Ship a Laptop
The Box-in-a-Box Method
Shipping a laptop is nerve-wracking. To ensure it arrives safely, I use the “box-in-a-box” method. First, I wrap the laptop in a few layers of bubble wrap and place it in a snug-fitting, small box. Then, I take that box and place it inside a larger, sturdier shipping box, with at least two inches of cushioning material (like more bubble wrap or packing peanuts) on all six sides. This creates a crush-proof buffer zone that can absorb even the most careless handling from a shipping company.
How to Create a “Reputation” as a Trusted Seller on Any Platform
Your Feedback Score is Your Currency
On eBay or any online marketplace, your reputation is everything. To build it, I follow a few simple rules. I describe my items with brutal honesty, highlighting any flaws. I ship my items within 24 hours of receiving payment. I pack them securely so they arrive safely. And I always leave positive feedback for my buyers as soon as they pay. These simple actions—honesty, speed, and good communication—have helped me build a 100% positive feedback score, which makes buyers more willing to trust me and pay a premium for my items.
The “Thrift Store” Tech Finds That Are Worth a Fortune
The Hidden Treasures on the Shelf
I always check the electronics shelf at my local thrift store. Most of it is junk, but I’m hunting for specific, undervalued treasures. My best finds are often old, high-end mechanical keyboards from the 80s, which can be worth over $100. I also look for vintage stereo receivers from brands like Marantz or Pioneer, and classic video game consoles. These items are often priced at five or ten dollars by store employees who don’t know their true value to collectors and enthusiasts.
How to Tell if a “Refurbished” Product is from the Manufacturer or a Third Party
Not All Refurbs are Created Equal
The word “refurbished” can mean very different things. A “manufacturer refurbished” item, like one from Apple’s official refurbished store, is usually a returned item that has been inspected, repaired with genuine parts, and certified by the original company. It’s almost as good as new. A “seller refurbished” item on eBay, however, could mean anything. It could be a professional job, or it could mean the seller just wiped it with a cloth. I always trust a manufacturer refurb over a third-party one, even if it costs a little more.
The “Bundling” Strategy That Helps You Sell Unpopular Items
The Power of the Package Deal
I had an old, unpopular video game console that just wouldn’t sell on its own. I also had a few extra controllers and some common games. Instead of selling them separately, I created a “bundle.” I listed it as a “Complete, Ready-to-Play Game Night Bundle,” including the console, four controllers, and five popular games. By packaging it as a complete, convenient solution, it became much more attractive to a family looking for an easy setup. The bundle sold in a day for a higher total price than the individual parts would have.
How to Safely Test a Used Gadget Before Handing Over the Cash
The Public Power Outlet Test
When I’m meeting someone from Craigslist to buy a used electronic device, I always suggest meeting in a safe, public place that has a power outlet, like the lobby of a library or a coffee shop. This allows me to perform a quick, basic function test before I pay. For a laptop, I can plug it in and see if it boots up. For a speaker, I can see if it powers on. This simple, 30-second test has saved me from buying “dead-on-arrival” junk on more than one occasion.
The “Local Pickup” vs. “Shipping” Debate for Large Electronics
The Hassle vs. Reward Calculation
When I’m selling a large, heavy item like a PC tower or a big monitor, I almost always list it as “Local Pickup Only.” While this shrinks my potential pool of buyers, it eliminates the immense hassle and risk of shipping. Packing a heavy, fragile item correctly is time-consuming, the shipping costs are high, and the risk of it being damaged in transit is significant. For me, the convenience and safety of a simple cash transaction in a public place far outweighs the potentially higher price I might get from a national buyer.
I Built a Thriving Side Hustle Flipping Old Video Game Consoles
The Nostalgia Gold Rush
I started a side business buying broken video game consoles, repairing them, and selling them for a profit. I focus on consoles from the 90s and 2000s, like the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation 2. These consoles often have common, well-documented failures that are easy to fix, like a faulty laser or a bad power port. I can buy a “broken” console for $20, spend $10 on a replacement part, and after a good cleaning, sell the fully working console for $80. It’s a fun, profitable way to combine my repair skills with the booming market for retro gaming.
How to Use “Completed Listings” on eBay to Price Your Items Perfectly
The Crystal Ball of Market Value
When I’m trying to figure out how much to sell an old gadget for, I don’t guess. I use eBay’s most powerful tool: the “Completed Items” search filter. This shows me what my exact item has actually sold for in the past few weeks, not what people are asking for it. It’s a real-world, up-to-the-minute report on an item’s true market value. By pricing my item in line with these recent sales, I know I’m not asking too much or too little, which leads to a fast and fair sale.
The “Cleanliness” Factor: How a 10-Minute Cleaning Job Can Add 50% to the Price
The Most Profitable 10 Minutes You’ll Ever Spend
I bought a filthy, grimy old keyboard at a garage sale for two dollars. Before listing it online, I spent ten minutes meticulously cleaning it. I removed all the keycaps and cleaned them, and I scrubbed the case with isopropyl alcohol. It looked brand new. I took clean, bright photos of the pristine keyboard and listed it for $30. It sold instantly. A simple cleaning job is the highest return-on-investment activity in the flipping game. It signals to the buyer that the item has been cared for and is worth a premium.
How to Write a “Bulletproof” Description That Prevents Buyer’s Remorse
Honesty is the Best Policy
My item descriptions on eBay are brutally honest and detailed. I don’t just say “some scratches.” I say, “There is a 2-inch light scratch on the top case, and a small dent on the bottom left corner. Please see photos 7 and 8 for close-ups.” I explicitly list what is included (e.g., “Comes with laptop and charger only, no original box.”) and what is not. This level of transparency builds trust and, more importantly, it prevents a buyer from claiming the item was “not as described,” which is the most common cause of frustrating returns.
The “Recycling” Center Find That I Sold for $200
One Person’s Trash…
I was dropping off some old electronics at my local e-waste recycling center. As I was leaving, I saw a man unloading a beautiful, vintage Marantz stereo receiver from the 1970s. He said it “didn’t work anymore” and was about to toss it in the bin. I asked if I could have it, and he happily agreed. I took it home, opened it up, and saw it just had a single blown fuse. I replaced the 50-cent fuse, cleaned the controls, and it worked perfectly. I sold it to a collector for $200.
How to Handle a “Return” or a “Not as Described” Claim Fairly
The Customer is Usually Right (Even When They’re Wrong)
Even with the best descriptions, you will eventually get a return request. My policy is simple: I just accept the return, no questions asked. Arguing with a buyer is a waste of time and risks getting negative feedback, which can hurt your future sales. I apologize for the inconvenience, provide a return shipping label, and refund them promptly as soon as I get the item back. A smooth, professional return process, even when the buyer is wrong, is the cost of doing business and protects your valuable seller reputation.
The Best Time of Year to Buy and Sell Specific Types of Electronics
The Seasonal Ebb and Flow
The used tech market has predictable seasons. The best time to buy used laptops is in late summer, when students are upgrading for the new school year and selling their old ones. The best time to sell video game consoles is in November and December, leading up to the holidays. I buy my “inventory” during the off-season when prices are low, and I list my items for sale during the peak season when demand (and prices) are high. Understanding this seasonal flow is key to maximizing profits.
The “Bartering” System: How I Traded a Broken Phone for a Working Tablet
The Art of the Tech Swap
I had a phone with a cracked screen that would have been expensive to fix. My friend had an old tablet that he never used. Instead of money changing hands, we made a trade. He is a tinkerer and knew he could fix the phone screen himself. I needed a tablet for my workshop. We both traded something we didn’t value for something we did. It was a perfect win-win situation. Don’t underestimate the power of bartering, especially within your own community of tech-savvy friends.
How to Create a “Testing Bench” for Quickly Evaluating Used PCs
The Triage Station for Old Tech
As a tech flipper, I needed a fast way to test used desktop PCs. I set up a dedicated “testing bench” in my workshop. It’s a simple desk with a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord that are known to be good. It also has a USB drive with a portable version of Linux and some diagnostic tools. When I get a new PC, I can plug it into my bench, boot from the USB drive, and within five minutes, I can test the RAM, hard drive, and all the core components without even needing the original hard drive or OS.
The “Hidden” Value in Old, “Obsolete” Software and Media
The Digital Ghosts That Are Worth a Fortune
The real value in an old computer is sometimes not the hardware, but the software. I bought an old musician’s laptop for $50. It was slow, but it had a legally registered, full version of Ableton Live 8 with several expensive expansion packs. The license for that “obsolete” software alone was worth over $300 to another musician. Always check what software is installed on a used machine before you wipe it. Sometimes, the digital ghost is worth more than the machine it haunts.
How to Spot a “Stolen” Device Before You Buy It
Trust Your Gut and Check the ID
When buying a used phone, I always check if it’s been reported stolen. I ask the seller for the phone’s IMEI number (you can get it by dialing *#06#). I then enter that number into a free online “stolen phone checker” website. If it comes back as blacklisted, I walk away. Other red flags include a seller who seems nervous, doesn’t have the original charger, or doesn’t know the password to the device. If a deal feels shady, it probably is.
The “International” Shipping Game for Rare, Vintage Parts
The Global Hunt for Obscure Components
I was restoring a rare Japanese synthesizer from the 1980s and needed a specific voice chip that was unavailable in my country. The only place I could find it was from a seller in Japan through an online auction site. The shipping was expensive, and I had to use a translation tool to communicate, but it was the only way. For truly rare, vintage parts, you have to be willing to become a global detective and navigate the complexities of international shipping to bring your project back to life.
Why I Always Include a Video of the Item Working in My Listings
The Ultimate Proof of Life
To make my online listings stand out and build maximum trust, I always include a short, 30-second video. For a laptop, I’ll show it booting up and playing a YouTube video. For a game console, I’ll show a game loading and playing. This video serves as undeniable proof that the item is fully functional at the time of listing. It answers a dozen potential buyer questions before they’re even asked and gives them the confidence to click “Buy It Now.”
The “Lot” Purchase: Buying in Bulk for Pennies on the Dollar
The Treasure Box of Tech
On eBay, my favorite search is for “untested laptop lot.” This is where sellers, often e-waste recyclers, will sell a box of five or ten assorted laptops for a single, low price. It’s a gamble. Sometimes, most of them are junk. But often, you’ll find that out of a lot of ten “broken” laptops, three have simple, fixable problems, and two are actually in perfect working order. You can then fix, clean, and sell them individually for a massive profit.
How to Build a “Feedback Score” That People Trust
The Currency of Online Marketplaces
Your feedback score is your passport in the world of online selling. When I started, I built up my score by first being a good buyer. I bought a few cheap items and paid for them instantly. I always left positive feedback for the seller. This quickly got me my first 10-15 positive reviews. When I started selling, I followed the golden rules: describe honestly, pack securely, and ship quickly. A perfect feedback score is the most valuable asset a flipper can have, as it allows you to command higher prices.
The “Sniper” Bid: The Secret to Winning eBay Auctions at the Last Second
The Agony of the Early Bidder
Never bid on an eBay auction early. All you do is drive up the price and alert other bidders. The professional way to win is to “snipe” it. I decide on my absolute maximum price beforehand. Then, I wait until there are about ten seconds left in the auction. Only then do I enter my maximum bid and click “confirm.” This gives other bidders no time to react or get into a bidding war with me. It’s a disciplined and highly effective strategy for winning auctions at the lowest possible price.
How to Package a Fragile item (Like a Turntable) So It Survives Anything
The Fort Knox of Shipping Boxes
To ship a vintage turntable, I take extreme precautions. First, I secure the tonearm and remove the platter and dust cover, packing them separately within the same box. I use a “floating” method: I wrap the main unit in bubble wrap and then suspend it in the center of a large, sturdy box using foam inserts, so there’s at least three inches of empty space on all sides. This ensures that even if the box is dropped, the impact force is absorbed by the outer box and foam, not the delicate turntable inside.
The “What’s It Worth?” Guide to Quickly Appraising Any Old Gadget
The 60-Second Appraisal
When I’m at a garage sale and see an interesting old gadget, I have a quick mental checklist to determine its value. First, I do a quick search on my phone for the brand and model number on eBay, filtering by “completed items.” This gives me the real-world market price. Second, I assess its cosmetic condition. Is it clean or grimy? Third, I check for any included accessories, like the original charger or remote, which add value. This whole process takes about 60 seconds and tells me if a potential find is gold or garbage.
How to Deal with “Low-Ball” Offers Politely but Firmly
The Art of the Counter-Offer
When I list an item for $100 on Facebook Marketplace, I will inevitably get an offer for $40. My response is always polite but firm. I never get angry. I simply reply, “Thank you for your offer, but that’s a little too low for me. The lowest I can go is $85. Let me know if that works for you.” This acknowledges their offer, respectfully declines it, and provides a reasonable counter-offer. This strategy weeds out the time-wasters and often leads to a fair sale.
The “Vintage” Tech That’s Exploding in Value Right Now
The Hot Commodities of Yesteryear
The market for vintage tech is booming, but you need to know what to look for. Right now, high-end cassette decks from brands like Nakamichi are in huge demand. Early-generation iPods, especially in their original boxes, are becoming highly collectible. Mechanical keyboards from the 1980s with specific types of switches can sell for hundreds. And of course, retro video game consoles and games are a constantly hot market. Knowing these trends is key to spotting an undervalued gem at a thrift store.
How to Build a “Parts Inventory” for Your Flipping Business
The Library of Future Repairs
For my tech flipping side-hustle, my most valuable asset is my parts inventory. Whenever I get a device that is truly unrepairable, I don’t throw it away. I “harvest” it for parts. I save the RAM, the hard drive, the screen, the keyboard, and even the screws. I organize these parts in labeled bins. Now, when I buy a broken laptop that just needs a new screen, I don’t have to buy one; I just “shop” from my own free inventory, which dramatically increases my profit margin.
The “iCloud Lock” and Other “Gotchas” When Buying Used Apple Products
The Digital Paperweight
When buying a used iPhone or MacBook, the biggest “gotcha” is the iCloud Activation Lock. If the previous owner did not properly sign out of their iCloud account, the device is a brick. It’s an anti-theft feature, but it can trap honest buyers. Before I hand over any money, I have the seller go through the setup screen with me to prove that it is not locked to an account. I also check the battery health in the settings. A phone with a “Service” battery warning is worth significantly less.
How to Use Social Media to Find and Sell Tech Within Your Community
The Hyper-Local Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is good, but hyper-local Facebook Groups (like a “Your Town” buy/sell/trade group) are even better. I joined several for my area. The audience is smaller, but they are your neighbors. This builds a higher level of trust. I’ve found that people are often more willing to give a good deal to a fellow community member. It also eliminates the hassle and risk of shipping. Building a good reputation as a fair buyer and seller within these small, local groups can lead to a steady stream of great deals.
The “Free” Tech I Got by Offering a “Haul-Away” Service
The Junk Removal Side Hustle
I posted a simple ad on my local Craigslist: “Free E-Waste Removal. Have an old computer, TV, or printer you want to get rid of? I’ll come to your house and haul it away for free.” I got dozens of calls. Most of the stuff was junk that I would responsibly recycle. But about 20% of the time, the “broken” computer just had a simple software issue, or the “old” TV was a perfectly functional flat-screen. I acquired a huge amount of valuable, repairable inventory by simply offering a convenient solution to people’s clutter problems.
The “Tax” Implications of Your Tech Flipping Side Hustle
Keeping the Tax Man Happy
When my tech flipping hobby started making real money, I knew I had to handle the taxes correctly. I opened a separate bank account for my business to keep track of my income and expenses. I keep receipts for every item I buy and every part or supply I purchase for repairs. As a sole proprietor, I report this income and deduct my expenses on a “Schedule C” form with my personal tax return. Keeping clean, organized records from day one is the key to turning a hobby into a legitimate, stress-free business.
How to Set Up Payment Methods to Avoid Scams
The Golden Rules of Getting Paid
To avoid scams, I have a few simple payment rules. For local, in-person sales, it’s cash only. No checks, no Venmo, no exceptions. This eliminates the risk of a bounced check or a fraudulent digital payment. For online sales, I only use PayPal Goods & Services. I never accept a payment from a friend or family transfer, as it offers me zero seller protection. PayPal’s seller protection has saved me from fraudulent “item not received” claims on more than one occasion.
The “Goodwill Outlet” (The Bins): A Treasure Hunt for the Brave
The Wild West of Thrifting
The Goodwill Outlet, or “The Bins,” is where unsold items from regular Goodwill stores go before the landfill. Everything is dumped into massive blue bins, and you pay by the pound. It’s a chaotic, competitive environment, but it’s a goldmine for tech. I wear gloves and dig through the bins, looking for laptops, game consoles, and vintage keyboards. I once found a bag with five old iPods in it that cost me about two dollars. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the potential rewards are incredible.
How to Build Relationships with Local E-Waste Recyclers
The Source of the River
Instead of just waiting for tech to show up at thrift stores, I went to the source. I found a few small, local e-waste recycling companies in my area. I went and talked to the owners. I explained that I was a hobbyist who refurbishes old electronics. I asked if I could buy some of their “as-is” inventory before they scrapped it. Many were happy to work with me. I now have a relationship where they will call me when a particularly interesting or valuable batch of old computers comes in.
The “Unlocking” Service That Can Drastically Increase a Phone’s Value
Freeing a Phone from its Carrier Prison
I often find used phones that are “locked” to a specific carrier, like AT&T or Verizon. A locked phone is worth significantly less than an “unlocked” one that can be used on any network. For many phones that are fully paid off, the original carrier is legally required to unlock it for you for free. If that’s not an option, there are reputable online services that, for a small fee of about $20, can provide an unlock code. This simple act of “unlocking” a phone can increase its resale value by
50−50-50−
100.
The “Rookie” Mistakes Every New Tech Flipper Makes
The Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
When I started flipping tech, I made all the classic mistakes. My biggest one was not testing thoroughly enough and selling a device with a hidden flaw. Another was underestimating shipping costs, which ate all my profit. I also spent too much time on low-profit items instead of focusing on high-value ones. The most important lesson was to not get emotionally attached to my finds. The goal is to fix and sell, not to build a museum of old electronics.
How to Turn Your Repair Hobby into a Profitable Business
From the Workbench to the Bank
I turned my repair hobby into a profitable side business by focusing on a specific niche: vintage stereo receivers. Instead of trying to fix everything, I became an expert on one thing. I started a simple website showcasing my work. I built a reputation on local forums and on eBay for my high-quality restorations. I charge a fair price and offer a short warranty on my work. By specializing and being professional, I was able to turn my passion into a steady stream of income.
The “Holy Grail” Find: The Most Valuable Thing I Ever Bought for $5
The Garage Sale Jackpot
I was at a garage sale and saw a box of old “computer junk” for five dollars. Inside, I saw a weird-looking keyboard. I recognized it as a “Symbolics Space-Cadet” keyboard from the 1980s, a legendary and incredibly rare keyboard from an old AI research company. It’s famous for its bizarre layout and unique switches. I bought the box without hesitation. I later sold that single keyboard to a collector in Japan for over $1,500. It’s the kind of once-in-a-lifetime find that keeps every scavenger hunting.