I went to the Nike Factory Outlet Store over the weekend and spent $257 for the first time ever. I'm a particular fan of a certain sport and fans like me like to throw money at player merchandise. I'm a medium. I bought the same shirt in M and XL, and another in XL. I found hats with a player's logo on them. Snagged two. Wristbands for $2.99 and $4.99, regularly $10-$12, heck yes! A pair of shoes for $55, score! A sports bra for the lady friend for $15? Sold!
Why? Well, I have an eBay account and know my market. Those $55 shoes will sell for $110, less shipping and fees leaves me a nice profit between $30-$35 (sports bra gift paid for!). Those shirts I bought for $12.99? $25 bucks a pop. Sell two, and it covers the price of the one that fits me. Wristbands? The $2.99 ones will sell for $10. The $4.99 ones for $12.50.
So ultimately I really only wanted four items, but walked out with closer to fourteen. If/when the other 10 items sell, the net proceeds will cover the cost of the four items I want (and then some most likely). For a little extra work I get a higher seller rating on eBay, make some cash (or at least break even/'free' clothes), and earned some travel hacking CC rewards points. Worst case the stuff doesn't sell and I return it for a refund.
The move that warrants face punches? I went shopping for nonessential items because I was bored, but let's pretend I was being ambitious and entrepreneurial. (I think I'll make a post about this in my Journal tomorrow to help track whether I come out ahead, behind, or even).