Well hello there, everyone! We hope you’re having a fantastic weekend and enjoying a little bit of that sunshine.
It feels like spring is finally trying to peek through the clouds here….honest! We’ve been busy bees over here at Funky Junk Auctions, getting everything ready for our next big event. If you’ve been following us for a while, you know we absolutely love the thrill of the hunt. There is just something so special about digging through a box of vintage goodies and finding that one item that makes your heart skip a beat.
Lately, we have seen a huge surge of interest in Pokémon cards and collectibles. It’s not just the kids anymore….the grown-ups are getting in on the fun too! Whether you’re a serious collector looking for that elusive holographic Charizard or a parent trying to find some fun stuff for the little ones, our online auctions are the perfect place to start. We’ve had some truly AWESOME finds come through our doors recently, including vintage cards, figurines, coins, games, and so much more. For our hero image here, we’re swapping in a broad shot from our own Pokémon collection history so you can get a peek at the kind of fun stuff that has rolled through our past auctions.
But here’s the thing….sometimes the best treasures aren’t the ones with their own individual listing. Sometimes, the real magic is hidden deep inside a mixed lot. You know the ones we mean: those big "bulk" listings that look like a giant pile of fun just waiting to be sorted. Today, we want to share the simple trick to finding those hidden gems in mixed auction lots right now!
The Magic of the Mixed Lot
When you’re browsing our current auctions, you’ll see plenty of individual items that are easy to spot. We take a lot of pride in our photos, making sure you can see every detail of the jewelry, comics, toys, and books we have on offer. But every now and then, we put together a "mystery" mix or a bulk lot of collector cards.
A lot of people skip over these because they think it’s just "filler" or "bulk." But for the seasoned pro, a mixed lot is a GOLD MINE. We’ve seen savvy bidders walk away with incredible deals on vintage toys, sports cards, art glass, fine china, and more. One great example from our past auctions was the Pokémon Binder, Lot 701, which is exactly the kind of mixed-lot treasure that rewards bidders who slow down and really study the photos.
The trick is all in how you look at the photos. Even in a big pile of cards, there are "tells" that can tip you off to something special. We call it the "Glint Factor." When you see a stack of cards and you notice a tiny sliver of a shiny, rainbow-colored edge peeking out from the middle….pay attention! That little glint usually means there’s a holographic card or a special foil variant hiding in there. These are the kinds of treats that make the auction process so much fun.
Don't Overlook the "Non-Card" Collectibles
When people think of Pokémon, they usually jump straight to the trading cards. And don't get us wrong, we love those cards! But there is a whole world of other Pokémon goodies that are often overlooked by the casual bidder. We’re talking about the vintage puzzles, the jumbo cards, the tiny plastic figurines, and the early merchandise from the late 90s.
Take, for example, the Pokémon puzzles. We’ve had some great ones in our past auctions that collectors go crazy for. Often, these puzzles end up in a mixed lot of "household goods" or "toy boxes." If you see a familiar yellow mouse or a blue turtle on the side of a box in the background of a photo….BINGO! These vintage puzzles are becoming harder to find in good condition, and they make a wonderful addition to any collection.
Then there are the Jumbo Cards. These are those oversized cards that were often given out as promotional items or included in special box sets. Because they don't fit in a standard binder, people often just toss them in a drawer or a box. We recently had an AWESOME JUMBO CARD & PUZZLE lot (Lot 5150) that was a huge hit, and that’s the authentic past-auction photo we’re using in this section. These larger-than-life cards are great for framing and really stand out on a shelf.
The Simple Trick: Zoom and Research
So, what is the #1 simple trick for finding these hidden gems? It’s all about the ZOOM!
When you’re looking at a mixed lot, don’t just glance at the main photo and move on. Use that zoom feature to really scan the items. Look for specific symbols in the bottom corners of the cards. Look for the "1st Edition" stamp: that little circle with a number 1 inside it. If you see that on a card in a bulk lot, you might have just found a very special treat!
Another tip is to look at the borders. For older Pokémon cards, the shadowless versions (cards without a drop shadow behind the art frame) are highly sought after. Even in a slightly blurry photo, you can often tell the difference if you know what to look for. Our card stack image here comes from the 60 Vintage Pokémon Cards from Wizards of the Coast, Lot 700, which is a fun reminder that old-school stacks can hold some seriously special surprises.
And don’t forget to do your homework! If you see something interesting but aren't quite sure what it is, a quick search online can tell you if it’s a common item or a rare variant. We love it when our bidders find something amazing that we might have missed in the description: it’s all part of the game!
Our Current Auction is Packed with Goodies!
We are so excited about our current lineup. We have been working hard to bring you a truly eclectic mix of fun stuff this week. Our inventory is always changing, but you can usually find a great variety of:
- Vintage jewelry and pendants
- Vintage comics and graphic novels
- Retro toys and action figures
- Classic books and novels
- Professional sports cards
- Pokémon, Magic the Gathering, and other collector cards
- Beautiful antiques and home decor
- Art glass and fine china
- Unique memorabilia
- ….and so much more!
We really do have something for everyone. Whether you are a hardcore reseller looking for a bargain or a hobbyist searching for that one missing piece, you never know what you might find when you start clicking through the lots.
Easy Fulfillment and Helpful Service
We know that the auction process can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it. But don't worry….we are here to help! We want your experience with Funky Junk Auctions to be as easy and fun as possible.
We offer flexible fulfillment options to make sure your new treasures get to you safely. For our local friends, we have scheduled curbside pickup by appointment. It’s a quick and easy way to grab your winnings and say hi (from a distance, of course!).
If you aren't local, don't sweat it! We offer nationwide shipping for most items. Just keep in mind that you pay the shipping and packing fee, but we do our very best to keep those costs reasonable and ensure your items are packed with care. If you ever have a question about shipping or a specific lot, just give us a shout! You can call us at 705-305-3990 or send us a message through the site. We are always happy to clarify things for you.
Join the Fun Today!
The clock is ticking and those bids are starting to roll in! If you haven't checked out our latest catalog yet, what are you waiting for? Head over to Funky Junk Auctions and see what catches your eye. Remember to use our simple trick: look for the glint, zoom in on those mixed lots, and keep an eye out for those "sneaky" collectibles like puzzles and jumbo cards.
We can't wait to see who wins these awesome items. Happy bidding, everyone, and we hope you find something truly special this week! It's going to be a GREAT auction….we just know it!
Talk soon,
Team Funky
