The first time I heard about an old couple that went diamond hunting in parking lots, I knew there were more ways to make money than my scheming mind could imagine. By twelve years old I was taking Playboy magazines out of newspaper recycling bins to sell for a dollar each in school. I also sold ammunition to both sides in my brother's paper-wad war, so I had a taste for
more unusual ways to make money. I still do. Here are some of stranger money making stories I've collected. Treasure Hunting
The old couple mentioned above can recognize sparkle of a diamond amidst pieces of glass, from a hundred feet away! Parking lots are where most diamonds pop out of there settings, due to temperature changes when people get out of their cars. Wandering mall parking lots has become their second retirement income. Treasure hunting obviously goes beyond common conception.
A man in California took shag carpet from a large theater being remodeled, saving owners cost of disposal. During thirties theater was a place where wealthy went, and wealthy, like all of us, lose things, but more valuable things perhaps. When man cut up and carefully shook out old carpet, it was found to contain over $2,000 worth of precious stones, rings, and rare coins.
Selling Things
At a campfire near a desert hot spring one winter, my wife and I met a man who sells stuffed animals on side of highway. When we saw him again, in his van full of stuffed animals, I pressed him for details. He buys used stuffed animals at thrift stores in bulk and then sells them alongside highway. Early on, he even got stores to give him animals, with agreement that he would return with money or animals next week.
In some small towns he can get a vendor's permit cheaply ($18/year, for example). Otherwise he just sells until they chase him out of county. He says he hasn't been fined yet, and he claims he sold $4,000 worth his first month. I think he was exagerating, but because of him we include used stuffed animals in our flea market stands with some success.
Beating The Casino
I worked at a casino for years and I saw a lot of people foolishly writing down numbers that came up on roulette wheel. Foolishly, I say, because their their theories were nonsense. Casinos will always welcome these players and even hand them pen and paper.
