If your spring cleaning has uncovered items, you no longer need or you’re simply looking to sell belongings you’ve accumulated over the years an Erie-based business is offering to do the hard work for you.
Doug Luthringer, founder of The Fast Mall, has spent more than 25 years helping people turn collectibles and household items into cash by selling them online. His service handles nearly every step of the process, from researching item values to listing, shipping, and completing transactions.
Sorting through items like fine China, clothing, books, and memorabilia is all in a day’s work for Luthringer. But before anything goes up for sale, he emphasizes one key step.
“I never buy anything. I only work for my clients, and the first step is always research,” he said.
Luthringer started The Fast Mall from his home, building it into an online selling service that primarily uses eBay as its marketplace. In 2009, he expanded operations, taking advantage of a licensing opportunity that allowed him to sell items on behalf of businesses, school districts, and individuals.
Unlike traditional consignment shops, Luthringer brings his service directly to clients. That’s exactly what he did for Erie resident Elena Marasco, who reached out to him three years ago for help managing a collection of inherited and personally accumulated items.
“It’s a combination of letting go and getting rid of,” Marasco said.
Since then, Luthringer has spent countless hours reviewing her collection, identifying items of value, and organizing them for sale. Marasco said she trusted the process from the beginning.
“Absolute trust from the start,” she said.
Some of the most valuable items uncovered weren’t always the ones people might expect. While many assume that collectibles like fine China or glassware hold significant value, Luthringer says that’s not always the case today.
“We’ve been told for generations to keep the fine China, to keep the pretty glassware because those things will be worth money someday and in general, the China is not worth anything. The Hummels have no value or very little value today,” he explained.
Instead, items that have generated profit for clients include unique collectibles such as an André the Giant trading card, vintage jewelry including a Saks Fifth Avenue piece from 1926, and historical photos from decades past.
Luthringer notes that smaller items often sell better and are easier to manage.
“Smaller-sized items tend to move faster and are easier to ship,” he said.
His full-service approach includes photographing items, writing descriptions, managing listings, handling sales, packaging items, and processing payments. He charges a fee for his service, which differs from resellers who purchase items outright.
“I do charge a fee and that’s where it’s different from just buying things from people. I’m trying to make as much money for my clients as possible,” Luthringer said.
For Marasco, the process has been both practical and motivational. While she continues t
o look for additional ways to downsize her collection, she credits Luthringer with helping her get started through careful organization and steady progress.
“He sends a monthly letter with a check and itemization and a breakdown of everything,” she said.
Over the course of his career, Luthringer has worked with more than 500 clients, helping individuals, families, and organizations navigate the often-overwhelming process of selling unwanted items.
For those interested in learning more or connecting with Luthringer, The Fast Mall operates as an онлайн consignment service through eBay. He can also help connect potential buyers with clients like Marasco, who still have items they’re hoping to find new homes for.
For anyone looking to declutter and cash in, Luthringer’s message is simple, you might be surprised by what still holds value and he’s ready to help you find it.