Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Join the adventure of Eric and Racquel Cloutier as they search for the $23,000 watch box. Learn about the funny things people do during garage sales.
Somebody Has The Old Watch Box
Two people are hunting for the $23,000 box, and you might be the winner.
Since it’s Friday, this would be a great post about silly things people do since Saturday is typically a garage sale day around Canada and the USA.
Today, I’m sharing what I read about Eric and Racquel Cloutier from California because I enjoy reading stories about things that make you want to go.
This poor guy had the best intentions for his wife and children, but now he hopes that honesty will bring back his mistake and make it right.
I’ve talked about safety items you can’t sell at a garage sale in Canada, and for good reason: a potential hazard and protecting children.
Then there was the post where I shared garage sale tips and another on pricing items at a garage sale.
Now I think I might need to write another post on what not to sell at a garage sale.
Also, why should you always ask other home occupants if selling something is OK?
You don’t want to be on the news like Eric, hoping someone does the right thing.
Husband Sold The Watch Box
What did he do?
He bought himself time in the corner, a spare bedroom, and a dog house.
Take your pick. I’m betting his wife was far from pleased with him.
While his wife was in hospital having their fifth child, he decided to sell items in the house that had collected dust.
What better time to host a garage sale than before bringing your new baby home?
Clutter does take up space, and with five children, space is at a premium for most families.
Typically, people go around their homes and pick out stuff that is useless to them.
When I say no value, it’s worth nothing or hasn’t been used and likely won’t get used shortly.
When you have items worth money, you let them rot or collect dust.
It’s comparable to leaving money on the ground and stepping on it instead of picking it up.
Hiding Cash And Valuables
Recently, I discussed five unusual places to stash your cash, but where should you NOT stash your cash?
Don’t make the same mistake as the woman in China who stashed $65,000 US in her dresser drawer only to find out six months later that termites ate it up.
Yes that did happen, can you imagine the horror opening up your secret stash of money only to find bits and pieces left of it.
I’d be horrified.
Please put it in a safety deposit box or invest it.
Don’t keep piles of money or very expensive items stashed around the house that easily could get lost or, in that case, eaten up.
Back to the story.
I seem to get off track when thinking of these odd stories I read on Yahoo while drinking my morning coffee.
Getting Ready For The Big Garage Sale
So Eric goes around the house with good intentions, picking out items he feels haven’t been used and can sell for cash.
He comes across this box, a watch box in the closet that he felt had been there for far too long.
According to the Yahoo article, a cheap price of ten dollars attracts a buyer instantly as it is worth between $120 and $130.
Hidden In The Old Watch Box
What was in the old watch box?
Yep, Eric sold his wife’s $23,000 wedding ring, oh that was bright alright now you’re in big trouble.
We’re not talking chump change here, either.
She hid the ring in a bottom compartment to protect it from their 2-year-old twins.
She is just not safe from her husband.
Honestly, if it were me, I’d give it back as it’s the right thing to do.
Reward For Missing Watch Box
Although he is offering a reward not relatively equal to $23,000, he is a plea to the lady who bought the valuable box with his wife’s wedding ring inside.
Any spouse would know this is a big deal, sentimental, and part of their union.
I will be optimistic and say that the lady buyer will do the right thing and return the wedding ring to this couple.
Costly Mistakes Happen
The story’s moral is that we all make mistakes, sometimes costly ones.
All we can do in life is learn from our mistakes, which helps us grow.
If the buyer turns around and says you sold it to me, tough-luck buddy, he just sold a box worth $23,000 for ten dollars.
He will have to live with that decision for the rest of his life.
I’m pretty sure he won’t be holding a garage sale on his own soon, though.
My advice, next time you plan to have a garage sale and you are in a relationship or live with others in the home, do it together.
If you have expensive items or cash in the house, ensure both of you know where they are hidden.
That’s the easiest way to stay out of trouble.
Always ensure to have your valuables insured and/or leave them in a lock box at the bank for higher security measures if you only use the item occasionally.
The price for these services might be worth it in the long run.
In short, if you stash cash or valuables, buy a fireproof safe that you can’t move or sell at a garage sale.
That’s an excellent way to ensure no one gets their hands on it, not even your spouse.
I’m pretty sure insurance won’t cover this tragic loss, especially when he tells them that he accidentally sold his wife’s wedding ring at a garage sale.
He made a mistake, it happens let’s hope they both have a happy ending.
You can read the full story here.
Discussion: Have you ever accidentally sold something at a garage sale that was worth money?
Please leave any comments below.
Thanks for reading,
Mr. CBB
Thanks for the mention, Mr. CBB. I appreciate it! I did read that article too and since it’s neighborhood, relatively speaking, it was a hot topic of conversation. I feel so bad for the poor couple. I would be devastated and like you – I hope once that woman realizes what she has that she will do the right thing and return it. Have a wonderful weekend, Mr. CBB.
Well said Shannon! You too! Mr.CBB
And that is exactly why I do not keep valuables in the house…theft, fire, flood, act of God are all good reasons for a safty deposit box in my humble opinion. 😀
I figured you’d like this one. We don’t either. Our friend has a $40,000 ring and she keeps it in a lock box at the bank.
Mr CBB, I have all of my jewellery that is not on my person, coins, cash, credit cards, family heirlooms, our wedding photo negatives and the wedding video and all of our important papers (not including the wills, powers of attorney and medical directives) in our various safety deposit boxes.
I too have one of “those rings” that I inherited from my mother and I don’t wear it because I can’t/don’t want to afford to insure it. It’s an heirloom that I have in safekeeping for the next generation.
Our end of life documents are all with the lawyer but all the possible executors are aware how to find them. I have three levels of executors in case someone is “unable or unwilling” to handle the affairs. You never know what will be going on in their lives at the time. I just noticed the annual bring forward to make any necessary adjustments is coming up again next month… and there are changes to be made. Here comes some more legal fees.
You my dear are one organized, smart woman. I know I will learn alot from you and all things I need to know to help my wife and I in terms of down the road. Cheers Mary.. 🙂
Thanks so much for the mention Mr. CBB, I really appreciate it! I had heard about this story and is really sad that it happened. Hope you have a great weekend sir! I am going to try and unplug for a few hours this weekend. 😉
You as well mate.. it’s these stories that make my cup of tea even better!!
Thank you so much!!! I really hope the page grows like crazy!!
Thanks Bunny for your support and for sharing your lovely recipes. Cheers mate!
If I sold my wife’s wedding ring you can be sure I’d be placed up for sale the following day.
Hahah.. no kidding mate.. s
I heard about that sale with the ring on the radio this morning, in a little less detail…Wow……must be quite the ring to be worth that much!!!! I took my ring off a while back as I had a rash underneath the ring but I know exactly where it is right now!!!
I’m looking forward to checking out more of the reading list some time on the weekend. I saw that recipe for chocolate pie….. I’m still drooling!!! Have a good weekend!!!
I thought the story was worth spreading the word in hopes the person comes forward. That pie looks great.. Have a great weekend Christine!!
That’s a crazy story! However, I think a $23,000 ring is crazy too. My husband and I got married without rings…if he had spent money on one we probably would have sold it to pay off debt (yeah, that’s how much we care about wedding rings). $23,000 would pay off a lot of my student loans!
Yes that was a pricey ring but not the most expensive I’ve personally seen on a woman. When some men have the cash they stop at nothing to put a big rock on a woman’s finger. My wife would have divorced me before we married if I spent that much on a ring… not this guy!!! Cheers
Oh Lord !!! I’m speechless . Yes definitely tell each other where your hidy holes are. Hope the lady returns it. A very expensive lesson. Hope they have a stronggggggg relation ship & a happy ending.
Your “hidy holes” lol.. oh Donna you don’t half make me laugh.. that’s great!!! Cheers mate for dropping in, always appreciated.
My husband & I got our rings at Walmart. He keeps trying to get me to buy a better ring. I dont want one. This little $60 gold band means the same as 1000 s of dollars rings do. Till death do us part. Love,sharing& caring is what makes it work. No ring is the secret to a long & happy marriage.
OH dear, my tummy felt a bit sick when I read this. There have been a few times when I wanted to give Rick a good slap upside the head for doing stupid stuff (and I’m sure he feels the same 🙂 ), but this guy takes the cake. My friend one time bought a new digital video camera for $5. She asked the wife “Does this say $5?” The wife says “Well, my husband priced it, so, I guess that’s what he wants to sell it for.” and off Jess went with a shiny new video cam. I often wonder if a fight ensued in their household later. 🙂
Thanks for mentioning Sean’s guest post!
No problem Tonya!!
Yikes! I definitely would want to check over any items before letting them be sold in a garage sale. Even more so after reading this story. I think a $23,000 ring is a bit much though. That’s a downpayment, even in Vancouver!
Just a reminder how those in a relationship need to communicate about these types of things….. especially when they are pricey in nature. 🙂