People have an undeniable fascination with a good shopping mystery! From storage units that have been abandoned and left unpaid long enough to go up for auction, to return items from major retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy, sold for mere pennies on the dollar; the thrill of discovery is irresistible. There’s also unclaimed mail, encompassing undeliverable packages that have roamed the globe searching for their rightful owners. When no one claims these lost items, they too are auctioned off in pallets to eager buyers looking to uncover or resell these hidden “treasures.”
I must confess, I’ve become quite captivated by this fascinating world. I’ve indulged in an astonishing number of “Storage Unit Unveiled” episodes that could entertain me for years! Additionally, I’ve made unique purchases from Unclaimed Baggage, including electronics and various items left behind on airplanes. In fact, shopping for unclaimed baggage offers an excellent opportunity to acquire a computer, tablet, or phone at an unbeatable price. And for under $50 you can find a warehouse full of gems! (Check out these items below from Unclaimed Baggage today!)
This brings me to my latest obsession: Jodi Lytle’s (@PallettPrincessO) Instagram and TikTok pages. She shares her unique process of purchasing large pallets of unclaimed mail and surplus inventory from various stores via her authentically modest videos. With an engaging flair, she unboxes these intriguing finds on her Instagram and TikTok accounts, inviting her audience to join her in the excitement of discovering whether the items are hidden “treasures” or mere “junk.”
Jodi exudes a lively energy that captivates everyone around her. She’s laugh-out-loud funny, especially when she attempts to guess the contents of the mystery package based on its wrapping or the color of the paper! Frequently, she’ll exclaim with playful disdain, “I bet it’s car parts.” Alongside this, there’s an amusing streak of wishful thinking—”I hope it’s something nice.” Viewer comments vary widely, from supportive suggestions to outright rudeness. It often pains me to see her defend her reasoning for purchasing pallets—often at a thousand dollars or more—only to face criticism for her choices.
What Jodi is providing is FREE ENTERTAINMENT during a time when a diversion from the ills of the world is very much welcome!
Of all the intrigue that these various websites and content creators provide, the one that has truly offered me the most “payback” is Jodi’s Mystery Jewelry Boxes. I recently purchased my first box, which promised to include 20 individually wrapped new jewelry pieces.
This box exceeded my expectations. Jodi sent 30 pieces, all with their price tags still attached. My curious self tallied up the tags from Banana Republic, Saks, Nordstrom, Stein Mart, and more. The total value came to an impressive $690! When discussing ROI (return on investment), converting a $60 expense into $700 is undeniably fantastic!
The mystery box created an enjoyable addition to our family reunion gathering. It was such a success that I decided to purchase a second, then a third, and finally a fourth—after all, the holiday season will be upon us before we know it! Below is just a small sample of what has been included!
I asked Jodi to respond to a few questions. After all, inquiring entrepreneurial minds want to know more about this concept. She is a boldly honest mid-westerner – and gosh that was refreshing!
JODI’s INTERVIEW
Louise: Hi Jodi! I am a huge fan of yours and the content you create. What was the catalyst for you turning your affection towards pallets into a lively and highly entertaining online series (TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook?)
Louise: For my audience, how do you obtain “the goods”?
Jodi: I buy from some wholesalers I trust. The links are in my link tree. Pallet world is very unmonitored and that leads to a lot of scammers. I always say “If you can’t touch it don’t buy it.” You can find wholesalers on face book and monitor their page for a while to ensure that they are good real people.
Louise: What if someone wanted to start getting their own pallets of unclaimed- where would they go?
Jodi: There are only two places that I know of that sell unclaimed mail currently. One is GRP in Dorr Michigan (Mitch and his wife Jess are great.) and the other is Pallet Liquidation Depot in Oshkosk Wisconsin (Tell Mike Jodi sent you.)
Louise: You definitely sell a ton of the mystery boxes full of jewelry! It is a brilliant idea. Any other types of mystery box ideas percolating?
Jodi: If we can find a good supplier we would be open to different mystery boxes. We have been searching but have not found any product that we feel is quality. Stay tuned because who knows what is next!
Louise: What is the most common item found in these unclaimed boxes and envelopes?
Jodi: This question made me laugh……..CAR PARTS! But it honestly depends on the pallet.
Louise: If you resell them – where do you usually do that – Etsy? Ebay? Another site? Combination of more than one site?
We do not really sell what we open. When we used to buy big pallets we would sell locally to friends informally. We donate and share about 90% if not more. We keep about 1% of items that we open.
Louise: I know that you have opened up highly personalized items and have enlisted the help of the social media audience to find the rightful owner. Tell me what is it like when you make a “match” between owner and item?
Jodi: It is rewarding. When an individual gets back an item that is special to them it makes me so happy.
Louise: Is there anything else you wish to share with readers?
Jodi: Please follow along and go on daily adventures with us!
Louise: Where can they find you online?
Jodi:
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for sharing Louise!!! This is very interesting. My son has made a business out of buying and reselling from unclaimed & Foreclosed storage units. I’m not sure if he has explored the other avenues that you are presenting here. I will definitely share Your article with him.
That’s cool that he buys and sells unclaimed storage units. Wish him well
How do I get my own unclaimed mail box
Unclaimed mail is my article written spotlighting a new trend of mystery boxes, etc. I focused on Jodi Lytle. She has information on her Instagram. I do not send unclaimed mail to you.