Want to do some canning for the first time this year. Found a fella who has 50-75 jars but doesnt know what they are worth and neither do i. What would be a fair offer per jar? They are kerr and ball jars. Thanks
I guess it depends on where you live. Here, they sell them at the local thrift shop between .05 and .25 - depending on the season. Make sure they are actually canning jars and you're not paying for plain glass jars - like ol' mustard jars.
Lastly, some people prefer widemouth jars because they are easier to pack but the lids are less expensive with the regular mouth and that can add up since you don't re-use them.
Only buy them if you get a great deal, in case they may have some chips or hard to remove smells. Dirt cheap, ten bucks tops and that would be with lids. All the department stores carry boxes of brand new ones, walmart, target, roses....might be better off letting him donate to goodwill and you buying new.
Real estate auctions have them all the time and can't sell them. I bought several boxes of them for $1. You can also find them at yard sales and thrift stores for $0.25 each or less. The important thing is to check them well. If the opening has even the smallest chip, it won't seal. A jar that won't seal is useless. I'd offer him $0.50 a jar on the high end if they're nice. I woulodn't think you'd need them right now, so you'll have time to look elsewhere if he says no. Just be sure to check them. If you've canned before then you may already know this.
Please let me know if I can help you with more. I'm only 39 years old but I've canned swith my mother since I was a little girl.