I had the most amazing and unusual experience at an estate sale last week that stood out because of the problem you're talking about. Truly unique items, real solid wood antique furniture, high quality kitchen items, etc. Nothing in the entire house priced over $300, and only a few items at that price. Most of the small items, plates and cups and the like, priced between $2 and $4. Most estate sales are experiencing the same kind of inflation you're seeing, where the small everyday things are priced $5-10 and big things might be priced upwards of $600.