First Happy Dances of the Year

On Friday I decided I needed to get out and about. It’s too easy for me to stay home and work and putter. So I pulled myself together to get out in the world and decided to do a little thrifting with my new mantra “Be Picky” (or should that be “Be Very Picky”) guiding me.

First I headed five miles down the road to a small Goodwill in the next town. I only go here every few months because truth be told I’ve never had a big score here. Ever. And sadly this time was a bust too! Yes, there were sellable things, but just not with the profit margin, quality or uniqueness that I’m aiming for these days.

So I headed back home popping into my tiny neighborhood thrift store on the way. But by now it had been open for 45 minutes and I knew it would be crowded. It was. And my heart sank. Was all the good stuff gone? But holy smokes within 15 minutes I had accumulated a small haul of items which is rare. I’m lucky if I find one thing!

Here’s what I bought…

This small Italian picture frame had been prominently displayed on an end cap. Folks were walking past it without a glance. I took a closer look and dang, it was sterling silver!! Not old and nothing that made my heart pitter patter, but a nice thing.

These mid-century modern candleholders, also prominently displayed on an end cap, were so fantastic I couldn’t believe they hadn’t been grabbed them yet. These are my hands-down favorite find of the day and happy-dance worthy! Made in Israel of native stone and copper they look like shofars. It’s taking all my willpower not to keep them!!

Current listing prices range from $120 (Mercari) to $660 (1stDibs) with most being in the $200s range (Etsy and eBay).

Now these natural agate bookends were rubberbanded together and just looked like a gray blob on the shelf. But I knew what that gray blob was and undid the bands to reveal these beauties. (Don’t they look a bit like Mickey Mouse ears?) Dang heavy of course, but something I routinely sell in my Etsy store.

So all good, desirable things. Total spent: $38.36

Now here’s something a little different, I also had a happy-dance sale!

Here’s the story: About a three weeks ago I listed a small antique polychrome Jesus figure with real eyelashes and glass eyes.

Almost immediately I got a message with a cheeky low-ball offer which I declined. His next message asked what was the “least I’d take for it.” I ignored that message. A few days later another guy sent a stupidly low offer. I declined it. He then asked what “my best price was.” I replied that I wasn’t discounting the item at this time. He waited a week and contacted me again with “Ready to reconsider? Renegotiate?” (Oh brother!) I ignored him.

A few days later a third guy messaged me asking if 1) he could pick it up in person and 2) was this my final price and no worries if it was. Long story short, within four hours of messaging he had bought it (paid my full price of $325) and had picked it up!

For in-person pickups Etsy recommends that you take a photo of the person with the item. I did and you can’t tell here, but he had a big smile on his face. Turns out he’s Catholic and this figure will be a treasured item in his family.

I am delighted that Jesus found a good home.

It’s nice to get a few wins. It’s nice to feel the urge to do little happy dances. Like most jobs, reselling vintage things online can be a grind. But unlike most jobs, it’s also a gamble. A few folks in one of my FB groups admit they are calling it quits this year–selling off their merchandise and closing shop. And we all get it. But for now, for this year, I’ll keep plugging away at it!

I’ll close for now wishing you happy hunting.

Karen