Sometimes It’s Not Fun

I’ve been procrastinating. I’ve needed to do this task for a long, long time, but it’s not fun. It’s tedious. A slog. But I’ve finally started it in earnest. I’ve been going through old listings that have been around for years and for each one I ask myself: Is this item still worth trying to sell online? If yes, I’m redoing the photos and creating a new listing with new prices and search terms. If no, it’s added to my donate pile.

This process is both painful and strangely cathartic. It’s sad that things I thought would resonate with someone didn’t. But it also feels good to shed this dead weight. Really good.

Bye Bye

I said bye, bye to this odd metal reindeer candleholder. I knew it wasn’t worth much when I bought it, still I thought it was quirky fun. But it was listed for 18 months or so, through two Christmas seasons, and it never sold. Just not worth hanging onto. And I have two of these wacky Memphis-style ceramic cups with saucer/snack trays circa 1983 and they have been in my shop forever! I still think they are so cool, but I’m done with them.

Let’s Rethink These

I had three separate listings of vintage European creamers that just weren’t getting much attention so I decided to combine them into one big lot–an instant collection. Will anybody want this? Not sure! I won’t make much profit. Mostly I just want to move them along and recoup my cost.

Let’s Try It Again

I rarely delve into toys and games because my knowledge is skimpy and it’s not an area that draws me in. Other than the occasional teddy bear, I’m not buying games/toys/plushies. But a few years ago I acquired this scarce 1980s “Guess-a-Shape” game from W. Germany in darn good condition except for the box. It’s been listed for a few years, but I decided to give this one more try. (Listed for $30.)

This fat lava vintage ceramic candleholder from Iceland is knobby and dark and weirdly fantastic. This has been lingering in my store for at least four years. Four years! But I believe someone out there wants this. I really do. So it’s time to take better photos and think of better search terms.

Ebay Here I Come

I’ve been buying and selling (mostly buying!) on eBay for 25 years! In those early years I indulged my silver charm bracelet fetish. Actually my sterling silver penchant in general–antique trophies, cigarette cases and souvenir spoons.

But I’m starting to list a few things on eBay. Starting first with newer, non-vintage things I can’t list on Etsy.

Like these cute Frye booties. Oh gosh these are mine and worn only a few times and now my feet are total crap and these aren’t comfortable anymore. Breaks my heart a tiny bit.

And the other day at my neighborhood thrift store I found a Jonathan Adler “Newport” teapot and two cups and saucers! Adler has a popular, well-regarded, mid-level brand and these items were all in fabulous condition. Even though they weren’t vintage, I couldn’t leave them behind. [The teapot sold in one day for $125. I could have listed it a tad higher, still for a $6.79 purchase I can’t complain. The teacups are listed separately.]

Moving Forward

So this is the year that I shift my business dead weight–one way or another–and try to be really strict on what I buy. At least that’s my intention!

Wishing you happy hunting,

Karen