Posted by Got a few orders today and I pulled all the items from where I knew they were stored. But I got down to the last, a book, and I couldn’t find it. Hmmm. So I checked my inventory master sheet and it wasn’t listed. Oh no. Not again.
Over the years I’ve done this to myself multiple times. Failed to write down where an item was stored believing that I would remember its location. Which worked when I had a smaller store, but with over 600 listed items, it’s silly to think I can do that. And I usually don’t. But why don’t I mark down where every single item is located?!
So I went through a spare bedroom where I’m keeping newer listings. Not there. Then I headed to the garage where I have over 30 bins on shelves and begin the tedious process of pulling them down, opening them up and carefully rummaging through them. No luck.
After lunch I hit the garage again and started reopening the bins assuming I had somehow missed this small book. About halfway through I took a break because my lower back was starting to complain. I went back to my spare bedroom storage and looked in a tote that housed unlisted books thinking it had accidentally been put back there. Well no, it hadn’t.
So I decided instead of continuing to search for the book at the moment I would tidy the room. And I did. Well, there amidst books on a shelf that I had already looked through (twice) was the book that sold! The book I was looking for. How had I missed it?! How??
I really, really, really need to keep better track of my inventory because honestly I wasted 90 minutes looking for this book. Well, not entirely wasted. I did pull several items from the storage bins that I had been planning on giving new listings to get a bit of traction. (Get them sold that is!)
It’s a dreary business when items don’t sell in the 12-18 months and the more you renew the listing the lower they land in search results. So the best course of action is to give them a fresh listing and/or list them on other platforms if you haven’t already.
Sadly I have too many items that fall into that category. Like this boxed set of eight antique Bunde & Upmeyer knives with mother of pearl handles and sterling silver ferrules. I’ve had them listed on Etsy and Chairish for years. People have liked them but not enough to buy!
I don’t remember where/when I got these…it’s been that long…but they are a quality, beautiful thing and still usable. I believe there is a home for them somewhere.
And this huge handmade wool needlepoint wallhanging was bought at a church rummage sale years ago too. I liked its bold tribal pattern but it’s languished in my store. I’ve created a new listing and added some new search terms, including “Kilim style” because I realized this design is very similar to Kilim rugs with its geometric design. We’ll see if I can find a buyer for this neat piece.
The truth is my vintage items are long-tail. While some sell almost immediately, others take years. And I know that. Still it’s not easy when good items don’t sell.
Hoping your day went better than mine.
Karen
Hunting for Vintage 