Note to Self: Stop Overbuying!

For most of us in the vintage biz hunting for items to sell in our stores is an adrenaline rush. The fun bit. The part we live for! When we walk into a thrift store or flea market or wherever it’s game on. We get into “the zone” looking for those elusive scores. And I love it! Absolutely love it.

But the reality is most of us, myself included, source too often and buy too much. More than we sell and more than we process. So it accumulates and still we keep buying. Some resellers with YouTube channels show their excess and it fills whole rooms, sheds, basements. Thousands of items paid for and now just moldering.

Many of us joke about it or alternatively lament. But honestly there is an easy solution–stop buying and deal with the stuff we have. Stop fantasizing/worrying/obsessing about amazing scores that we might be missing if we don’t shop every day. Just stop!

Lately I’ve been a bit more disciplined. Some days when I plan on going thrifting, I give myself a stern talking to and stay home. Yesterday was one of those days. Instead of shopping I grabbed a box that holds hundreds of vintage sterling silver charms I’ve bought over the last three years and selected some to list. I got six done and a few others researched.

That felt good! Really good. A drop in the bucket, but still. I also listed an antique garnet bracelet from my personal collection. I adore it, but haven’t worn it in years. Time to let it go.

As part of my “stop overbuying campaign” I’m also addressing the stale inventory in my stores. Some items have lingered for eons but are still good things so I’m breathing new life into them with fresh listings.

This gorgeous Arts & Crafts era copper jug was made by J.P. Kayser and Sohn (1862-1925) in Krefeld, Germany. An estate sale find from years ago, I’ve had it listed on and off, but I’m hoping this new listing will do the trick!

I had these two 1970s wood frames for so long I couldn’t remember when or where I got them (estate sale I think) or how much I paid. I had them listed for years and then let that lapse. Well I created a new listing in May with a price of $48 (plus shipping) for the pair and they just sold. Six weeks later.
 

I used to sell more fabric (typically designer and vintage remnants) but lately, those sales have stalled. (Dropped off the face of the earth!) But my remaining fabrics are quite good, like this 4.5-yard piece of cotton/linen with huge embroidered flowers in taupe and rajah red. So perfect for pillows. So I created a new listing with new photos and price. We’ll see if that gets it moving!
 

The one downfall of reducing my sourcing time–when I finally do go thrifting/antiquing I feel a strong desire to buy something. As a result my judgment can be compromised. Maybe you know that feeling.

My judgment was certainly comprised earlier this month when I knowingly, willingly, overpaid for this older F.B. Rogers silverplated butter dish. I literally put it back on the shelf twice and then picked it up again. (I loved the feet!)

But I’m a bit peeved with myself about that. I’ve only bought a couple of items this whole month, and this is one of them. Sigh!

Still overall I am cutting back on buying. Whittling away at the piles. Downsizing personal stuff. Redoing stale listings. I’m heading in the right direction!

I will be going to our local flea market this Saturday, but I am determined not to buy anything unless it’s a hands-down fabulous score.

All the best,

Karen