Trying to Find Something to Buy

Normally I spend $100 to $350 a month on vintage and antique items for my Etsy store. This month I’ve spent $20 (for two items) mainly because I’ve cut back on my sourcing but also because I’m being super picky. Saturday I was driving past my neighborhood thrift store on my way to buy a few groceries and, of course, I had to pull in and have a browse. And I’ll be honest, I really wanted to buy something. I was itching to buy something!

What I Considered

This Tiki hobbyist piece signed “Dot 1978” (priced at $3.89) was so fun. Turns out it’s a “Tiki Bob” image and some vintage Tiki Bob pieces fetch $$$, but as a hobbyist piece this wasn’t one of them. (I could have sold it for $15 to $25.) The hand-blown glass piece was somewhat pretty, but unsigned and felt clumsy and a bit odd.

I found a number of interesting handmade pottery items, but they all seemed to be student pieces, much like the pots and vases I just donated. So that’s a no. The six pressed glass goblets were impressive but unsigned. Turns out they’re ice tea glasses from Godinger. Not really worth the effort to resell.

The large framed prints in distressed frames caught my attention, but alas they were made in China, so not old and with faux distressing. Still nice and a bargain for someone who likes this look, but not good for a vintage seller.

And my last item was curious. I didn’t know what to make of it (priced at $3+). It was a clam-shell carved thingy with a moving wheel.

Turns out it was a Japanese netsuke! But was it an ivory one selling in the $$$ or a celluloid one selling for much less? And of course, if it was ivory, it would be almost impossible for me to sell.

So after a good rummage and finding a number of interesting items I came out empty-handed…again. But I learned a bit and I’m happy to be sticking to my goals and new direction, which is to look for older, more valuable pieces.

What’s Sold Recently

It’s been a ridiculously slow December. Enough said on that. But of my most recent sales, five were items from my neighborhood thrift store and that’s why I still continue to pop in that little store. (Some vintage sellers eschew thrift stores as “wastes of time.” And yes, not every visit yields items, but for me it’s also the fun of looking. Other people have fun say, golfing or watching football or doing crosswords, put me in a thrift or antique store and I’m a happy camper.)

One of my best recent finds was an $8 mother of pearl lacquer jewelry box with drawers and a mirror. The box wasn’t old, but it was stunning with no damage. It sold a month later for $80. The vintage pewter nutcracker was a quirky, quality item for $3.69 that sold for $30 in a few weeks. (I wish everything sold that fast!)

Trying to Sell on Nextdoor and FB Marketplace

I’ll be frank, both platforms have been a bust for me. Here’s the latest story–I have two green onyx wine goblets listed for a modest $10, someone messaged me and asked if I’d take $5. Geez Louise! That’s not even worth my time and trouble to make arrangements and drive to meet up with someone. In the end I’ll likely just re-donate them.

I would love to hear if you’d had success selling on these platforms or if you have funny stories to share about selling on them.

I’ll close for now wishing you happy hunting,

Karen