Posted by Now that I am removing some of the lower-value items from my Etsy store, February comes along and almost all of my sales are lower-value items!! I found that a touch ironic and it’s making me second guess my new store direction of going for older, higher-value items…for a second!
Some February Sales…
I’m glad these sold because some were slated for the donate pile.
One was this small brass singing bowl used for meditation sans mallet. It was vintage, but not wildly old and had light wear. I have sold these in the past, but this one took a couple of years to find a new owner.
I bought this little porcelain Cybis bunny in 2024 against my better judgment. I’m not really into cutesy figurines and typically they take a long time to sell. Still he sold in less than a year and in time for Easter.
This 1949 “The Berlitz Self-Teacher French” book was in my donate pile, but I listed it instead and it sold in less than two weeks for $18. The 1973 “A Culinary Collection” was a 50-cent purchase from last year that I finally got around to listing and it sold for $18.
This fantastic item sold and I am slightly heartbroken. It’s a cast iron, Victorian-era card holder. Meant to be hung on a wall I’ve had it on my desk for over a decade and used it to hold my biz cards. I still loved it, but for some reason decided to list it in my Etsy store a few months ago…and now it sold! Darn. Feeling a little regret.
So the good news, stuff is selling this February. The bad news, my revenue is still not close to what I normally make a month. Most sales have been under $48. Some, like the books, not even $20.
Also notably this month I’ve been receiving more offers or “what’s your best price” messages on my more valuable items. And I deal with that in different ways. Sometimes I just say “Thanks for the offer, but I’m going to take a pass.” Other times I explain why I’m declining. For example, one gal sent me an offer but I knew my item was already one of the lowest priced out there and that’s what I told her…very diplomatically of course. Recently a guy wanted to know if the price was negotiable, but I had just listed the item the day before. I explained that and told him to contact me at a later date if it was still unsold. A rare once in a while, I counter or accept the offer.
What I’m Buying…
I haven’t been sourcing much and it’s mostly been at my neighborhood thrift store because I’ve been dropping off donations. It’s accurate to say that this store has been a thrifting desert for me for months (and months) and I usually walk out empty handed. But I finally had a bit of luck yesterday. Well, a tiny bit.
When I first walked in I saw a new merch cart and within a few seconds spotted these two heavily tarnished, weighted, vintage, sterling silver candleholders by Watrous for $3.49 each. Not super valuable but still worth saving. I will give them a good polish before I list them at $68.
I should have left this behind because the profit just isn’t there and it will take a long time to sell. So yes, I’m having a little buyer’s regret. The first is MCM silverplate caddy by Israel Freeman (made in Italy). Some are calling it a tea caddy. Others a cigarette box. Hmmm. Not sure but it’s a handsome thing. I’ll list it for $40.
I also bought this vintage Frank Whiting glass toothpick/cigarette/match holder with sterling silver rim and foot. Just a nice thing! Nowadays I would use this for Q-tips, eyeliner pencils or a bouquet of wildflowers on a vanity table. I’ll list it for $45.
But the beaded purse by San Francisco Bay Area designer Mary Frances was my hands-down unexpected score. It’s in like-new condition and just fabulous. It would look wonderful with a little black dress.
Total paid: $33.85.
So I am plugging away at my Etsy business. More donating than selling or buying.
Hope you’re having success!
Karen
Hunting for Vintage 