Posted by Typically at my neighborhood thrift store I see a lot popular books–“Twilight,” Sue Grafton mysteries, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” “Tuesdays with Morrie,” John le Carré novels. Well, you get the idea. But lately more interesting books have been showing up. I’ve picked up some vintage fly tying books a few months ago and they sold tout suite and some limited-edition photography books which sold quickly too. (Two of the books sold for $24, one for $40 and one for $78.)
So these days I always peruse the book shelves. The other day I found an eclectic group that I decided to buy–from a thick, little book of stunning artwork of Mary to Neil Gaiman’s dark fantasy graphic novel (sadly an ex-library edition for which I paid too much) to a cookbook with Lucille O’Ball-inspired recipes.
Then I threw in five museum art books from a 1960s/70s Newsweek series. (I adore art books.)
Will the museum art books sell? They aren’t as special as the limited-edition art books I usually buy, but I think they will sell and they are all in beautiful condition. But I was taken aback when I found someone on Ebay recently sold the Vatican Museums Rome book (an ex-library one) for $1.50 and $5.97 shipping! Even if the seller got this book for free, they didn’t make any profit. Why bother listing a $1.50 book???
All of these books I bought in this haul are “bread and butter” books. In the store I did a Google image lookup for most of them and listed prices were all over the place for each one–from under $10 to over $80. Some of the cheapest listed ones were from companies that just provide a stock photo and say the condition is “good.” Which means you really don’t know. (I bought a book like that and it came extensively highlighted in squiggly pen marks. I couldn’t even read it and threw it away.)
Time will tell how these books do.
More Downsizing
For over a year now I’ve been slowly removing “deadwood” from my Etsy store. It’s been tough, but has gotten easier over time. I think in part because I am no longer wasting energy on these items, including emotional energy. When the item is gone, it’s a relief. And the end of a year seems like the perfect time to axe more stuff. To start the new year leaner!
But the truth is I never would have imagined some of these items wouldn’t sell. And others were just outright buying mistakes!
In June 2024 I bought a mini (1.5″) pewter jam pot (Civic Pewter, made in England) with a spoon for $2.39 at Goodwill. It was a charming thing and the glass liner was in perfect condition.
The spoon that came with the pot was not original to it, but an 1872 sterling silver one with a Victoria head!
I decided to sell the spoon separately and it sold quickly for $18 plus shipping.
But the pot has lingered at a modest $16. I could lower the price again but it’s received very little attention in the 15 months it’s been listed. There is a price point where it really isn’t worth the time, effort and packing materials for a few dollars profit.
I did find a listing for a larger Civic Pewter jam pot with sterling spoon (also not original) for $95 on Chairish. Would my pot receive more attention and perhaps sell if I priced it higher? I’m not convinced.
I also checked ebay solds for “vintage pewter jam pots and jars” and not a lot shows up.
I could add it to a “junk drawer lot” of cute, but lower-value items. I had listed a lot like this once and inevitably was contacted by folks who just wanted one item from the lot. Which wouldn’t have been so bad except they expected to pay a peanuts price. For example, if I put six vintage items in a $40 lot, they assumed I’ll sell them one of the items for $6 or $7. Well, no. You have to buy all the items to get that deal.
Enough said…I’ve decided to add it to my donate pile.
I have tried for years to sell this antique silver plated Meridan B. sugar and creamer set (repurposed as Christmas ornaments due to their rough interior). I had them listed for $20, which seemed fair to me and I really thought they would sell. Well, the listing just expired AGAIN and I decided it is time to let them go. No more relisting them.
Earlier this year I bought this chunky vintage 5″ pewter pumpkin box because it was made in Hong Kong and had an intriguing maker’s mark. But honestly I didn’t like it and as I stood in the checkout line my brain said “Put the box down and walk out.” But before I knew it I was at the cashier paying $15 (!) for an ugly pewter box. It’s only been listed for six months, but I’m cutting it loose now. Sad to waste that money, but it was a good lesson to listen to my brain!!
Moving Forward
In 2026, which seems crazy to say (where did 2025 go?), I do want to keep books in the store mix and my vintage sterling silver charms, definitely art, vintage jewelry for sure, high-end crystal glass bits and vintage/antique religious items and outstanding antique silver plate items. I will be cutting back on buying artisan pottery and wood items. Once my vintage postcards and photos are gone, I won’t be buying more. In fact, ephemera in general is not a strong category for me. So for now, this will be my focus.
Wishing you happy hunting,
Karen
Hunting for Vintage 