To Sell or Not To Sell?

I've decided not to do the obligatory Happy New Year post. I guess Christmas is still in my heart, especially since this was our first Christmas with two little sweet boys and since my baby was born on Fourth of July, I wanted to stretch out 2011 for as long as I could. In our house, the stockings are still hung, the tree is still decorated although it's been brown for a month and the garlands are still strung. Why does Christmas always come and go so fast?

I got the Hallmark Keepsake ornament above for $2.75 at a thrift shop in early December. It's a 2010 ornament, so there's a good chance it's brand new. Hallmark Keepsake ornaments are great sellers and this one is no exception. I checked completed listings of this ornament on eBay and I could make a quick $20 if I turned around  and sold it.

But something keeps holding me back. I get the feeling that next year, my two little boys will love this guy. And what's the fun in thrifting if you are only out to make a quick buck? Sometimes it's great to purchase a little something for yourself. Should I give him up or should I keep him? On the first day of 2012, that is the question.

Good Karma

Sometimes buyers really piss me off. There. I said it. I don't get why they make a best offer and then don't pay when it's accepted.

For example, the sweater below was listed in my shop for $45. I received an offer from a buyer the MONDAY before Christmas and she wanted to receive the item by FRIDAY. She went on and on about how much she loved the sweater blah blah blah. So I accept her offer, inform her that Express Mail is the best guarantee for shipping and thank her in advance for her quick payment. Except she never paid. Not sure why my phone shows it as paid, because it was clearly never paid.

Fast forward to a week later. No payment. It's the week after Christmas. She clearly does not need it anymore.

Rather than force her to pay through an unpaid item dispute, I kindly requested to cancel the transaction. Bummed that I wouldn't be getting rid of another bulky sweater and not banking the $25, the cancel transaction was approved about an hour ago. Haven't had a sale in two days and was feeling kind of down.

I just checked my email again (approximately 10 minutes ago now) and found an instant payment notification for this lovely item below. Paid $5 for this guy back in July and had to wrestle it away from my two year old and hide it in the back of a closet.

I also sold this Power Rangers toy a couple weeks ago. Yep, bought this one for $5 as well from the same sale.

Moral of the story: Be kind to others and you may be rewarded generously. Wishing you a wonderful New Year with much properity from selling castoffs in the coming year!

Whoop whoop! I'm a Top Rated Bronze Powerseller Now

I've neglected my house, missed a lot of Zumba and even let my husband take over the dinner duties for the last month. But I guess it was worth it because I became an eBay Top Rated Seller today and Bronze Powerseller. 

I really have to thank the fine peeps over at eBay Underground for helping me get to this point. I've been selling for three years and never really got anywhere until I found this discussion forum. 

Good things are coming in 2012!

BOLO: Swanndri New Zealand Wool Jackets

Remember the Swanndri jacket that I posted about last week? The one that was new with tags and cost me $6?

It sold within 4 days of listing it for this price here.

Talk about a home run. I'm going to quote my two year old on this, "ho yea bebe!"

Think Before You Donate

A while back my sister dropped off two bags of items that she had been planning to donate to the Habitat for Humanity Thrift Shop. She said I could have first crack at selling them and donate the rest.

Well, thank God she did because not only did I score some uber-cute Lululemon workout wear and a brand spanking new Fhi Hair Straightener (what was she thinking, lol), but I've sold many items in those bags for a nice profit. My personal favorites are the items that belonged to her ex-bf including some video games and a book. Chel, if you are reading this, I owe you a check.

Here's some of the highlights:

BCBG Ruched Top sold for $15

 BCBG dress sold for $10.50

 Lucy Love Tweed Vest sold for $4.50.

 AG Jeans sold for $24.99

TRX Training DVD sold for $28. BTW, she's an awesome personal trainer if anyone on Kauai needs to get in shape.

Moral of the story: Think before you donate to thrift shops. Maybe you can make a buck or two first.

If you need some help selling, I'm happy to do a consignment consultation with you.

Missoni Wool Coat = Happy Thanksgiving

Went on a quick lunch thrift and what do I find? A vintage Missoni wool peacoat! It's the Sport line, does anyone know anything about it? Paid $6 for it. Guess someone from the mainland moved to Hawaii and didn't need their heavy peacoat anymore when it's 75 degrees during Christmas.

In addition, I found a NWT Swanndri plaid jacket for $6. I checked completed listings and every single one has sold and the similar ones sold for $68. I will have the only blue plaid jacket on eBay so I was thinking of BIN at $75, but it might be fun to auction and see what happens since there are some jackets that sold for $175.

Any advice?

I'll try to snap some photos to show everyone  my great finds today.

WTF TUESDAYS WITH SIR THRIFT A LOT

WTF! Did someone chop down Papa Smurf and Smurfettes homes? Or did they forclose due the rough economy?

Well Papa Smurf, I saw two happy humans walking out of the shop with your home minutes after I shot this photo.

Linking to Sir Thrift A Lot's WTF TUESDAY