Tuesday, June 23, 2015

OK, So What Do You Think???


OK, so most of you readers know that I shop regularly at garage sales and estate sales and find alot of really good items.



I have reached a point where my house as well as my storage building is crammed full.  So, I must get rid of - rather pass some of my precious items on to another home!  LOL


So, here is my plan.  Please let me know what you think of it.  Good or bad!!


The price of shipping has just gone out of sight.  I lose money everytime I ship something - usually just a dollar or two but still a loss.

I am considering grouping a selection of like items as in the picture above for sale.

The items would be color related or theme related. There would be 3-4 items in each lot - some with color coordinated doilies and/or linens.  I could wrap them and ship three to four items for almost the same price as shipping one item.

Breakable items have to be wrapped in bubble wrap and boxed and then boxed in another box with additional padding.  So it is alot of work.

Would you consider buying in lots rather than individual items?

Am anxious to get your feedback.  I have lots of stuff!!

Let me know.

Judy



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42 comments:

  1. Barbara F.June 23, 2015 at 5:45 PM

    Sounds great, Judy. You can even have an online yard sale. Charge people the full price for shipping, don't lay out any money.

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  2. TheresaJune 23, 2015 at 6:04 PM

    Yes, that's a great idea! Kinda like an on-line yard sale:) Enjoy your day dear friend, HUGS!

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  3. JanJune 23, 2015 at 6:15 PM

    I would definitely buy in lots-you have so many beautiful things!

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  4. Linda @ A La CarteJune 23, 2015 at 6:31 PM

    Do it! I know you have little bits of pottery I'm in love with, also egg cups!
    hugs,
    Linda

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  5. Bert KJune 23, 2015 at 6:59 PM

    I agree with everyone's comments above. Selling in lots would be great, and you should definitely NOT bear the cost of shipping! You should just pass that along to the buyer. I, for one, am more than willing to pay for shipping!

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  6. Joy JunktionJune 23, 2015 at 9:33 PM

    I think small lots is a great idea! It's like starting a collection with one purchase! 3/4 items is a good number, will ship well and be a ready made set! Love your idea and looking forward to seeing them on Etsy soon - Yes?!?! Blessings, Cindy

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  7. LaurieJune 23, 2015 at 9:44 PM

    I think it's a fantastic idea! When you get the address's from buyers, find out how much it would be to ship to their home then add it to the price.

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  8. NanaDianaJune 23, 2015 at 10:41 PM

    I think that might work, Judy. I think I might group by "item" as well as color---like salt & peppers and fjgurines and perfume bottles and l"houses"....that might work, too. It would definitely help with shipping costs. It's just crazy, isn't it? I have discovered that mailing out my book- I actually come out ahead when I sell on Amazon because of shipping, Good luck- I am going to have to get rid of some "stuff", too- xo Diana

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  9. cynthia lee designsJune 23, 2015 at 10:52 PM

    I think it is a great idea and a wonderful way to have some of your awesome goodies go to new homes.
    ~Cindy

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  10. zoopersonJune 23, 2015 at 11:31 PM

    Good idea and I agree that shipping should be paid by the buyer. When you look on eBay or Craig's list, they don't hesitate to add some serious shipping fees.

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  11. LorrieJune 23, 2015 at 11:44 PM

    I think it's a great idea. However, I think you should ensure that you are NOT paying for the shipping - that's the buyer's cost. That said, I find that shipping (especially in Canada) is so expensive that I tend not to purchase heavy items by mail.
    Your blue platters and plates are beautiful.

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  12. RitaJune 24, 2015 at 5:34 AM

    My thoughts are that I could spend 25. To 35. On items I really like. Say a metal colander, a tin cup and a few metal cookie cutters. If the grouping would cost more like 50. To 100. I could not afford it but there are probably some that could. Hope this helps.

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  13. Carol- Beads and BirdsJune 24, 2015 at 6:15 AM

    I think it's worth a shot! I have a friend that sells on Ebay and does quite well. Most people expect to pay the shipping. If it doesn't work...well, back to the drawing board!!
    xx, Carol

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  14. annJune 24, 2015 at 7:13 AM

    I am so glad that you stopped by Ann's Dollhouse Dreams , for the blog does not get much traffic. The miniature/dollhouse community is not as large as the gardening blog community, so I am always thankful for any visit and comment. I like your idea to group items. You might also offer swap outs--don't want item X, then pick from one of these--. I don't know how much work that would involve. I have passed on some small items on Etsy because the shipping doubled the price of the item--but then they were from out of country. I like Lorrie's advice.

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  15. thompsontammy6463@gmail.comJune 24, 2015 at 8:25 AM

    I myself purchase quite a few item's off of Etsy every month and I think it's a great idea !!! I too would stay in the $25-$35 price range. If you have a piece that's more valuable , sell it by itself, we all know we have to pay for shipping if we really want something !! There was a shop at one time that did this, 3 item's all the same color or the same theme. My PayPal acct is ready to purchase !!!!! Take the leap . Have a wonderful day, TT

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  16. UnknownJune 24, 2015 at 8:39 AM

    Yes! I think that is a fabulous idea! Maybe go with themes? Like bird related items? I would buy that. I like the last grouping.

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  17. TrudyJune 24, 2015 at 9:00 AM

    Wonderful idea! You have quite a few things that have made me drool. I don't know how you set it up, but I do know you can have an oonline garage sale on FB.

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  18. Susan FreemanJune 24, 2015 at 9:10 AM

    I think the idea of selling in lots is a great one. You should be charging more for shipping and not eating the cost. If I am shopping and I see something I really want, I am willing to pay a bit more for shipping to get it. Or, you could give your buyers an option to combine items for shipping. I would check around and see what other vendors are doing.

    Big Texas Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  19. Creations By CindyJune 24, 2015 at 10:26 AM

    Go for it Judy! You will never know whether it works or not if you don't try! You got lots of nice eye candy girl! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  20. Jemma@athomewithjemmaJune 24, 2015 at 11:48 AM

    Judy,
    I think selling them in a lot, is a very good idea, grouping them by color very savvy too.
    Beautiful plates!
    jemma

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  21. CynthiaJune 24, 2015 at 12:21 PM

    I think that is good plan and grouping by color would be a good thing too. Wish those dishes on top were red. They would've been sold, to me. Love red transferware

    Cindy

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  22. AnonymousJune 24, 2015 at 12:58 PM

    Hi Judy! Sounds like a good plan. Okie dokie, I'm coming over to get those blue and white dishes! ;)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  23. Sunny Simple LifeJune 24, 2015 at 1:23 PM

    I have lots I would love to sell too. I never seem to get motivated to list anything.

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  24. MelanieJune 24, 2015 at 4:00 PM

    I would definitely at least give it a try, Judy. I have a lot of pretty things, too from all the years of thrifting and antiquing, but you are right, shipping is so expensive now. I have been bringing my things to an antique consignment shop instead. They pay me 50% cash right then and there. The only downside - some of my things they don't want. Then I am stuck with them. I don't want to do eBay either, so I'm still wondering about what to do, too.

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  25. JunkchiccottageJune 24, 2015 at 5:00 PM

    Hi Judy,
    I think if you can ship three to four items for the same as one you should then group them. You have wonderful treasures and I am sure when you group them they will be very popular buys.
    Kris

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  26. bj June 24, 2015 at 7:24 PM

    You have some really nice pieces. I, however, have been collecting for many years and had it running out my ears...when we sold our home and moved, I had a couple garage sales and sold items on Craig's List. Of course, our kids and grands got first shot...I am trying my best not to buy too much...I love not having so much stuff around.
    I think you might do good selling in groups...I just don't know as I've not sold very many things.

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  27. Teresa KasnerJune 24, 2015 at 9:27 PM

    Whatever you decide to do would be worth a try. I know I have too much stuff as it is.. but I still like getting something new! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  28. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonJune 24, 2015 at 11:33 PM

    I think it sounds like a fun idea Judy. I tried selling on etsy for a while and I couldn't believe how expensive shipping was and I too lost money more than once. People are sure having a lot of success selling on Instagram. Are you on there? I'm thinking of maybe trying that.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  29. The Polka Dot ClosetJune 24, 2015 at 11:51 PM

    I think it is a great idea. I know what you mean about shipping. I did online selling at one time, but the work involved did not make it worth the effort. You just have to charge for your time too, I guess you just list the price + shipping and see if someone bites...I bet they will, you have great "Stuff"!

    Carol

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  30. Betty SneeringerJune 25, 2015 at 6:56 AM

    Grouping sounds good. I am in the same spot as you - so much stuff and so little room.

    Betty

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  31. RURAL June 25, 2015 at 9:25 AM

    That sounds like a great idea Judy, do you also have a booth where you can sell? I stopped selling my cards because the cost of shipping them was higher then what I sold them for...sad isn't it?

    Jen

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  32. RURAL June 25, 2015 at 9:25 AM

    That sounds like a great idea Judy, do you also have a booth where you can sell? I stopped selling my cards because the cost of shipping them was higher then what I sold them for...sad isn't it?

    Jen

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  33. Cheryl @ TFDJune 25, 2015 at 8:57 PM

    I don't do much buying online since I have too much stuff and need to par down. But I agree with the others that you have a good idea. And I'd definitely pass along the shipping charges to the customer one way or another. You have a lot of nice things, Judy, and I wish you much success in selling!

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  34. Sweet Cottage DreamsJune 25, 2015 at 9:12 PM

    I think it is worth a try! And be sure to charge for the shipping. I always put the items in a box, weigh it and then
    add a bit more for what I think the bubble wrap and stuffings will be. Always ok to refund an overage for the shipping, but don't sell yourself short.

    Have fun with it!

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  35. ElizabethJune 26, 2015 at 7:33 AM

    Sounds like a great idea to me. Would you post them on your blog?

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  36. Sara - Villa EmiliaJune 26, 2015 at 7:53 AM

    Hello Judy,
    I don't know much about selling online and shipping, but I think your idea sounds very good. You have lovely items and the lots would be like treasure boxes. :)
    Have a great weekend!

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  37. Cathy @ My 1929 CharmerJune 26, 2015 at 10:02 AM

    I know what you mean by losing money shipping, when I first started my shop I was losing a minimum of $2, and just couldn't keep that up. So now I ship only using boxes that are preweighed with shipping and bubble wrap inside and not calculated until zip code is put in. It takes time to do, but worth it and has made a huge difference. And yes I would buy in bulk.

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  38. Rebecca NelsonJune 26, 2015 at 12:07 PM

    I lose $ on shipping on almost everything and people still complain about the cost. I say try putting them together and see what happens. Anything to save even a little at the post sounds good to me!

    Thank you for visiting me girly...always a JOY!

    xoRebecca

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  39. AnaJune 27, 2015 at 10:00 AM

    Hi Judy,
    I think your bundling idea is a good one. I can't believe how expensive shipping has gotten. Good luck. Happy weekend to you.

    Hugs,
    ❤️Ana

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  40. Vel CristeJune 28, 2015 at 9:22 PM

    I think its a great idea Judy! Yu can also group it by theme!

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  41. Sherry@Back2VintageJune 30, 2015 at 10:13 AM

    That's an awesome idea, Judy! I haven't started an etsy shop for all of the reasons you stated above but have SO many things that I'm finally considering it. I'll be watching to see it this works out for you! Good luck... I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

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  42. Patricia @ CorninmyCoffee-potJuly 10, 2015 at 5:16 PM

    I like this idea! I'm just catching up here-- so if you do it-- let us know how it works for you!

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