plate.
Come Thrifting with me
plate.
Thrifting
plate.
Come to work with me 🙃
I decided to take pictures of a few interesting things that I saw today while out Thrifting.
My Hoover days are long gone..
Maybe a bachelor pad in the 1980’s with the disco light above and John Travolta’s Staying Alive playing in the background? Lol
I just don’t think people in this day and age have any decor that, well, collects dust. That ship has sailed. Today it’s all about the modern farmhouse clean look. Not to mention all the minimalists.
This is the only thing I bought besides a designer blazer, six bras, two blouses, and two storage bins.
Munchlax was only .50 only and is for a friend. The storage bins are for my business, and the rest are things to resell. My Best Buy today was a 1980’s
Christian llinares blazer. At first I thought it was Versace, as I’ve found that brand a couple of times already. But nope. I paid $5 for the blazer and it will sell for $100.
And that concludes my trip. I hope you enjoyed the walk through….
Thrifting at University GW
Going to Poshfest!
This year Poshmarks Poshfest will be held in Dallas,TX
I’m taking my daughter for her Birthday.
If any other Poshers come across this post, and have also managed to get tickets, please leave a message below. I’d love to formally meet you. 😀
I’m still unsure wheat hotel to book with. 🤔🤓
Ebay Update
A quick run down on this past years negative feed backs and returns.
For the amount of things I sell, which is roughly one hundred per month, I receive four returns per month. It is rare that someone is ugly, but it has happened a few times this past year.
These are the items where people were not very nice. Therefore, after they were handled with, they were added to my eBay blocked list. Ebay has this option for people who you do not care to do business with in the future, so it’s a must.
1. Authentic Gucci Guilty Parfume– Buyer claimed it arrived shattered, but did not want to go through post office protocol for insurance return claim.
I asked for a picture to submit as proof to the post office; seller refused. Then seller left a negative feedback claiming the Parfume bottle she received was empty. (This did result in a full refund because she filed an eBay claim.)
2. Burberry Inspired Plaid Wallet– Seller did not read title or description, stating that the wallet was a designer inspired Burberry look. She thought she got a new Authentic $220 Burberry wallet for $15. She filed a claim and received a refund while leaving me a negative feedback too.
(Not everyone is nice, I realize this is part of the real world, and business.)
3. Mens Sanita Clogs– Seller left a negative feedback stating that even though the shoes were new with tags, they fell apart on the job. This was fifty days after he received them. (Who is to say, but I am not the manufacturer of the brand, so he did not get a refund.)
4. Travelers knit skirt– Seller claimed that the skirt arrived with a heavy gasoline smell. Seller never contacted me before leaving a negative feedback.
I state that I prewash everything in Arm & Hammer detergent, ‘Fresh Scent’ and that if you have any allergies, to please not purchase from me. Regardless, seller left a negative feedback.
Also…Arm & Hammers detergent doesn’t smell like gasoline. Does it? 🤔
I politely contacted her for an explanation. She stood firm that the skirt smelled like gasoline. I offered her a refund in return for her to remove the negative feedback. Which she did. She also apologized to me, and it turned out that she was a seller also.
5. Urban Decay Foundation– This was listed as a new without box face Foundation. I bought it and it was too dark for me, so I sold it.
I stated twice, that I did not have the box anymore. Seller left me a negative that said it was good, but had no box. I didn’t contact her or refund her. She did not file any claims.
So there you have it. These were all the bad apples that I had for 2017, regarding eBay.
I did have another lady that threatens to leave me a negative if I didn’t XYZ… and I reported her.
urrently I am Expecting two more returns. Both from people who said that the items did not fit. Which is fine. I do make sure that I always list the garments measurements. But these things happen. Measurements are a must if you are a clothing seller. Of course I do find it odd at times, because I buy things second hand all the time, and never pull out a tape measure beforehand. I also never bother trying anything on at the mall, Marshall’s, TJ Max, etc. I know my size, and what fits.
I’m not a return it type of gal either. I have bought plenty on eBay in the past that didn’t fit, but I can’t be bothered with returns, so I use to just pass things onto friends. Nowadays, I simply resell them. I have a fair amount of resellers who purchase from me, and then return if they don’t like the fit.
In my mind, I’m always thinking… you are a seller, why don’t you just resell the item on your account? Why bother with a return..
t is also interesting to note that the people who pay $9-15 for an item, are generally the ones that return them.
This group of buyers are even responsible for paying to have the item returned to me.
So if sell a item for $14.99, the buyer pays $7.20 also, for shipping.
Then they pay $7.20 a second time to receive the $14.99 refund back. But really, they are only getting $7.79 back. 🤔
So if you want less returns, I have found that selling items over $20 is the way to go. Currently my average is $26
I am hoping to get it to double that by this time next year.
Blocking someone on eBay is very easy to do.
Cashmere Thrift Find
Here is a perfect example of finding a diamond in the rough….
I ran into a large ’boutique style’ thrift store the other day and stumbled across this beautiful Cashmere sweater.
I’m keeping it for myself. 🙂
It retailed for $275, but someone bought it on clearance for $165. Yet, it was never worn.
I bought it for $4.99.
I simply will never pay retail for anything. I’d much rather find the diamonds in the rough. Even if that means waiting for them to appear in my life. 😉
Reseller Update
I’ve been so excited with a recent thrift hauls that Ive done. I try to source 3x a week. One morning, and two evenings.
I have sourced about one hundred items in the past week. These beautiful shoes have been the best luxury item that I have ever come across. At least while living down here.
They are a size 9, and retail just under 1k.
They are just stunning!
I’ve also had some very good sales. One hundred and ninety in the past two months, to be precise. I’d love to hav that many sales in one month though. Goals!
I sold my chinchilla stole. I didn’t have it cleaned or have the tear repaired, and I still managed to get $70 for it. So that was a blessing. And yes, I was upfront about the imperfection.
I also sold a vintage Patagonia fleece for $60.
I’ve also started selling more hard goods.
Selling pieces of things. Coffee parts, vacuum parts, sports helmets, etc. all that can be easily found at the bins by the pound.
I also bought this old 1979 vintage crib sleeping bag. Honestly, looking at it makes me feel fertile… wanting to use it for another baby.. but I will sell it. 😔
It’s in perfect condition! I’m actually thinking its never been used. I wonder what the story is on it…🤔
Let me share a quick story.
I popped into the GW the other day to see if they still had a few 1950’s vintage Theodor purses that I saw the previous day, but didn’t pick up. They were all $3.75 each.
One was wool, which I almost bought for myself, simply because I love vintage things. But I didn’t. As I don’t dress in a vintage style. I’m simply not Petite.
So I ran into GW to see if they still had the vintage handbags, and they did. I found four. And I bought them all. I also found my son a bunch of pants, to my surprise.
Try finding size 29×34 in men’s jeans. It is obviously not a popular size. Which is why I have been buying him 30’s, and he just wears a belt.
But I found him three pairs of pants. So Yay!
When I got up to pay for the vintage handbags, I started looking inside each of them. I’ve opened Old bags before with creepy crawlers in them, so now I make it a point to check inside.
Old mints, old bible tracks from 1976, a couple old pens, old bobby pins…
I started imagining who the owner might have been. Maybe a sweet old lady who passed out mints to all the children, and called everyone deary?
Then I came across a note with a church pencil.
I won’t share the name on the note, to respect the family’s privacy. Apparently, the owner was at church and was given the note that was asking where a particular family was…. that they have been tarty in service for a couple weeks now… and that was just awful. I left it in the bag…while continuing to romantasize the olden days in my head..
Then the cashier starts cashing me out and randomly starts sharing the story of the bags I was purchasing…. And just when I was picturing the sweet old lady making her Brunswick stew while with her beautiful handbag on the counter.
The cashier said that a women came in last week with 150 vintage bags and 150 matching shoes. The shoes were all still in their boxes with the sales slips stapled to them.
Her mother had recently passed, she told the cashier…and was well known in the community for being a snazzy dresser. Hence so many bags and shoes.
She had no use for her mothers bags and shoes, so donated them all that day.
Wow! If only I had popped in THAT DAY.
The cashier told me that she was the one that priced everything to get it moved out quick. And that as soon as she began stacking the shoes in the back of the store, ONE LADY walked over and asked to purchase them all!
She took every single pair of shoes that day. They were priced $4.29 per pair.
She took most of the purses… and there I was buying the last of four of them.
I keep thinking about it.
Would I have bought all the shoes to resell?
I’m not sure. I guess if it would have felt right… I probably would have done the same.
It’s hard to find vintage goods in near perfect, clean, wearable, condition nowadays. Especially for little money.
I’m happy to have these bags. I plan on selling three, and keeping one for myself. Probably the wool one.
I went to a friends house yesterday to show her the vintage bags. Here’s where it gets even more interesting..
She opened the one bag and read the note, and then answered where, and why, that family left the church. All those years ago…She knew!
Such a big world.. yet small. ❤️
Here is a picture of the vintage bags, in case anyone wants to see. 🙂
Week in Review
It has been the start to a busy new season for me.
These past couple of weeks I started Birthday and Christmas shopping, on top of my weekly sourcing. And yes! I’m getting mentally prepared for Black Friday. Well, Thursday, actually.
Four out of five of my kids birthdays are coming up. And my husbands birthday is the month of October too. Not to mention my own birthday. Which I don’t actually celebrate anymore. I mean, 29 forever, right?! 😉
The weekends are already booked with parties and Fall Festivals.
I did manage to spend the weekend with a couple friends who I have not hung out with in a while.
I have no internet service up where they live, so I was able to not work at all.
I am on my phone a lot… either listing, looking for inventory, researching or editing pictures. So it was a much needed break, to just relax and catch up.
When I came back home I was right back to my normal routine of taking care of my family and well, routine. People ask me if doing the same thing week after week ever gets boring.. and the truth is, it doesn’t. I’m very maternal, so I love taking care of my kids and spending time with them. We start talking and three hours easily passes by. I have one daughter in College. She’s coming home for Fall break this weekend. So I’m really looking forward to that.
I do my best to utilize time when it presents itself. But I’m definetly not perfect with time management. I bought a pretty vintage daily planner, but I just can’t bring myself to use it. I like to have the option of changing plans at the last minute. As much as I want to go back in time and plan every aspect of my life… I just can’t go there.
Getting back to boring….
What I would find boring is having a regular job and dealing with the same people all of the time. Even though I am a people person, I like talking to different people all the time. Whether through the Internet, or just out sourcing.
That said, I’m very particular to who I share my time with nowadays. And it has made me a much happier, stable person. Either you are an investment to my life, and we lift one another up some how, or you don’t. Life is too short to not live life to its fullest.
Regardless of your circumstances…Is what I mean. I love life!
What’s new with Inventory…
Six out of the ten pairs of shoes I bought this past week have already sold. I also picked up some scrubs that have been selling. I’m currently contemplating on whether to get into toys. I just gave away about $500 worth of zu-zu pets, with their accessories… Along with all my kids old Polly pockets and barbies.
To be honest, I have looked at toys for so many years, I’m just over it. Gosh! That sounds harsh. New life chapters began though. And that has been my focus.
I have a few things to list today after school.
Some Luluroe leggings, a couple of purses, and some statement sleeve tops.
I’m pretty set for this month. I do like to keep a dozen shoes in all sizes available though. Shoes sell very well. In fact, I just made an extensive list of shoe brands to share here.
Enjoy!
And if your business is thrifting….
It’s hard work, but keep it up!
You WILL reach your goals. 😉
Extensive shoe list:
Top ((((Flats)))) that sell for over $50 per pair.
Chanel
Louis Vuitton
Fendi
Burberry
Valentino
Chloe
Tory Burch
Tieks
Salvatore Vergamamo
Lanvin
Gucci
Celine
Alexander McQueen
Henry Cuir
Paul Green
Free People Royals
Kate Spade
Gianvito Rossi
Sofia Webster
Aquazzura
Jimmy Choo
Prada
Miu Miu
Paul Andrew
Stubbs & Wooutton
Arche
Charlotte Olympia
Tods
Beautifeel
Nickolas Kirkwood
J Crew color blocks
Comme Des Garçons
Corso Roma
Repetto
Alexandre Birman
London Sole
Ted Baker
Pucci
Rothys
Cole Haan
Stewart Weizmann
Repetto
Madewell
Jenni Kayne
AGL
Roger Vivier
Balenciaga
Jack Rogers
Dolce Gabbana
Frye
Certain Algeria prints
Certain Dansco prints
Disney crocs
Vionic black ballet
Jeffery Campbell
Vince
Lilly Pulitzer
Everlane
Birkenstock
Doc Martins
Certain Coach
Certain Micheal Kors
Marc Jacobs
Korks
LL bean
Embellished Aldo
Sam Edelman
Donald Pliner flats
Keep in mind that these are flats only, I have not checked on these brands in heels, boots, oxfords, etc. but for flats, these brands are currently selling well.
Testimony & Weekend Sales
The month of August, I had a 22% drop in sales. It happened last year too. My guess, is that everyone’s extra money goes to school supplies, etc.
Totally understandable, too.
I was standing in line at Walmart a few weeks ago, and a there was a lady behind me who I felt called to give money too. I did not see her, I just heard her voice.
I’m positive it was the holy spirits lead, as I did not know what the lady behind me looked like, or who she was, etc. I didn’t even know if she was a teacher. But I distinctly heard the Lord tell me me to turn around and give her all the cash I had. Not too much, as I rarely carry cash with me. But I had taken out $30 the previous day, Not knowing why…
As I turned around to see who this lady was I heard her continuong on..talking to her kids, but I currently had no other details about her life.
I watched for a few seconds, as she begun taking a bunch of school supplies from her cart. I then noticed that her kids did not seem to be ‘school age’
So I reached in my purse and pulled out the money and asked her if she would mind if I helped out with all of that…(school supplies)
She told me that she had money to pay for it. That I was fine.
I asked her if she was a teacher. She said yes! 3rd grade. I told her that it would mean a lot to me if she would take the money. She smiled and said alright, and then thanked me…. then she thanked me several more times, and shared that the stuff was for her class, and that it was going to be her first full time teaching job. I then cashed out, wished her luck, and left the store.
As I am getting older, I’m reallly recognizing the Lords voice to me, more and more.. it’s a wonderful feeling when you directly hear the Lord speaking to you and you are able to respond. Amen!
Getting back to my sales—
Even with my sales down last month, I didn’t fret, and continued to pick up cheap yard sale finds for the next couple months, in conjunction to my weekly thrift hauls.
I tend to put 20% back into the reselling business each week. God has been so faithful in providing and guiding..
So tonight I’m sitting here with a smile on my face… feeling very happy that with this weekend sales alone, it cover the cost of two of my kids Christmas gifts.
My son is getting a Kindle upgrade, and my daughter is getting a keyboard like her sisters.
I was also able to spruce up the house with a few needed things.
What did I sell over the weekend:
Two pairs of shoes.
Two Halloween costumes.
A new SpongeBob Halloween DVD
And two blouses.
I have twenty more than myself to list this coming week, which were unplanned freebies, which will be 100% profit.
Did I mention how fauthfulnthe Lord is?! ❤️
#7 Life of a Reseller/Personal Shopper
There are many places to resell gently used clothing. Gently used; means no holes, rips, or stains.
Although, I have bought things that have needed repairing. And if the flip is worth the effort, then I buy and make repairs.
Thatvsaid, you do need to take good close up pictures of the repair, and also mention it in your descriptions.
It’s also a very good idea to have the appropriate apps. on your phone for the platforms you sell on. I think there is a Bonanza app. that lets you link all your platforms.
Having a smartphone is very important in the reselling business.
I take pictures, list, and print out my shipping labels right from my phone. I also search what things are worth while out sourcing from my phone.
To be honest, I would not be doing any of this without my phone.
History:
I started selling back in 1999, with my trusty PC, and Kodak camera. Not even a digital camera, mind you. 😱
I can’t imagine going through all that hassle nowadays.
Of course if it were the only thing available, I just might..
But who am kidding, probably not. 😏
Well known sites to resell on:
Offer up
Amazon
eBay
Posh mark
Etsy
What type of things do to sell?
I get asked this question a lot.
I sell mainly sought after clothing. But I also sell things that will gain value to collectors, mostly.
There will always be people who collect things.
Sadly, some people will buy things over purchasing food for themselves.
But that’s a whole other post. Nothing Inwant to focus on today.
If you make it a point to collect Limited Edition things, such as Limited Edition make-up.
(For example)
THAT has amazing value to a lot of women.
Hence– how hair and nail salons will never go out of business.
Make-up doesn’t take up much storage, so if you have the money to invest in it, why not.
Each year cosmetic companies put out Holiday Collections that get sold out immediately.
Sometimes within the first hour of their launch.
Anything by the Kardashians/Jenner’s, or Beauty Influencers. Of course MAC, and Too Faced. Along with any other high end products. I’m not talking about drug store make-up.
Once sold out, people flock to eBay and Amazon to look for these items.
You can purchase an eye shadow palette for $58, from beauty stores such as Ulta and Sephora. Then turn around and double your profit by selling it online a few months later. Some palettes go for $200! Limited edition Disney lines are a prime example.
(Please don’t do this with food though.)
Selling food for extreme amounts of money…..
I have a tender heart for people in need of food, which is why I donate food every week to people.
So please don’t sell gallons of spring water to Hurricane victims for inflated prices. This goes for baby formula and pampers, too.
Getting back to reselling..
Shipping and collecting things that people find value in, or memories… is A-okay. You are providing a service to them that takes thought, gas money, time, etc..
And that’s worth the price tag for many people who do not like ‘the hunt’.
Back in the days, I spent mass amounts of money on sold out items that I wanted for my kids..
Back in 2000, I spent $80 for a $10 plush animal that my daughter wanted for her birthday, but it was sold out in the stores.
Not to mention my hunt for specific My Little Ponies.
Some of those are rare and pricy, because they keep updating and retiring them.
Same goes for Care Bears.
I sold my personal collection for a hefty profit.
People pay for memories, and I’m no different then anyone else. I do still have my original 1980’s Cabbage Patch kid though. It’s one of the only things I have from my granny, and I plan on keeping her forever. ❤️
Through trial and error I have learned what sells and what doesn’t.
Beanie Babies and Limited Edition Hallmark ornaments were great things to collect in the late 80’s, but they are pretty worthless nowadays.
However, garbage patch kids and Pokémon cards are still sought after.
Again, they don’t take up much room.
Remember, you have a lot of money in your house at this very moment. You have stuff that no one is using and it can be sold and no one would miss it. 😉
I don’t live in a mansion by any means, so storage is always an issue. Which is why I keep mentioning room to store things.
I’ve thought of renting a unit, or buying another shed. But that would cut into my profits a whole lot. So I make do with what I have. And you could too.
I currently use 10% of my home for my business.
These pictures below are of my current set-up. Nothing fancy, but working for now.
I have labeled bins of what’s inside each bin. I have a rack for all my shoes and boots.
Each shelf is a different size.
The middle is filled with packet books and my daughters things that she is selling.
Then I have a clothes rack for everything that is more pricier, or things that I steamed and ironed.
Pocket books are also something I have always collected.
I have turned over a quick profit on them for years now.
I started out collecting Vera Bradleys… which often retire when new patterns come out. Many people are attached to certain patterns and styles. And when they get retired, they need to search online for them.
Currently, I have moved on to strictly designer bags though. Lower end ones, such as Micheal Korrs, Coach, and Calvin Klein.
I wish I could buy and resell Chanel, YSL, and Hermes’ bags. Maybe if I already had a million dollars to invest.
That shared, I don’t just buy to buy…
I never have.
Although people seem to think so. 😏
I put thought into every purchase I make. Whether it’s .50 or fifty dollars.
Remember, you need money to make money though. But this can be as little as $20
When I go to Goodwill and spend $20, I turn it into $100! Then $100 can easily turn into $500, and in some cases, 1k! My daughter bought a Kate Spade dress last month for $5.49, and then turned around and flipped it for $100. Off to Canada it went.
Research the market.
And start at the bottom.
Your house! Yard sales! Estate sales!
Learn about what you love.
Find your nitch.
I use to be into collectibles, such as glassware, and art.
I once sold a rare cattle etching engraving..
Which led me to learn everything I could about etchings. Fascinating, but not a quick flip.
I also use to sell old costume jewelry, which I am still very much interested in.
I currently collect it. Not too old though.
Mainly 70’s and 80’s. But I do have some very old Abalone pieces that I really adore. Mesh Whiting & Davis items are also very nice.
When I first started reselling I educated myself on all things. Like a kid in a candy store..
I wanted it all!
I also had a larger house back then, so storage was never an issue.
I was an avid watcher of the antique roadhouse, and grew up around people who collected antiques. So I did have a little knowledge from the get go.
Carnival Glass, Ruby red, and Fenton pieces were things my mom collected.
Fiesta-ware, old stamps and milk white glass, were also things I knew about. Old quilts are very valuable. Especially the yo-yo and stained glass ones.
I’m sure if you think about it, you really know about certain valuables.
Vintage things have also become quite trendy in the past few years.
Especially with clothing.
Hipsters have made many great fashion statements…with their modern skinny jeans; paired with vintage woolwich and wrangler pearl button-up shirts. There! There’s a market.
They have also made men’s vintage shoes very sought after. I love hipsters! 😉
Last year I picked up a pair of vintage Wallabies for $2.99 at the Salvation Army, then resold them for $200.00! I shipped them to the U.K. And yes, the buyer pays upfront for shipping. I also charge a handling fee.
My time and effort are valuable.
Shoes are also a great way to get into the reselling community.
Mens size shoes 13-15 seem to be the most popular. While ladies size 8 shoes are the most popular.
And yes, I clean and sanitize every pair of shoes that I buy. I learned how to properly do this by watching, you got it….YouTube videos. 😉
What about drop shipping?
Personally, I’m not a fan of drop ship, because I like to have everything in my possession to inspect. I want to hand pick each item and feel what I’m selling.
I have bought from drop ship sellers in the past, and have never been satisfied.
I bought an electric eyelash curler that broke after a few times of use. I also bought a leather wallet, which I suspect, wasn’t actually real leather.
When I notified these sellers, they were honest, and said that they had no idea of the quality, because the items never passed their hands. They were drop shipped.
Yes, there is money to be made in drop ship, but there is also money to be made with hard work, too. But remember, no one wants stained up broken junk.
But I’ve been told that there is currently a market for old TV remote controls and Panasonic VHS players. Who knew?!
You may also be able to utilize Criegslist for junk. I know creative types like to recycle just about anything. Turning trash into treasure. That’s their nitch.
It’s great to recycle and keep as much as you can off the landfill. That’s a business in itself.
Again, find what works for you.
Be passionate about it!
You have to like the hunt though. Which I do.
If you do not enjoy shopping, you might as well stay with your 9-5 day job.
That has never worked for me. I get bored way too easily.
That all said… and I know I can go on…
Here is a list of brands that I tend to hunt for:
Ugly Christmas Sweaters (Yes! These sell!)
Anthropologie
Lucky Brand
Lane Bryant
Torrid
St. John’s
Ralph Lauren
Eileen Fisher
LL Bean
Old Navy
Lularoe
Lulumon
Zoella
Patagonia
Arrow
Lilly Putzer
Kate Spade
Micheal Korrs
Coach
Paper Krane
Escada
Harley Davidson
Tommy Bahama
North Face
J Crew
J. Jill
BKE
Columbia
BCBG
Victoria Secret
Free People
Nike
Calvin Klein
Lands End
NYDJ
Scully
In conclusion: Selling on any platform takes effort…and for me, it has been answered prayer. And pretty easy because I’m a former consumer, so I know what to look for. I also have people who hire me to look for things for them.
There is no such thing as a get rich quick job. Although I hear Ed makes seven figures on ebay..😉
What does it take and how do I start?
Basically, you need to source items, research them, pull comps, take quality pictures, and write good descriptions.
Descriptions need to not only describe the item for sale, but convince the buyer that they need your item, not someone else’s.. And you only have eight seconds to do this, as the average buyers attention span is eight seconds before they click out, and onto someone else’s listing.
And lastly, wrap the item nicely; with a thank you card, and have it mailed within 24 hours of the sale.
Fast shipping is a must!
Especially when you reach power seller status. Which I have.
For me, this is going to the post office every single day. If you live far from a post office, you can give your mailman all your packages.
Providing you have already bought the shipping labels through PayPal.
I forgot to mention, you need a PayPal account for eBay. It is not optional.
And there you have it!
Now I have this all typed up and posted, and have a place to send people who ask me how I do it. 🙂
From North to South 