http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question The community for people interested in home and office organizing. en-US Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:28:52 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://unclutterer.com/discuss/search.php http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/8#post-4476 Sun, 18 Apr 2010 17:34:24 +0000 Claycat 4476@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>I'm going to see what I can do on Amazon with the books this week. I will also put some things on craigslist. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/8#post-4475 Sun, 18 Apr 2010 17:33:34 +0000 Claycat 4475@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Belladonna, I hope you are checking in. Some people are still selling on eBay, but the views are way down and sales are way down. My solution is to sit back and wait awhile. Etsy is having problems as well. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/8#post-4385 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:09:45 +0000 Claycat 4385@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Something sad! Since about March 27, sales have dropped dramatically on eBay. Evidently the changes eBay has made are fixing something that wasn't broken. I've been reading the discussion boards there. There are 10 to 13 year veterans of eBay selling who are very upset about what is going on. What has been a wonderful marketplace is turning into a graveyard. </p> <p>The question is why? Why would eBay commit suicide? I wonder what is going on. I don't understand Ponzi schemes very well, but it has occurred to me that there might be something darker going on. Of course, it may just be that eBay has gotten so top heavy, they are experiencing the Peter Principle.</p> <p>Any thoughts? </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/8#post-4339 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:57:31 +0000 Claycat 4339@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>To be honest, I just bought an absolutely beautiful Otagiri tea set at a thrift shop for $12. I may not be able to part with it. It is black and has gold seashells on it.</p> <p>Take an intense look at your items. If there is something among them that makes your heart sing keep that, but sell the rest.</p> <p>Since you have older items, you might consider Etsy. There are many people there who sell vintage or antique items. They set a price, and that is what it is. It is not auction style. The only time an auction is really good is when you have something that several people want, and then the bidding war begins. That happened on a couple of my items on eBay. I was really excited, because I had not expected it!</p> <p>I think starting your own site is good if you are doing a blog, but I think it becomes far more complex if you set it up as a place to sell. It sounds to me like that might not be a good idea in your life at this present time. It would be stressful to me. When you got your site up, you would also have to figure out how to drive traffic your way. (Yes, I do see that you are starting to spin out of control!) </p> <p>Start small and build up, Donna! Sell something on eBay. Sell something on Etsy. As you have some success, you will be more encouraged to increase your listings. I understand where you are coming from. I have been an all or nothing kind of person. It doesn't work. We can't find or create the ideal situation, because this is not an ideal world. We have to realize that good enough is good enough. I'm still working on this! :) </p> <p>It's funny. Your image is of a Jackie O. life style. Mine is of a Georgia O'Keefe life style. I don't know if you have seen photos of her house in Abiqui, but it was almost like a monastery. There were just a few items of art, and everything was very minimal. I know that may be what my soul craves, but realistically I know I won't have a life style quite like that, because I need more around me to stir my memories. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/8#post-4338 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:21:42 +0000 belladonna 4338@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Thanks, Clay--truly, just talking, getting it out and not being thought as loonie, has made a difference already. I feel the beginnings of some kind of hope--haven't felt that lately : ) </p> <p>thanks for looking that up. See, now my mind has gone to an evil place....can I make more on another site? ... on my own site?... should I start researching again???? </p> <p>(See how this spirals out of control very quickly??) </p> <p>Interesting thing I realized recently .... I have many things from the 1920's..'30s...etc. Jewelry, ceramics, etc. that I've only seen in collectors guides, Antique Rdshow, and the like. So part of me realizes I will, in all honesty, never own these things again. I've always fantasized I would have a big beautiful house filled with expensive furniture, Queen's china, Waterford crystal and entertain with large silver candelabra. When did I become Jackie O? LOL???? </p> <p>So, maybe part of me is afraid to get rid of these things...what do you think? And is so, how does one divorce themselves of those feelings. I'm amazed when I read about people finding a great deal on something really cool and listing it to sell right away. How can they let it go? Wish I could do that. Oh well...baby steps, I guess. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/8#post-4336 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 20:10:30 +0000 Claycat 4336@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Nellieb has a blog about clutter and selling items.</p> <p><a href="http://drawerbydrawer.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow">http://drawerbydrawer.wordpress.com/</a></p> <p>Actually, there are a lot of very supportive people on here who will help!</p> <p>I was looking at the Miss Kitty teapots. One of them sold on eBay for around $48. Not as good as $200 but a lot better than the $2 you spent. You could start with that one. Do you have a seller's account already? What can I help you with? </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/8#post-4335 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 20:05:07 +0000 Claycat 4335@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>I'm glad you did, too! :)</p> <p>Now, we just have to get you going!</p> <p>By the way, I read way to much, too! I started out reading some of the discussion forums at eBay, and that scared me. It would probably be better to avoid those for awhile and just read the ones that offer practical advice. I looked at a few videos on youtube about selling on eBay, and that helped me.</p> <p>I had two estate sales for my MIL, and I did better than I thought I would. There is a city-wide garage sale here this week, and I am going to try and sell off some of the stuff that didn't sell on eBay. Yeah, it will have to go cheap, but it needs to go!</p> <p>One of the people who helped me early on was akcorcoran, who started this thread. She hasn't been here lately, and I wish she would come visit. I figured if she could overcome her anxiety, so could I. Also, nellieb helped me tremendously! She has been selling regularly on eBay, and gave me some good advice.</p> <p>Before I forget, I just want to tell you I'm so glad your daughter beat the cancer! That's a miracle! </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/8#post-4326 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:45:17 +0000 belladonna 4326@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>What a sweetie you are, Claycat! I appreciate your faith and hope it filters thru the screen into me ; ) . </p> <p>I view estate sales like garage sales; everyone wants everything for 10 cents. And I thought Etsy was for handmade items. I've looked at Bonanzle, but have read that the traffic isn't there. One of my problems is that I read way too much. I'm a member of AuctionBytes and get their newsletter---the letters to the editor are usually about the horrors of ebay. So many Powersellers have left; these people know what they're doing to have achieved that level. I get discouraged before I even begin. </p> <p>Years ago I was a member of an online group through Yahoo called "Unite Ebay". It was a fledgling grassroots movement to try to influence Ebay to revert back to the old Ebay. But, things just got so much worse and soon we disbanded the group. A shame, really because many of those people were alot fun and very nice. I guess hearing all the dirt about Ebay constantly has made me gun shy alittle, also. </p> <p>But, NO EXCUSE ---- you are right. I have to imagine the worst that could happen. BTW, I was so happy when you guys started to sell your stuff and ship it. I know it will pick up for you again, because you seem to be doing it right off the bat!! </p> <p>Thanks again, Clay -- glad I found you. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/8#post-4313 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 22:30:24 +0000 Claycat 4313@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Bless you, Donna! My only problem now is getting people to buy. :)</p> <p>Some of the life coaches say to imagine the worst thing that could happen. Evidently this can help you get past that hurdle. So, if you fail, you fail! Then you pick yourself up and try again. You can usually fix any problems. The thing is, if you fail, you will be back to square one, which is where you are now. So, at least you tried! I don't believe you will fail! You are WOMAN; you are STRONG! </p> <p>You could also try Etsy, if a lot of your items are vintage! There are other venues, also.</p> <p>You could have an estate sale. You don't have to be dead to do it!</p> <p>Please keep posting here, and we will talk you through it. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/8#post-4310 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:24:37 +0000 belladonna 4310@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Hi all - when I found this site and read this post, I almost cried. I've been struggling with the fear of posting on Ebay for over 4 years ( can we say neurotic??). I read your posts about the fear and perfectionist tendencies that prevented you from moving forward and felt like you were reading my mind. </p> <p>I have 2.5 rooms in my house that are filled with things I've purchased to sell on Ebay. It started when our daughter was diagnosed with a Synovial sarcoma-a really rare and often fatal cancer-shortly after she had given birth to our granddaughter. I quit my job of 8 years and took care of her and the baby so her husband could work. I stayed at the hospital while she got chemo and radiation; she was 30, so they threw everything they could at her to give her a chance. It was horrifying to watch your child go through this; I was in Hell every day thinking she might die. So, when I went home at night from her house, I detoured to the thrift shops. Finding things was such a high, and boy did I come across some great stuff. </p> <p>I did some research and realized I was able to find treasures other people missed. One example- a Lefton Miss Kitty teapot for $2.00, worth $200+. I kept finding and buying and stashing; thinking that I would replace our lost income from my job with the online selling. Something I could do from home; set my own hours. </p> <p>Our daughter is 5 years clean (YEA, GOD!!!!!). After 2 years of treatment, when she was given a great prognosis, I had a nervous breakdown. That took a couple of years of therapy; and more shopping to soothe my soul : ). But, now that I should be selling this stuff, it seems I can't. I've gone through the rooms so many times, picking out the lesser items-having garage sales and donating to the Cancer Federation (last year I had 7 pickups from our house)! I'm trying desperately to unclutter. It depresses me and my hubby ain't so happy, either. </p> <p>I'm down to all the "Good Stuff" now. I can't donate this stuff - I know how much it's worth. But I'm stuck in over analyizing mode ---- what if I don't price it right and get less than it's worth (even though I bought it dirt cheap)--what if it doesn't sell at all?---what if all the problems I'm reading about Ebay will come back to bite me?---what if I fail? I'm stuck in a pattern of going through the stuff, trying to make some order, packing and repacking it, researching it, cleaning it---everything except selling it. </p> <p>I was in awe of all of you - you just faced your apprehensions and did it! Why can't I?? </p> <p>Thanks for listening -<br /> Donna </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/8#post-4027 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:37:26 +0000 Claycat 4027@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>I mailed four more boxes of items sold on eBay this week. It sure is moving slowly, but at least I sold a few things. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/8#post-3943 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:58:20 +0000 terriok 3943@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>In my experience, books are hard to move unless they are signed, vintage or collectible. But the one predictable aspect I have found on Ebay is that it is NEVER predictable! There are so many people there that there is always an x factor.</p> <p>Buy It Nows on Ebay are very inexpensive. Regular auctions can wrack up the fees. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/8#post-3883 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:08:22 +0000 Claycat 3883@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Thank you all so much for your support! I appreciate it!</p> <p>I will keep trying for awhile. I just really need to get into high gear, so I can take care of it before summer. </p> <p>Sky, I'm glad to know that about the ISBN.</p> <p>Ninjanun, I need to sell some large stuff on craigslist, too. I'm sorry you had such a time!</p> <p>Terriok, I'm selling different kinds of things, but I'm about to start on the books. Maybe I should just do eBay, and not get spread out too much. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/8#post-3880 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:55:34 +0000 terriok 3880@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Clay?</p> <p>What are you trying to sell? (I forget ;o)</p> <p>I sell vintage books on Ebay all the time. I estimate that a third of my books sell. I just factor it in.</p> <p>You can usually relist the items for no additional price once IF they sell.</p> <p>I would do it now as opposed to the summer which gets mighty slow. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/8#post-3878 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:02:26 +0000 Tweetie 3878@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Claycat--I am having much the same problem with Craigs list (minus posting fees). I posted lots of my Craft supplies and stamps (with detailed descriptions and nice pictures), and only one set of stamps has sold--AND it was the one set of stamps I was really not wanting to let go, either. It was a lot of effort to take the pics, write the descriptions, upload the photos, etc., and for all my hard work (an entire Sunday afternoon/evening's worth) all I am saying goodbye to is my favorite set of stamps (admittedly, I was willing to part with them, but with the impression that ALL my craft supplies would sell).</p> <p>And I couldn't believe the people who contacted me asking if I had *other* stamps and craft items for sale, that I hadn't listed! Um, I posted the stuff I was interested in selling, so if you're not interested in buying it, why are you asking me about other stuff I may or may not have among my personal belongings that I'm NOT selling? It's kind of like going to a garage sale and telling the sellers you're not interested in any of the items they have out on display, but do they perhaps have a nice set of pots and pans? Because that's what you're *really* needing to buy, and was hoping to not have to pay retail. ARRRGGH! </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/8#post-3876 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:54:29 +0000 Sky 3876@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Claycat....It can be discouraging to sell on ebay sometimes. I had items that didn't sell and realized I had them ending on Super Bowl Sunday. Relisted and most of them sold. It is always a crap shoot.</p> <p>You can sell on half.com without an ISBN #. Just look it up by the title and click on sell yours.</p> <p>Your DH, MIL and SIL's should really appreciate all you are doing! </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/8#post-3875 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 07:26:02 +0000 Claycat 3875@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Well, the honeymoon is over. I had around 15 items that ended last night and only two of them sold. They were very reasonably priced. </p> <p>I figure I will give it 6 to 8 weeks, and then I will dump the rest of the carp and look for another way to make some money. </p> <p>I was ready to list a bunch of my MIL's books on Half.com but found out I couldn't, because most of them don't have ISBNs. If I post them on eBay, they have to sell quickly, or I keep eating posting fees. Amazon is not very good. They charge the same final value fee as Half.com plus TWO posting fees. TWO! Also, there are so many used books posted on Amazon for either $0.01 or $0.99. I can't compete with that!</p> <p>If I didn't love my husband so much, I think I would leave and let him and my SILs deal with all of this. I'm getting very discouraged. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/7#post-3530 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:57:49 +0000 Claycat 3530@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Well, a couple of items have sold really well, a couple just moderately, and quite a few have received no bids. I'm a nervous wreck, because I keep checking eBay several times a day. </p> <p>I hope the waiting gets easier. I'm really enjoying it in some ways. When I realize I've posted a good one, I get excited.</p> <p>I'm certainly finding out that people bid for things that are unusual, and generally they will bid on the things that I like the best. (Doh!) So, if I decide to actually find stuff to sell, at least I know to look for something that interests me. </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/7#post-3469 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:59:22 +0000 terriok 3469@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Oh, thanks!</p> <p>Yeah, my college days started many moons ago too. ;o) </p> http://unclutterer.com/discuss/topic/to-ebay-or-not-to-ebay-what-do-i-do-with-the-stuff-meanwhile-is-the-question/page/7#post-3455 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:50:38 +0000 Claycat 3455@http://unclutterer.com/discuss/ <p>Terriok, I forgot to say my college experience was decades ago, early 70s. LOL!</p> <p>I love your story about your students laughing at your jokes. That's great!</p> <p>Eneloop is the brand of charger and rechargeable batteries that akcorcoran was talking about. They are supposed to be really good! </p>