posted on July 29, 2002 08:36:10 PM
I've shared my return to flea marketing, it evolving into a Vintage Ireland theme and recently purchasing a quantity of items on eBay.
My payments have included a short note outlining my reasons for seeking Irish items and requesting that the sellers contact me if they have Lots that might interest me or other suggestions.
I've received a number of encouraging responses but none as touching as the following message.
While I appreciate the offer of items the real benefits are contained in her telling of her own journey.
The Corporate Offices might be in San Jose but the heart of eBay lays in tens of thousands homes across the world.
I need to often be reminded of that.
"Hello Ray, thank you for your bid, address and payment. The book will be mailed asap, media mail. With reference to your inquiry about items for re-sale. Yes I do have customers who buy for re-sale. Sent one customer 10 bks a month ago and he just ordered 10 more of same bok for re-sale. I have a shop in north Georgia and do work as a co-ordinator for a private schoo.l on line I!m almost 80 years old and started sellingjunk and antiques in sixties after a divorce and did not know how to make a living. Since that time I have had several shops and just love buying and selling. So I can identify where you are trying to find a niche to suplement income. 2-1/2 years ago I did not know how to turn a computor on , now keep 50 to 100 auctions running. June and July have been best months so far. I sell a smorgasboard of stuff but more boks and linens than anything. 98 percent of the people are so nice but that 2 percent is difficult. just got an e-mail from an irate man this morning that left me reeling. gave me a negative and I have learned to pop it back. I!m a very ethical fair-minded person and try to operate with intregrity, but make mistakes, and no expert on anything. however I do know How to buy. I shop twice a week. Have a great source of buying books. I have two more Beckett books and was about to list another beautiful book titled Ancient IrelaND. printed price 45.00. I would sel these 3 books at a lessor price to you for re-sale. when you receive the Beckett book let me know. I sell vintage and new linens, and this is an area I suggest you consider for the flea mkt. vintage linens are the last frontier of the antique business and are hot items currently. and of course the Irish linens are beautiful. If you find a good source of buying at a very good price you could mop up with Irish linens. Other than books and linens I do not have any other items from Ireland. Burt will pay particular attention when I go out buying, to see if there is anything You could buy for re-sale.E-bay has been great for me because I no longer have the stamina to set up flea mkts. Most of my sales are buy now or last minute. I think you can stil do wel in o-line selling by finding right stuff ar right price Its a different medium, and my kids thought I was one pancake short of the stack when I announced I was buying a computor. now they cheer me on. I!m no power seller but pleased with what I do at my own pace. I have a large inventory of stuff. I!m always willing to help any-one on a cottage industry business and have shown several how to sell on e-bay. And believe me I have had flea mkt spaces for years. When some-one asked how to make money at flea marketing, I said buy for nothing and sell for a little bit!! Please let me know if I can help you in any-way. Regards XXXXXXX
posted on July 29, 2002 08:52:51 PM
Wow! She sure is with it. I like when she said she was one pancake short of a stack. You have to give her credit for keeping her skills up and also what a sharp mind. I know a lot of people younger than her that wouldn't even know how to turn on a computer and when you mention mouse jump up on a chair. I have never run into a bad buyer or seller and have been selling for 3 years. I have been lucky but you have been luckier to find this gem. Thanks for sharing your personal email with all of us.
