In February, 2007, I registered on eBay. However, I didn’t list my first item until about one year later in January of 2008, having been paralyzed by my perfectionism. I felt that I only could list an item with the perfect pictures, the perfect description, the perfect shipping and handling, and the perfect price. Thankfully, working my priorities and action items put an end to my stagnation. Most significantly, I decided that I simply would do my best in offering my collection. At that point it was more important just to act.
Pushing me to act were two goals. I wanted more money, as it was tight. I also wanted to sort my stuff. The smallness of my house was increasing with the growth of my Son and his stuff. These goals needed to fit within my passion for collecting stuff. I reconciled my collecting passion with my recognition that I don’t need to collect everything.
I have sold all kinds of stuff on eBay. I love vintage collectibles, as they often include historical elements. Particularly, ephemera and avdvertising items are filled with fun. My collection included stuff from my Mom’s house. I was managing collectibles left from when she downsized. Sorting through them was so much fun! I also enjoyed getting those collectibles to people who would appreciate them. Watching the auction action provided such satisfaction, as did the significant amount at which so many of my auctions closed.
A few times, I purchased for resale. I bought some items at a store closing sale, knowing there was a market for them. I made a bit of profit on those items, but did not have the most fun with them. It’s not my preference to deal in mainstream items. Also, at least for now, it doesn’t fall properly into my list of priorities. The benefits do not outweigh the burdens. I also purchased a few items at neighborhood yard sales. I found some fun vintage items, on which I made a bit of profit. This approach was fun, but not something that I want to do regularly. For now, at least, purchasing items for resale will have to wait.
I sold some items for family and friends. The circumstances varied tremendously, as did the fun I had. Primarily, I enjoyed showing others that they could get rid of stuff, and make money to get more stuff. I sold my brother-in-law’s train set. I knew that I could spend time researching each piece. I also knew that the market would drive the auctions. I decided to present the items as best I could, and answer questions as necessary. I sold the set in over ten listings, and ended up delivering a pretty good amount of money to my brother-in-law. I had a similar result with a friend for whom I sold some stuff that belonged to his deceased wife, significantly the Barbie collection that did not interest his two young boys. My eBay stories could fill another book about which I dream. It might be entitled: Sorting Stuff, sharing and selling your collectibles.
While I love eBaying, it is time consuming for me. Currently, my time must be focused elsewhere because the benefits do not outweigh the burdens. The goals with which I began selling on eBay were met. At some point, I started to feel like eBaying was a job, but I already have a job, the demands of which are greater now than when I began selling on eBay.
I will continue to eBay; it’s something that I want to keep on my list. For now, it must fall lower on the list. I am thinking about how to include eBay in my Team Challenge fundraising efforts. I have to decide whether the benefits will outweigh the burdens. Time will tell.
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