Hey, frens. I was talking to a relative I hadn't seen in a very long time. She is now retired but having worked mostly in sales doesn't have a good retirement scheme. She wants to continue working, but needs to do so from home and asked if I knew of anything she could do. I really don't. Do any of you have any suggestions for something a nice, reliable lady could do? She didn't finish college so she doesn't have a degree, but she's sharp and gets things done. With so many employers needing dependable help, surely there must be something for her. Please post any ideas you have. Thanks!
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I’ve sold a little of everything: sterling silver jewelry, scrap gold, guitars 🎸vintage fur coats, vintage bedding and other antique linens, cars, motorcycles, drag race gear, designer label clothing, lamps, books, perfume, pottery, barware, primitive antiques, glassware, dishes, flatware, serving pieces, ammo (those were the good old days 😂) golf gear, car parts, collectibles etc etc etc. Literally anything that strikes my fancy or things that I think someone else might want/need.
I scour thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets, pawn shops and estate sales. The thrill of the hunt has never worn thin and a person can make GREAT money or use it to just get rid of some household crap. Once an account is open you can search to eBay to see what’s selling. The key is taking great pictures, writing accurate descriptions, use key words in titles and mail out sold items safely and in a timely fashion. I find free packing material everywhere. You don’t need a computer if you have a good phone.
Thank you. I asked some follow up questions before I saw this. Very interesting. Your interests fun the gamut! Haha. Some of those things seem very hard to pack and ship, like guitars and fur coats! But if it's worth the profit, I can understand why. Great post. Thanks.
Fur coats are super easy because they aren’t fragile, just throw in a box and mail out. Shipping a Gretsch White Falcon is a little more detailed.😂
HOT TIP: Lots of crafty folks are repurposing fur coats (making hats, mittens, vests, bags, pillows etc) so even a coat with splitting pelts due to improper storage has some value for the right buyer. Beaver (shorn and unshorn) is a fave as well as mink.
Oh wow. How did you get your hands on the Falcon? Was it an estate sale or something? And I suppose it depends on each item AND what you paid for it yourself, but what would you say is your average markup / profit? Actually, I'm sure ebay takes a cut so after you pay whatever they get, what would be a fair % that you would expect to make on an item?
Thanks for the depth of answer. My wife was just moved to part time as a dyslexia specialist. It's just as well with what they are doing to the last of the teachers with brains and experience, but I would like to supplement her income. I don't necessarily have to, but we were at a place after a great number of years where we could begin to put money away. We are both, and have always been, hard workers. I have a small aluminum construction business which I have not yet optimized. I preferred the time at my kids games and being an active part of his life as he grew. Money don't buy happiness, but having a car in the driveway certainly contributes to my happiness. Oops tangent. Point is I want to supplement her income with something we can share and that sounds perfect.
Family comes FIRST, for sure.
Selling stuff online is immensely rewarding, and not just financially. I’ve met the nicest people telling me their stories of why a certain teapot or belt buckle they bought from me had very special meaning for them, so much gratitude. Plus I LOVE the idea of recycling/repurposing, it’s always such a win/win for me as well as my buyers. There’s literally a never-ending list of things to learn about.
I wish you and your wife MUCH LUCK, BLESSINGS & PROSPERITY in your new journey 💕
Thanks for taking your time. Appreciated.