Time for the latest roundup of What’s Selling on Etsy May 2018!! The month of May was very good for me at 31 sales! If one can predict, May is usually a good month, whereas June…not so much.
I especially want to say a big welcome to all my new subscribers too!
Not that many of you would notice, but this post is a bit late coming out because we have been very busy with our downsizing and decluttering process. How could we have so many books? I’ve put away 5 big boxes alone for our future estate sale. I’m going through family records, old pictures, lots of mementos, kitchenware, drawers, cabinets, bookcases, trunks…and more to come.
During the process I have to ask…why do 2 people have 5 colanders?? 3 tea strainers when we don’t drink tea? 4 pie pans? I don’t make pies either, not to mention a metal cookie sheet with holes in it…I mean please. Tell me we aren’t the only ones. (And that’s just the easy, no-brainer stuff.)
Last weekend we had our hardwood floors refinished, and for anyone who has done that, you know it’s a lot of preparation before and after. The “dustless” floor refinishing is not all it’s cracked up to be. We had to be out of the house completely for about 4 days, and I’m still cleaning and putting things back into place.
So that’s just a bit of what’s been going on with me.
Sales in Vintage Southern Picks Etsy Shop
My first attempt at selling vintage glass beakers…surprisingly they were favorited a lot, but took a while to sell.
Paid: 50¢/both
Sold: $18.00
A gorgeous bedspread/coverlet, machine embroidered with 2 shams. Surprisingly in very good shape with no pulls and only 1 stain. If it were me, I would never buy anything white, but I’m glad it wasn’t me!
Paid: $2
Sold: $80.00
70’s KJV Bible…sold very quickly. I’ve had this a long time, but not listed long.
Paid: $1.66
Sold: $25.00
Very pretty, ornate brass folding shelf, found at a thrift store. Its flaw was a missing screw…an easy fix. Sold to a collector.
Paid: 99¢
Sold: $22.00
One of the early Caboodles boxes. It was holding Y2K supplies in the basement for 20 years, and it was grimy, but it cleaned up nicely.
Sold: $32.50
A recent vintage find…”Going to Grandma’s” boys’ suitcase…in great shape, all except for the name on the front. I tried every remedy known to man to get that off, but couldn’t, so decided to try it anyway. It sold pretty quickly.
Paid: $5
Sold: $29.90
A very unusual vintage clock, mounted in a piece of a wooden log…at least I thought it was unusual, only to discover there were various versions on Etsy already…both newly made and older. I’ve had this several years, and hubby fixed it as it wasn’t working when purchased from an estate sale. I tried it on Ebay a while back, but it wouldn’t sell.
Paid: $6.00
Sold: $34.95 (probably too cheap, but I don’t like to sit on it forever.)
5 vintage metal crochet hooks, made in England. I can’t even say what I paid for these because they were dumped in the bottom of a knitting bag I bought who knows when.
Nearly 2 weeks after they were shipped, the buyer contacted me to say I shipped them to the wrong address. Whaaat?? I looked back and saw it was the address on file for her, but she had neglected to give me her new address. So I’m supposed to know it by mental telepathy??
Sold: $12.00
I was happily surprised this vintage enamelware set in the fruit pattern sold. There are a lot of them out there, but this had several pieces…3 cereal bowls, large bowl, and a mug. Not even close to pristine condition.
Paid: $10.00
Sold: $38.00
I’ve had these 2 Federal drinking glasses so long, they were already in the donation pile when they sold.
Paid: $1.32/both
Sold: $15.00
Just a simple Samsonite vintage train case, if an unexciting color.
Paid: $5
Sold: $32.00
Hexagonal mirrored tray. The finish was wearing a bit along the side rails, but I didn’t think it looked too bad. In fact, I pointed out that it had a bit of a mercury glass look to it.
Paid: $2.09
Sold: $24.00
I had 4 vintage Josef’s mouse figurines. This is #3. Sold to a gal in the Netherlands.
Paid: 50¢
Sold: $9.99
These were the coolest Over-Bed Lights with an MCM atomic look. Selling for a friend.
Sold: $40.00
Pretty little vintage wooden box I painted, stenciled, and papered inside. I renewed it twice, which means it took about 3 months to sell.
Paid: $2.50
Sold: $17.50
2 pieces from a vintage “Poor Cinderella” Madame Alexander doll. I don’t even know where I got these. They were destined for the donation pile too, when they sold.
Sold: $16.00
“Precious Moments” is out, I’ve heard, so I was surprised this finished cross stitch piece (unframed) sold. I cross stitched it myself back in the ’80’s.
Sold: $16.88
Vintage round train cases are ever popular.
Paid: $5
Sold: $34.00
Men’s vintage safety razors by Gillette that are adjustable are also insanely popular. They are very hard to find these days. This model is called a “Fat Boy,” and dates from the 60’s. It sold very quickly.
Paid $2.00
Sold: $40.00
A very pretty shower curtain ring set. Sold fairly quickly.
Paid: $1.99
Sold: $18.00
Vintage pretty gold switch plates, made in Italy. These are quite attractive painted too, but I didn’t take the time.
Paid: $2.00
Sold: $15.00 (much too cheap)
Pretty little English tea tin I found in Greensboro, Alabama when we were going to visit “The Pie Lab.” Found in a junk shop going out of business.
Paid: $1.00
Sold: $14.00
Vintage Dudley padlock, sold to a guy in England.
Paid: 25¢
Sold: $12.95
I was a little embarrassed at listing this ugly vintage toilet paper holder and towel ring because they didn’t look good at all with finish peeling and parts scratched. We were planning on painting it and putting it in our motorhome, but changed our minds because the thickness of the wall wasn’t deep enough for the recessed toilet paper thingy.
You can only hope that people read the description and look at the pictures. Some don’t though, but I haven’t heard anything back, so guess it’s OK.
Paid $2.07
Sold: $18.00
Vintage metal bookends that have been sitting around in my stash a long time but never listed. Sold quickly.
Paid: ?
Sold: $18.00
Another thing I’ve had a long time, but never listed. Hubby thought we would keep it, but now we’re downsizing, so out it goes.
Paid: ?
Sold: $22.00
I thought I was silly to buy this vintage digital clock radio, but I did it anyway.
Paid: $1.00
Sold: $18.60 (probably too cheap)
Sales in SquareDanceNWestern Etsy Shop
A black and white Square Dance skirt. Selling for a friend.
Sold: $29.00
2 Men’s Shirts sold to the same buyer
I’m sure you’re wondering why a men’s Square Dance shirt is lavender! It’s to match his lady’s dress! (And men wear pink shirts too!)
Sold: 21.00
Sold $20.00
Ladies’ Square Dance elastic belt.
Sold: $15.00
That’s it folks. Hope you found something of interest. If so, tell me what you liked.
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Check out these other posts too…you know you want to!
Florence
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THOSE METAL BOOKENDS!!!
Also, how much time do you spend antiquing? This business fascinates me! You’ve probably written about it before, so I will dig through old posts.
Hi Kari,
Lately I haven’t spent much time. Just trying to find a place to stow it all until I have time to list what I got, but on average when I was…usually just Friday or Saturday.
That bedspread was so pretty! Can’t believe you got it for $2.00! I’ve never seen anything like that clock on a log either. I’m with you on that particular enamelware. I’ve been fortunate to have sold all that I’ve bought, but pass it up these days. I also reluctantly pass up the flowered glasses. Didn’t buy one the other day very much like yours with red flowers. Makes me sad to leave them.
I still haven’t got back into my normal routine. Aside from just not being motivated, I haven’t figured out where I’m comfortable working. Going to try to list some things today in the room I’ve declared my sewing/craft room.
Yep, I only paid $2 for that bedspread. You haven’t seen the clock thing? There are variations of it on Etsy, but most of them are newer. Never again will I buy that enamelware. I’m just glad this sold! Why aren’t you buying the glasses? Well, it has been a slow seller. Maybe that’s why. You will get back into it…just takes time after a move.
You did have a good month. Loved that round suitcase.
Yes that round case was cute. Glad you came by to comment Sharon. I appreciate it.
Wow, that sure was a good month Florence. Those Italian light switch plates are gorgeous, do you find them often? And that little blue suitcase, too precious.
I see them every now and then. I was lucky that day. The suitcase was cute, even with the name on it.
Lol. I am SO baffled by what people buy and don’t buy. I’ve tried super low prices, high prices, free shipping….and things don’t move. I charge fair shipping but am thinking THAT turns buyers away if something is oversized and shipping will be high. I see some of your large items and your shipping is low. I’m trying Etsy again although I’m still doing eBay since that seems to get way more traffic than Etsy for me. Facebook marketplace has been pretty good too. Especially for large things I don’t want to ship. I have two beautiful round train cases but can’t imagine what they’d cost to ship!!
Isn’t that the truth Lauren! I’m always puzzled by it myself, so I keep listing all kinds of things hoping to attract the right person. I know what you mean about shipping. I’ve been in the same boat as you…trying free shipping, not offering it, etc, and honestly, it doesn’t seem to make much difference in Ebay world, even though Ebay pushes it so hard. People have to want what you’re offering. I usually only offer free shipping if the item is pretty lightweight. The train cases would be high on the shipping. I agree that Ebay gets more traffic than Etsy. I used to be a Top Rated Seller on Ebay, but lately I don’t seem to sell anything there. I lost my TRS status because I wasn’t selling enough volume at certain times of the year to keep it. I’ve sold one thing on Facebook Marketplace. I keep hearing good things about it. It’s hard to know on the shipping…what works best that is. All I can say is…keep charging what it’s going to cost you so you won’t lose money, and take good photos!
Thanks for the tips and encouragement! For me this is “fun” money as I have a part time job but I’d love to make more money for more fun lol!
You’re welcome Lauren! I know what you mean about the “fun money.” That’s what it is for me too. Good luck with your sales & ask me anything anytime, or just comment!
Believe it or not I’m partial to the bookends. I would probably make something with them. I’m glad you had a good month.
I’m curious Debra…what in the world would you make from the bookends???
I am constantly left with my mouth opened every time I read one of these posts. I cannot believe the razor sold for that much. And I remember having a clock like the one you just sold. Is there a market for old stereo equipment? My dad refuses to throw them out and they just take up too much space? I’ll have to send you pictures of what I don’t sell after the yard sale this weekend. Maybe you can unload them for me. Florence my dad is such a hoarder!!
Yes there is a market for old stereo equipment. I don’t know how old you’re talking about, but for example, I recently sold an old one from the 50’s-60’s era that was able to play 78’s. The newer but vintage sets are also sought after, but it takes the right person coming along at the right time. Just be sure to say what you have in your garage sale ad. I understand about your dad being a hoarder. He probably lived during the Great Depression like my parents did & that generation couldn’t bear to throw anything away. That makes the best kind of estate sales! Sounds like your garage sale will be a good one!!
Do you think I’d be able to sell them on e-bay if they don’t go at the garage sale?
It’s possible Mary, but you have to think about shipping it. How big is it; do you have a box big/heavy enough for a stereo and all its components; do you have enough packing materials to ship it safely? It takes experience to judge what you need for all of that, not to mention Ebay’s high fees of 10% of whatever you sell & ship it for. It gets to be pricey. I would recommend CraigsList or Facebook Marketplace first before Ebay. The only downside of those are having to meet/wait for people to show up, who may never show up. You can tote everything to a central location and meet them though.
Thanks so much for this info Florence. I think a lot of our stuff is not worth the hassle.
You never know till you try!
Looks like you had a great month Florence! I am still amazing what people will pay, and the things that they buy. I love the switch plates, and the round vintage train case. I wish I knew more about what to buy at yard sales to resale at a good price. But I’m afraid I just not very good at the selling part.
Thank you so much Linda. I am amazed, too, at what people will buy. Sometimes you just have to experiment to see what sells. I do that all the time. Sometimes it works & sometimes it doesn’t, or it takes a long time waiting for the right person to come along.
Florence, It amazes me what people will buy and how much they’re willing to pay. I’m surprised you were able to make your purchases on these same items as cheaply as you did. You must have a great source to pick them up at these unbelievably low prices!
Isn’t it the truth Carol! Sometimes I get lucky on purchases…other times not so much. Har Har.
Hello Florence! I’m glad you were able to clear out some things that were lying around your home! Love the little mouse… <3 Yeah, it's funny what sells… At my garage sales, it was the little stuff that we thought who would want it but threw it out there anyway, and that's what sold. 🙂 Glad you got your floors redone ~ what a project!
Happy downsizing. I'll be right there with you as we go through our storage in California prepping to move it all to Texas. 🙂
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
Aww, thanks so much Barb! I’ve found that what I think is least likely to sell, sells first! It’s so funny, but always true! So glad to have gotten these floors done too…it was a long overdue project I was glad I wasn’t doing myself! Are you living in your RV full time? This downsizing process is just so hard!