And then there’s what won’t sell…and I have a ton of those! In fact, we all do, don’t we? Any of us that have shops or booths can probably relate to this topic! Any of us online or “B & M” (brick & mortar) sellers…those that have antique booths.
And if you’re new here, “Vintage Southern Picks” is also my Etsy shop, with over 1100 sales, and over 1300 on Ebay, but in this business, you can buy a bomb sometimes. We all know it’s true.
If you’d like to look, I’ll refer you to 2 of my previous posts on what sells for me.
No matter what we do to get that bomb to go….
- Raise the price
- Lower the price
- Have a sale
- Let it “rest” awhile in the stash, then bring it out again
- Refurbish it a little
- Take fresh pictures, different angles….whatever….and it still won’t sell.
I’ve done it all.
My 3 categories….
- Totally given up and it’s going to a yard sale
- Try again with new pictures
- I’m asking YOU
Herewith are my collection of bombs…
- I think this vintage hammered aluminum tray and glass insert is so cute! I don’t know why it won’t sell! A bit of trivia: Did you know this type of aluminum from the 40’s-50’s era is called “poor man’s silver”?
Renewed: 5x
Next Step: Re-photo & lower price AGAIN.
2. Well, it just won’t go. Pottery ash tray, made in Italy. You think it’s because people aren’t smoking as much? If so, that’s a good thing.
Renewed 5x.
Next Step: Garage sale
3. This is a piece of obsolete camera equipment. I thought camera collectors might go for it, but so far….not.
Renewed 2x
Next Step: I’ll probably try it again.
4. Decorative Bird Plates, or any decorative plates….are usually dead in the water, even if it’s Elvis, Gone with the Wind, Hummels, you name it. I see them sitting untouched all the time at estate sales.
Renewed 0x (not worth it again)
Next Step: Garage sale
5. Not a smart purchase on my part. Renewed 3x. But I might give it another go. It is mid-century modern, and brass IS making a comeback.
Next Step: Maybe one more time.
6. Personally, I think these vintage Salt and Pepper Shakers, made in Japan, are adorable, but they have a lot of paint wear. So I’m undecided.
Thoughts? Renewed 3x
Next Step: ?
7. I love old dresser boxes! The picture on top is in great shape, but the mirror inside has silvering issues and the inside has no lining and is bare wood. I had another of these a while back that took a long time to sell, but I had refurbished the inside.
Renewed 4x
Next Step: ?
8. Here are the clown bottles again! Friends, remember these from a Mystery Items post? Yep, it’s true! They just won’t go.
It would help if I knew exactly what they are, but I don’t. I’ve given up on these, and they’re so cute, aren’t they?
Renewed 2x
Next Step: Garage Sale
9. Shaking my head over this…I’ve sold many other patterns, and embroidery thread, so I know people still embroider. This has me totally puzzled! It’s a cute pattern. Why won’t it sell??? Sigh. Renewed 4x
Next Step: ?
10. This little gal is even collectible, but she refuses to go! (Dakin Dreamer doll) She’s not in great shape. Renewed 4x
Next Step: Garage Sale
11. I love this one too! I think if it were seen in person, like a booth, it would go, but apparently I’m not capturing its charm. Renewed 4x
Next Step: ?
12. Not really a smart purchase either…This really looks kind of blah in this photo. I’ve already freshened it up with gold paint.
Renewed 2x
Next Step: I think garage sale.
13. Another cross stitch…yawn…
Renewed 3x
Next Step: Garage sale
14. Frankly, I don’t know why anyone WOULD want these, but people can surprise you. Did you know these are still redeemable?
Renewed 1x
Next Step: Garage sale
15. This should have been a Mystery item…do you know what it is? (Tell me in the comments if you knew immediately). But I won’t keep you in suspense. It’s a vintage hair iron…what ladies curled their hair with before Lady Clairol. It won’t sell….not even to a beauty salon for their “museum exhibit.”
Renewed 2x
Next Step: Garage sale
16. These didn’t sell even at Christmas, and they’re unopened in the package! I guess there are too many Hot Wheels out there.
Renewed 3x
Next Step: I’ll try once more.
17. Kangaroo Tea Towel from Australia…yes it could use a new photo, but tea towels come out of the woodwork on Etsy. There are like 250 pages of tea towels, so the chances of this selling…well, you get the idea…although I usually advise not to let the excesses hold you back from listing.
Renewed 4x & it’s resting
Next Step: ?
18. This is Madame Alexander’s First Lady Doll…Frances Cleveland. Beautiful condition. I’ve had her on Ebay & Etsy, and she will not sell. I can’t understand it.
Renewed 5x
Next Step: I’m not sure, but not garage sale.
19. This is another puzzle. It’s Mid-Century-Modern; it’s Melamine; it’s practical; it should be hot. Is it ugly???? Why won’t it sell?
Renewed 5x
Next Step: Probably Garage Sale, and I have 2 of these!
20. Another total puzzle…there are also a ton of these on Etsy.
Renewed 3x
Next Step: I’ll re-photo & try it again. Not ready to garage sale this yet.
21. A vintage slag glass dish and I’ve sold a lot of slag glass, but I don’t think this is a popular color.
Renewed 7x
Next Step: I’m tired…definitely Garage Sale
22. This is a “Play n Go” rhino toy…it moves by battery when you press buttons on the heart controller.
I guess it’s not sophisticated enough maybe? It only goes backwards & forwards. It doesn’t fly in the air, do back flips, play music and talk. 😀
Renewed 0x. It had very little interest. Only viewed 7x in 4 months, which is pretty low.
23. These are house design quilt blocks to embroider. I think “blah and boring” just about covers it. (please forgive me if I’m stepping on anyone’s toes here…I usually do at least once when I’m giving opinions…LOL)
Renewed 2x
Next Step: Buut might try again.
24. Genuine Vintage Pan Am Eye Cover….but it won’t sell. Doesn’t help that the elastic is stretched out either.
Renewed 0x
Next Step: Try again & put some vintage Pan Am Playing Cards with it.
25. A Rag Doll Sewing Pattern…adorable. Dating from the 40’s. But it doesn’t show up well because it’s black and white. At least…that’s my theory.
Renewed 3x
Next Step: Probably garage sale this.
26. Vintage Ricky Nelson 45 record oughta sell, dontcha think? But he doesn’t. Maybe people don’t have a way to play 45’s anymore. I can hear it now…what IS a 45?
Renewed 3x
Next Step: Might give ole Ricky another chance.
27. This is a fascinating book…on the history of vintage song music, and it’s a First Edition!!
Renewed: 2x
Next Step: Garage Sale
28. Would you believe Waterford? Not even at Valentine’s or Christmas! And I thought this was such a clever way to photograph it too.
Renewed: 4x
Next Step: Definitely NOT Garage Sale. I’ll probably re-photo & try again.
29. Wilton Teddy Bear cake pan….Favorited lots of times, and unused!
Renewed 8x
Next Step: Garage Sale
30. I thought this vintage children’s piano music would be appealing…for repurposing if nothing else.
Renewed 3x
Next Step: Probably try again.
31. This is a beautiful vintage beaded evening bag, but apparently, I’m not capturing its true beauty. It just comes out looking dirty in photos. Very disappointing too. I think it’s lovely.
Renewed 6x
Next Step: ?
32. Vintage scarves are nearly impossible to sell…UNLESS you’re selling a whole bunch in a lot. But even this lot didn’t go. In my whole sales career, I’ve probably sold only 3 single scarves. Not good odds.
Would you believe there’s more? Oh yes! But in the next post…
Please Pin! (if you like)
Sellers, you have any tips for me? I’m all ears!
Sharing with these link parties~
Florence
Latest posts by Florence (see all)
- The Latest Vintage Hauls - February 10, 2020
- A Vintage Fall Haul - November 3, 2019
- September Sales on Etsy and My New Antique Booth - September 30, 2019
- Camping Trip Thrift Store Haul - August 2, 2019
Wanda says
Oh, my! Can I join you in the refrain, “Why Won’t It Sell?” But I say keep listing until it doesn’t make sense price wise. I’ve got things that have been renewed 15, yes FIFTEEN times! (Remember I’ve got all those free listings.) But every now and then, one of my oldest items sells. It’s always a nice surprise. There’s a buyer for everything. Almost, anyway. And maybe not on Etsy…. 😀
That tray you called mid century? It might be that in age, but the design is Pennsylvania Dutch! Or Amish. Try it with those keywords and see what happens. Maybe nothing, but it’s worth a shot. Or two.
And you did use the word anthropomorphic on the salt and pepper shakers, didn’t you? Assuming you did, I’m stunned they haven’t sold even with paint missing.
Florence says
Wow, 15 times! I thought 8 was bad…LOL. Oh yeah, free listings…I forget to market that….was thinking about that the other day. Yeah, I know what you mean about older things selling. I’ve had that happen to me too…how something has FINALLY sold. About the tray, I’ve called it PA Dutch…haven’t tried “Amish” yet though. Maybe I’ll put it back up after all. Probably nobody searches under “PA Dutch,” but that’s what fits on the line for tags. Gosh, they give us so much room for that you know. What I hate is when you have to spell out a number on the tag…like “9 and half.”
No I didn’t use “anthropomorphic”! I need to try that before I give up! Great idea.
Wanda says
I probably should add to my first comment that I also do the same things you do. I don’t just renew, renew, renew. Not always, anyway. I’ll let things rest, retake pictures, take a closer look at descriptions and keywords, you know the drill. It often depends on how much *I* like something or how much shipping is compared to the price… that kind of thing. Just yesterday I took out something that I had listed “just to see.” It’s headed for a yard sale and it’s doubtful it will sell there. I also took out some heavy bowls that will go to the booth. Got a set of mugs that probably need to come out because of weight as well. Shipping will be the death of us! But I hope not.
Florence says
I’ve had a lot of those “I’m just gonna try it and see” items. Sometimes they surprise me and sometimes they don’t. Usually everything takes a while. Things I think are going to go right away sit for 6 months. You just never know. You’re lucky to have the booth to take things to. My only next step is yard sale. Or donate, which is really when I’m sick of looking at it.
Tania says
Oh man, I wish we lived closer because I’d totally buy the Melamine trays from you. They might not sell individually but I like to put together little dinner sets with them. I collect Melamine pieces and then once I have enough to put together a cute table setting I sell them as a group!
The saver stamp books… do you advertise them as altererd art supplies? That’s what people want them for now days. If not, you might try one more time with those!
My only other advice would be… do you ever stage your items in little vignettes? I think people sometimes just can’t imagine how it would look in their homes so if you stage them that helps. It’s more work I know… I have a hard time with it. I started myself a Pinterest board for staging ideas.
Tania
Florence says
I hardly ever run across any other melamine dishes, so I couldn’t put together a set if I wanted to. Do you sell these little sets you put together? I’ll try the stamp books as altered art. I don’t think I’ve used those keywords yet. Guess it’s good for another try. Yes, staging…my weak area…not good with that much. I need to take a look at your Pinterest board to get some ideas. I can see how a little staging might help.
Tania says
The dish sets do sell for me. It takes quite awhile for me to get enough random pieces to make a set but when one finally comes together they sell!
Tania
Florence says
That’s great! Wish I’d thought of that. Glad they sell for you Tania! I hardly ever run into any melamine at all.
Lauren says
Well if nothing else, you encouraged the rest of us sellers haha! I JUST donated a whole box of Etsy items from recent year. I know why the doll pattern didn’t sell though. That is ONE CREEPY looking doll haha! I think it’s just that trends come and go so that’s part of it. The other part is you often need that one, certain buyer who is looking for exactly that “thing” and when you have to pay to re-list over and over, it doesn’t make sense to wait for that buyer to come along. I’m no expert since I just re-started my Etsy store after setting it aside for over a year!
Florence says
I never thought of the doll pattern as creepy, but now that you mention it…haha, I see it. Good thing my garage sale will be close to Halloween. Keeping fingers crossed…LOL. You’re right, trends do come & go. I’ve seen it happen. I’ll wait until it’s the “right” time of year to sell something, and by then, the trend has already passed. What’s the name of your Etsy shop Lauren? I can at least go favorite it.
Linda at Mixed Kreations says
It is amazing what sells, and doesn’t sell. Looks like you’ve sold quit a bit. I guess I have lots of bombs, LOL. I just kind of loss interest in my shops and don’t really promote like I should. I have a hard time with the shipping. Not sure what to charge for shipping.
That wood boxes I swear looks just like one my mother has, picture and all.
Florence says
Isn’t that something…about the dresser box, I mean? I guess they made more than one of those…LOL. Well, I AM going to do a post on shipping. It’s just so involved. Working on it off & on. Maybe it will help you. I didn’t know you were an Etsy seller Linda. What to charge for shipping is totally based on weight of item and distance it’s going, so whatever online system you’re using figures it up for you.
Linda at Mixed Kreations says
Can’t wait for all your tips for shipping! I was on Etsy years ago. I never did very well on Etsy, and was always having to relist my items, now I’m on Zibbet, and Handmade Artists. There’s not a relisting fee on either one.
Florence says
Thank you Linda! Working on that post now off & on. How are you doing on Zibbet and Handmade Artists?
Fonda says
I think #22 is a Hippo. There is no horn. Do you have it described correctly?
About the S & H stamps: How many books? Are they filled or started? Are big stamps or little or a combination used in the books? Any extra stamps? Anything else I should know? And, how much are you charging, including shipping to 28470? Unless, of course, you want to try again on Etsy, I’m interested.
Best wishes to you on your sales.
Florence says
Dang it! If you’re not right! That is a hippo! Gotta try it again now! About the stamps, I emailed you.
Naomi S. says
I’m not a seller, Florence, but I do go to thrift stores and follow an on-line auction twice a month. The first thing I tho’t when I saw the mirror with the bottles with it was, “Ditch the mirror and just list the bottles”. I think the mirror wouldn’t appeal to a lot of people and they might ignore the bottles just to avoid having to drag the mirror home. Also, do a close-up shot of the bottles so a person can see exactly what they are. As for the mirror, maybe you could paint the brass rim and try to sell it that way.
Regarding the scarves, maybe get a display mannikin to drape the scarves around, which might show their designs better. Or maybe you could pair them with the mirror after you paint it! I’m seeing that brass in a bright turquoise.
And that gorgeously-beaded green purse. I think you have to do something different with the lighting. You want those beads to sparkle a bit and I think you’ve photographed it in too much overall light if you know what I mean. Maybe mainly side-lighting would help. Not so drastically that you get shadows–you’ll want a fill-light, too. Also, the color might come out more true if you used a different color bulb in your light source. You’ll have to experiment with that but a warmer (yellower) light might get rid of the muddy look.
I don’t know if any of this makes sense to you and if not, that’s okay. Just speaking off the top of my head, you know. I would be especially interested if you try my suggestions with the beaded purse to know if they help at all. I did two years of a photography program some years ago and I want to see if I remember anything correctly from the lighting section! I mean it’s been over ten years, so I may have it all backward!
Hope something from my tho’ts is helpful. Let me know if I’ve been unclear and you have questions.
Florence says
I like your photography ideas Naomi. I know when I relist that I’ve got to try to bring out the beauty of it b/c it certainly isn’t looking it now. I thought yellowish bulbs weren’t the way to go, but instead daylight bulbs? But whatever, I’m certainly no photography whiz…it’s all trial & error with me. I’ll try anything though to bring it out. It’s such a pretty purse & photos are everything.
The mirror and bottles: the bottles are just there to add perspective. I’m not selling them. I just want to sell the mirror, but I know what you mean. These kind of mirrors are pretty common now, and I think the trend may have moved away from them.
Great idea about the tree and candle holder. I knew that was going to have to have new photos if I try again with it.
I really appreciate all your thoughtful and insightful comments! Sometimes I definitely need help with photos & this was one of my early ones…LOL
Nancy Carlson says
The beaded purse – take a tip from jewelry store displays. I’m not sure what kind of lighting they use, but I think it’s halogen bulbs. I’d try one of those intense little flaslights to see if they make the beads sparkle.
Definitely no expert here! Good luck!
Florence says
That’s a great idea Nancy! I’ll try that. Thanks for your comment! I appreciate the tip.
Naomi S. says
P.S. Just had an idea for the tree-like candle holder. Put some red candles in the holders and a little faux greenery around the bottom and see if anyone bites, especially with the holidays coming.
Florence says
Great idea about that! Those little candle holders are so teeeny tiny…you wouldn’t believe. I’ve seen other people turn it upside down and use it as a jewelry holder too, but I’m not going that route this time. Oh and the scarf idea you had…that’s a good one too. When I took this first scarf photo a while back, I didn’t have a mannequin, but I do now, so I will probably give these another try too. Thanks for your suggestions!
Debrashoppeno5 says
It is a crazy business. I have the same problem with the booth. Sometimes something will be there forever and boom it sells.
Florence says
I know what you mean Debra. That’s the way it works in this biz.
Wean says
Please understand, I am not trying to offend you, but none of these items appeal to me – they just aren’t unusual/quirky enougyh – dare I say boring ?
People have less cash to spend these days and so are looking for something ‘a little different’ before parting with it. Be honest with yourself – would you buy any of them ?
Florence says
Haha…not offended at all, but this was the point…what doesn’t sell…for whatever reason. Thanks for your insight.
Kim says
Wait. You can still redeem Green Stamps?? No way. I remember looking through the booklets trying to decide what we were going to get. That’s crazy! And I love that green beaded bag…it’s outstanding. Can’t believe it hasn’t flown off your (virtual) shelf!!
Florence says
Yes you can, but online only. Haha…the “green” beaded bag is actually gold…LOL. Just goes to show how much I need to work on photographing that.
Amy says
I don’t sell on Etsy, but I do have garage sales and do some selling on eBay. It’s always interesting what sells and what doesn’t. Sometimes the items that I’m sure will go quickly are the hardest to get rid of and vice-versa. It happens to everyone, I suppose. You win some, you lose some. Hopefully, some of your re-lists will eventually sell!
Florence says
Yes it is…always amazes me what sells & what doesn’t. Things you think will go right away sit all day & vice versa. Just like you said. Can’t wait to see how my massive garage sale does. I think some of these bombs will go when I redo the photos. I don’t know where the day goes though.
Michelle Leslie says
Why won’t that gorgeous, divine, stunning vintage evening bag sell? I have three, not in that color though, that I treasure. They are so incredibly beautiful. Darn it Florence, can we petition the postal services in our countries. I wouldn’t even hesitate to take that beauty off your hands
Florence says
Michelle, do you collect evening bags too? I don’t go anywhere to use them, but I have a few I’ve collected. I definitely need to re-photo the evening bag. You wouldn’t believe how many times I had already photographed it to get the one on the post. A bazillion times. It still looks dirty.
Michelle Leslie says
I don’t know if three qualifies as a collection 😉 But I love beaded bags. Sadly we don’t go to any places where I can use them either, but my daughter has been invited to so many proms this year and she always picks one of the beaded evening bags to take with. That’s my girl 😉
Florence says
I love beaded bags too…well, really all vintage bags. Thumbs up for your daughter being able to use them! I have a few I’ve found at estate sales. I should do a post on my evening bag collection, and how I got started collecting.
Donna Wilkes says
Being the Etsy quitter I am, maybe I shouldn’t comment, but I am. Have you tried putting together several items which would fit in a large priority box? I do that in my booth. Take the unwanted and box them together with a great price. I also offer a free item to go with a purchased item. I didn’t know the stamps could be redeemed. I sell a bunch in my booth as mixed media supplies.
Florence says
I’m glad you did Donna. Re: being an “Etsy quitter,” I don’t see how in the world you were able to do both booth & Etsy too. I sure couldn’t. I’m not superwoman anymore. I haven’t tried a “grab bag” box yet. I might do that next. Have you done it on Etsy? That’s a great idea though! Yes on the stamps. I looked it up on Google, but it wasn’t worth it to me. The freebie with a purchased item is also a good idea. See, I’m glad you commented.
Maria Brittis says
I actually would buy some of those items if I saw them in a thrift or antique store. I have a collections of vintage scarfs! those bottles are cute too.
Maria
Florence says
Thanks for the encouragement Maria!
kim says
#11 – sand it, paint it creamy white, distress it and stencil “Home” on it.
#20 – the vanity mirror. I actually sell a lot of those on Etsy. What are you pricing it at? Sometimes I spray paint them in white or grey to get rid of the gold. They sell either way. Whats a good seller for one person isn’t always a good seller for someone else. I come across that a lot. LOL.
Florence says
Thanks Kim! Good ideas. And you’re right about that tidbit.
Dorothy says
So interesting seeing your bombs. I know two littles who would love those emergency vehicles. And this gramma just gave them a road rug to drive the little toys on…
Enjoyed reading about the fails, because I have more fails than sales. But I have a manana mentality: THIS new thing will surely sell! I suppose it’s because I love creating and don’t even worry too much about the fails.
Florence says
I love your mentality Dorothy! Thanks for sharing your philosophy!
Leanna says
Your dilemma kind of remind me of blog posting. Sometimes I will make something I think is very well done and not much happens. Then another post that was much less work has four times the views.
I don’t have any advice for you other than sometimes its just the right time and place.
Florence says
You’re right Leanna! Never thought about it that way before.
Christina Makri says
Oh God!!! Why dont they sell??? I found some gorgeous pieces among them like the bird plate, the brass fan, the purse bag…. etc. It is the same with what I have discovered about the DIY projects I am doing. I believe to something very much but I understand from peoples’ reaction that it was not what I believed. Wish you luck and sell them all 🙂
Florence says
No telling why they don’t sell. But there’s still time. I’ll probably relist most of them with new photos.
Keri Roberts says
Florence, I don’t understand why that green purse won’t sell, it’s gorgeous!! I agree with trying to sell the bottles separately and the mirror separately. Could you do another post of what did sell out of these that wouldn’t move at first and what you did to get them sold? I’d be interested to read what finally worked for you and getting the item sold.
Florence says
Yes, I don’t understand why it won’t sell either. I took more pics of it. Hopefully it’ll make a difference. I will do an update post about it. That’s a great idea!
Robin says
I really like these posts, fun to see what won’t sell. I would live to see what they were priced, could that be the problem.
Florence says
Yes that could be the problem. Some of them have sold since I re-shot photos. I need to do an update on this post.