What’s Selling in Vintage & Antiques September 2017
Hi there–I hope you had a great weekend! I was blessed to get in some vintage shopping and a tour of a local historic home (the Flint House in Scotia, NY) with my sweet husband. Lucky, right?
And on Sunday, it’s always a blessing to spend the morning with our church family, plus I had the opportunity to talk with several people about discipleship, my personal passion. I love helping others make connections with mentors who can walk along side them as they grow in God–almost as much as I love being the one who gets to do the walking along side, especially with young women.
But that’s not why you stopped by. I’m sure you were hoping to see some vintage finds, and you won’t be disappointed by the line-up of vintage goods that I sold throughout the month of September. It was a good month, friends! Let’s take a look–
Gristmill Antique Center Booth
In September I grossed $588.70 at my antique booth, well over my $400/month minimum goal. My cost of goods sold was $54.00, meeting my goal of 10% or less of my gross. My rent was $130, making my net (not counting mileage and supplies), $404.70.
1. Stunning flow blue plate with chips sold for $15 (cost: $1). [Keep in mind that 20 years ago, this would have sold for probably $60-75, with the chips.]
2. Delft tile 6″ x 6″ sold for $8.00 (cost: $1).
3. Royal Copenhagen butterpat sold for $4 (cost: $1).
1. Vintage Johnson Brothers “Coaching Scenes” cup, saucer, & plate set sold for $8 reflecting a 20% discount (cost: $1).
2. Large antique flow blue platter in a feather pattern sold for $14 reflecting a 20% discount (cost $2). [Same story as above, even with the large amount of crazing, this platter would likely have sold for $50-60, 20 years ago.]
3. Antique German blue onion canister (no lid) sold for $13Â reflecting a 15% discount (cost: $1). [Similar story, would have sold for $30-40, 20 years ago, even without the lid.]
1. English Abbey pink transferware plate sold for $10 (cost: $1).
2. Abraham Lincoln and the Downfall of American Slavery sold for $10 (cost: $1).
3. English transferware platter sold for $22.00Â reflecting a 15% discount (cost: $3).
1. Linen towel sold for $3 (cost: 50¢).
2. Composition stone pears sold for $28 (cost: $1).
3. Set of 24 exam booklets sold for $24 (cost: $1).
1. Victrola metal tag sold for $6.00 (cost: $1).
2. Wine jug sold for $18.00 (after cleaning!) (cost: $1).
3. Minnow bucket (similar to one show but w/o lid) sold for $10 (cost: free).
1. Telephone sold for $15 (cost: $2).
2. Willy’s candy container sold for $15 (cost: $1).
3. Yellow quilt rack sold for $18 (cost: $2).
1. Turkey candy dish sold for $20 marked down from $35 (cost: $2). NOTE: It had been in the shop since last October–way too long!
2. Mouse cutting board sold for $12 (cost: $1).
3. Framed eagle print sold for $12 (cost: $1).
1. Large blackboard sold for $22 reflecting a 10% discount (cost: $2).
2. Wooden frame with metal easel-back sold for $10 (cost: $1).
3. Small black board case with peg board on back sold for $15.00 (cost: $1).
1. Small ironstone pitcher (similar to this one) sold for $12 (cost: $1).
2. United Drug Co. crate sold for $45 (cost: $5).
3. Small magnifying glass sold for $6 (cost: $1).
1. Long green tool carrier sold for $18 (cost: $1).
2. Metal paint set sold for $10 (cost: $1).
Sold Items, No Photos
A brass & glass dresser tray sold for $15 (cost: $1).
A small pumpkin garland sold for $8.00 (cost $1).
3 ornate white wire hanging baskets sold for $12 each (cost: 40¢ each).
Country Harvest coffee table book sold for $6.00 (cost: free).
A Homer Laughlin butter dish sold for $8 (cost: free).
A package of Mohawk brand paper sold for $5 (cost: $1).
A set of four Cambridge glass style wine glasses sold for $9 reflecting a 10% discount (cost: $1).
A transferware plate sold for $13, marked down from $15 (cost: $1).
A vintage luggage rack sold for $20 (cost: $2).
Albany-Saratoga cooking booklet sold for $4 (cost: 50¢).
A c.1960’s stained glass window sold for $35 (cost: $3).
eBay
In September, I grossed 388.25 from eBay sales. PayPal fees amounted to $20.99 while eBay fees totaled $48.99. The cost of goods sold was $13.00, giving me a net (not counting mileage and supplies) of $305.27.
There are many ways to sell on eBay. For the moment, I list every item for a 7-day auction with a BIN (buy it now) price; if it “fails” to sell, then I list it for a 30-day fixed price. Every month, I get to list up to 50 items at auction with no insertion fee, and right now eBay’s running a special that let’s me list up to 100 items at a fixed price with no insertion fee.
So if an item doesn’t sell at auction, I list it right away for a fixed price, and that’s been working well. I don’t sell everything, but I sell over half of what I list. Usually I allow for “best offers” and I’ve sold a number of items that way, as well.
1. Red/pink mercury glass beads sold for a fixed price of $8.99, after the auction “failed” (cost: 50¢).
2. Multi-colored mercury glass beads sold for the BIN (buy it now) price of $14.99 (cost: $1.00).
3. Gold mercury glass beads sold for a fixed price of $11.99 after the auction failed (cost: 50¢).
NOTE: I have struggled to sell antique/vintage mercury glass beads from my booth, so I am very pleased with the fact that they are selling so well via eBay. I sold two sets in August and have already sold two more in October at right around the same prices.
1. A set of jewelry presentation box sold for a Best Offer of $7.00, after the auction failed (cost: free).
2. A pair of composition Santas sold for a Best Offer of $10.50, after the auction failed (cost: $1.00).
1. A Copco enamelware Danish saute pan sold for a Best Offer of $20.00 after the auction failed (cost: $1.00). NOTE: I bought this pan recently, specifically to sell on eBay as an experiment. I would buy another if I come across one.
2. A trio of Catherineholm lotus pattern 5.5″ bowls sold at auction for $102 (cost: $1.00 each).
NOTE: I bought these bowls so long ago and had no venue to sell them at, until eBay. MCM does not sell in my neck of the woods.
1. A metal donkey figurine sold for a Best Offer of $10.00, after a failed auction (cost $1.00).
2. A bunch of Polaroid cardboard mounts sold at auction for the opening price of $8.99 (cost: 50¢).
3. An Alex & Ani bracelet sold at auction for the opening price of $8.99 (cost: free).
1. A set of six Samantha American Girl books sold for the opening auction price of $9.99 (cost: $1.00).
2. The Big Brown Bear sold for the Best Offer of $6.00, after a failed auction (cost: 50¢). NOTE: While it was a 1st edition, it was in rough shape.
3. A set of six Addy American Girl books sold at auction for $31.27 (cost: $1.00). NOTE: I’m guessing not as many Addy books were manufactured as Samantha ones, given that she was one of the first three characters they made.
 1. A 1984 Voltron Chogokin Godaikin Bandai Japanese figure sold at auction for $11.55 (cost: $1.00). NOTE: I bought this figure recently, specifically to sell on eBay as an experiment.
2. A Weck hair shaper sold for the Best Offer of $10.50, after a failed auction (cost: $1).
3. A Gucci silk scarf sold at auction for the BIN price of $74.99 (cost: free).
This 1899 engraving based on a painting by Alonzo Chapel sold for the fixed price of $38.99 after a failed auction (cost: $1.00). I bought this engraving years ago and have always struggled with the best way to sell it. With the popularity of the Broadway show, Hamilton, I thought it might do well on eBay. I’d hoped it might go a little higher, but I’m happy with $38.99.
So eBay continued to be very profitable for me into September. As I mentioned last month, the whole business has been quite a surprise for me, both the ease with which it takes to sell and the amount that I’ve sold.
If readers are interested, at some point I’d consider writing a post about the experience–what types of items to list, how to use eBay’s simplified listing form, and how to use some of their various sales mechanisms, including auction, buy it now, and fixed price options. Let me know if you’re interested 🙂
Below are all the numbers that reflect my September income, keeping in mind that they don’t reflect mileage and supplies, which for tax purposes, significantly reduce my income on paper. I don’t include numbers related to shipping because in all cases, I charge for shipping so that has a null (or slightly increased) effect on my income.
Find other income reports here.
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Bye for now,
New farmhouse merchandise just added-
New farmhouse merchandise just added-
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That was interesting to see what sold. I’ve some things I’ve been thinking about selling on Ebay but not sure how or if the cost is worth it. I’d love a post with more information!
Hi Linda–I’m hoping to do a Facebook live video sometime soon about eBay in my Facebook group (Your Vintage Headquarters)–have you joined yet?
Great month! Good to hear eBay is doing well for you. I used to sell there all the time. Cut my teeth with them 20 years ago then got fed up 7 or 8 years ago with their changes, fees and goofy policies, moved over to Etsy and haven’t looked back. Until recently. I’m trying to get the nerve to try auctions again or even just selling newer items there. But I’m so rusty on what sells there, I’ll have to spend some time researching. Just one more thing to add to the list of things I need to do. 🙂
Just subscribed to your blog Wanda. Hoping to learn more about selling on Etsy!
Awww… Thanks, Erin!
Hi Wanda! Before I started selling on eBay, I didn’t really spend much time researching. I just picked an item I thought might do well there (but wouldn’t in my booth) and then researched that one item to see how it sold. If records showed that it had done fairly well in the past, then I’d use whatever info I’d gathered to set a minimum price and a “buy it now” price. If an item doesn’t sell via auction or buy it now, then I relist it a fixed price (30 days). Right now, you get 50 free auction listings/month and they are running a special–50 extra auction OR fixed price listings/month. I only have about 20 or less items listed at one time, so I don’t get charged any insertion fees, just the 10% “final value fee” (plus PayPal fees), which end up being comparable to my overhead at the antique shop. I’m going to do a Facebook live on eBay–have you joined my Facebook group (Your Vintage Headquarters) yet?
I hadn’t, but just sent a request!
I enjoy your blog! I started selling at an antique/vintage booth in January. My sales have been getting better after several months of learning. I am amazed at your purchase prices. Wow! I have sold items on Ebay. The process is simpler than it was even 2 years ago. I plan on selling again since the customer base is so large and certain items are difficult to sell in this area. By the way MCM sells well in southern Ohio. Thanks again for sharing all you do. I have learned quite a bit from you and you continue to be my inspiration.
Carla
Hey Carla–welcome to the world of wheeling and dealing in antiques! I’m so glad you’ve learned from my blog–that really makes my day 🙂 Have you joined my Facebook group (Your Vintage Headquarters) yet? I think you’d really like it. People are posting pictures and chatting with each other about vintage regularly. I’m planning on doing a short video there about eBay, sometime soon.
Thanks again! I requested to join the Facebook group!
Diana, I’d like to know more about how to do it all. I’ve been collecting things with the intention of selling them, but just don’t know what to do. I’m so frustrated. You make it look soooo easy. I know it’s not. I was a buyer as well as an employee at a local shop and I loved the hunt of all things vintage. The owner didn’t quite “get” a few things I brought in, but I was thrilled when they sold. Tell us all your secrets ! please ! 🙂
Ha ha! Well, I’ve been doing it for 20 years now, plus antiques are in my blood, so I guess I should know what I’m doing by now, Patty! It sounds like you’ve got a little experience under your belt at the shop you worked at. Is selling there a possibility? I’m also wondering if you’ve joined my Facebook group (Your Vintage Headquarters) yet? It’s a great venue for posting photos and chatting with other vintage-lovers. I’m going to be posting a Facebook Live video there soon about selling on eBay. Also, have you read my Vintage 101: Buying Vintage articles? Click on Vintage 101 in my navigation bar at the top of my blog and then on “Buying Vintage.” Read those posts and then message me on Facebook or send me an email with any questions.
Diana, I replied to you via email, but realized I didn’t answer a few questions…. I think I did read the Buying Vintage articles, but I am unable to find the facebook page for Vintage Headquarters. I found your Adirondack Girl FB by clicking on the ‘f’ at the top of this page,but not the other.
I always enjoy posts on your finds and the information/knowledge you share. You are so correct on good glass values not being what they were 20 years ago! I have had booths in a brick and mortar store for years in east
Texas and have thought about eBay but I’m a little apprehensive. I would enjoy hearing/reading your views and instructions.
Thanks for letting me know you’d be interested in learning more about eBay, Shelley. Make sure you join my Facebook group (Your Vintage Headquarters) because that’s where I’ll be doing the video (if all goes well…). So glad you’re enjoying my blog and thanks for chatting!!
Thank you for all you share with your followers. Have tons to sell, just need that push. Would love to have you share your tips on Ebay selling.
You’re so welcome, Marie! Glad you’d like to learn more–join my Facebook group (Your Vintage Headquarters, ‘kay? That’s where I’ll be doing the video, soon, I hope 🙂
As with the other comments, I too would love an eBay tutorial from you. Have you done something similar with selling in your antique booth? I waffle back and forth on doing either but need to just do it. I have so much that I have collected over the years that needs to go.
Oky doky, I guess we’re on for the eBay video! No I haven’t done something similar for an antique booth, but that’s a great idea, Erin. Have you joined my Facebook group (Your Vintage Headquarters) yet? There’s lots of vintage lovers over there and good photos and discussion. Hope to see you there!
Would love more info on Ebay listing, selling, etc. Sold a few things years ago, but I’m not “with it’ regarding pricing changes, shipping, etc. Thanks for all the info. I have a whole shed of stuff I’ve collected (and love) over the years, but no longer have room for it as we are downsizing. Hubby would b happy if I just gave it all to charity or sent it to the dump, but I can’t seem to do that!
Ooh, sounds like it’s time to start selling, Phyllis! I’m hoping to do an eBay video soon in my Facebook group (Your Vintage Headquarters) so make sure you’re a member 🙂
I also would like to know how to list and sell on Ebay. Any info you can share would be most helpful.
Sounds good, Jan–make sure you join my Facebook group (Your Vintage Headquarters)–that’s where I’ll [hopefully] be doing a live eBay video in the near future.
I wish I had someone else to do the selling on eBay and I would do the hunting, laundering and ironing, even the packing! A friend did some selling and got burned as she had set no reserve and her stuff went for much less than it was worth. I would love a lesson/tutorial. I do love the places where my booths are; I prefer to handle REAL things!
Hi Kathy! I hear you–I felt the same way for a long time, but now I kinda like it 🙂 You definitely want to be careful when listing your items to set a starting price that you can live with. I don’t want to mess around with items that sell for less than $10 (with a few exceptions, like paper goods or jewelry), and $20 is preferable. So I rarely start an auction for less than $9.99. I hear you about handling things, too. I only buy things in person, as you say, that I can touch and feel.
Of course we would love to know about your eBay experiences! Your posts are so thoughtful and informative – no fluff – you tell it like it is. I imagine you’d be the same way with your eBay posts.
How in the world did you get the Cathrineholm bowls for just $1!?!?! I have found ONE Cathrineholm in my life. It was a dutch oven in blue and white with no lid. I went back to the thrift store a few days later and FOUND THE LID. It wasn’t priced and I tried explaining that it belonged to my dutch oven but was getting nowhere. I finally said – I’ll give you 99 cents for it and they said fine. I was just thrilled. Not sure if I can sell it though : )
Thanks for letting me know that you’d like to learn more about eBay, Ree Cee 🙂 I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying my blog posts–that makes me happy!
It was pure dumb luck finding those Catherineholm bowls so cheaply. It was at a local annual flea market and I guess the seller had no clue. Actually, I had no idea they would go so high until I started researching them. I think that’s pretty darn amazing that you found the lid on your second trip!! Amazing–
Do you share your ebay address? If not, no biggie. Mine is PeddlerFolks if your interested in looking….also, I’m open for any tips etc. Thanks!
Yes, Susan–it’s in every post, at the end, along with my social media links 🙂 I’ll have to check out what you’re selling over there 🙂
Love your blog! You are so thorough in explaining and detailing things. That is so important to me! Thanks for the wonderful info you always give us. Just sent request for the FB page. Would love to learn more about Ebay. Thank you again for your hard work and showing us how fun it is!
I’m so glad you enjoy my blog, Beverly!! Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know 🙂 I’ll be looking for you over in the FB group and will keep you apprised on the upcoming eBay video–
Hi Diana,
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