This past week has been particularly difficult because we have no internet service at our house! We are in the process of switching from what was essentially dial-up to actual broadband, and switching internet service providers as well. It's been about a week without internet service so far, and the new service won't be installed until Friday. We have had sales, but haven't listed anything new since we dropped our old, slow service. We could have set our store to Vacation Mode during this internet-less gap, but we opted to keep it open. (The slowness of the summer has left us hungry for any sales we can get.)
During this time, our days have started with getting kids to school, then parking outside of fast food restaurants to hop on their free WiFi. Once we answer any messages, and see what sold in the night, we go home to pack and weigh. Then, I drive to the public library to pay for shipping labels and save them on my computer. After that, I go back home to print and attach the labels. Only after all of that running around can we then drive packages to the post office.
I realize that it would be entirely possible to continue listing during this period. We could write listings and take photos at home, then do the rest of the listing at the library. However, it just seems too frustrating to me. When listing, I like to be able to have an item right in front of me just in case I need to reference it once more. Tonight, we are going to try listing some stuff from my brother-in-law's house.
While the lack of internet service at home this week has been entirely frustrating, we're still getting most of our eBay work done. I can not wait for Friday to come so we can get back to business as usual!
The best part of this past week is that we have now sold a total of three handmade aprons! Two have sold on Etsy, and one has sold on eBay.
Well, back to work!
-Ashley
A blog by a husband and wife team about selling online, designing handmade clothing and customizing action figures.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Selling Handmade - Update
I designed and constructed this apron, and Roderick hand painted the front "control panel" pocket.
I can't wait to get started on some more of these aprons. With Halloween approaching, I'd better get busy!
- Ashley
Friday, September 5, 2014
Stop Buying Boxes!
If you are buying boxes for your eBay store, you might as well be throwing money into a paper shredder.
When we first started our eBay store, we purchased cases of boxes from a shipping supplier. We liked having fresh, clean looking boxes, and we (almost) always had the right size box for the kinds of items we were selling. But, as our business grew, we started spending more and more money on boxes.
At first, we started asking family members and friends to set aside boxes for us, but we were always in need of more boxes. As it turned out, our solution was right in front of us the whole time.
Every day, grocery stores and other retailers open boxes of new stock, then recycle or throw away the boxes their stock was shipped in. Any day of the week, we can walk into my local grocer and walk out with as many boxes as we can carry. All you have to do is ask! The employee stocking shelves is usually happy to get rid of the extra boxes- one less task for them to do.
You can turn the boxes inside out so they have plain brown exteriors and arrive to your buyer looking professional.
We've also had great luck asking for bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and boxes on Craigslist, Freecycle and Facebook. We very rarely have to buy bubble wrap or packing peanuts because of the generosity of our community.
While it is great that getting free shipping supplies saves us money, it's even more gratifying that we are keeping these boxes, peanuts and bubble wrap out of landfills. Recycled paper products are great, but it's even greater when these things can be reused first!
The other fantastic source of free boxes is, of course, free Priority Mail boxes from the USPS! You can have free boxes delivered to your house for free with a few clicks on USPS.com. You can even get eBay branded Priority Mail boxes at ebaysupplies.usps.com/usps
When we first started out on eBay, we were aware that there were free boxes available from the USPS. We didn't fully understand how regional rate and flat rate boxes worked, so we didn't order any of the free boxes. What a newbie mistake that was! Now, we make sure we are stocked up on Priority Mail boxes.
How do you get your shipping supplies for eBay? What works for you? Let us know in the comments below!
When we first started our eBay store, we purchased cases of boxes from a shipping supplier. We liked having fresh, clean looking boxes, and we (almost) always had the right size box for the kinds of items we were selling. But, as our business grew, we started spending more and more money on boxes.
At first, we started asking family members and friends to set aside boxes for us, but we were always in need of more boxes. As it turned out, our solution was right in front of us the whole time.
Every day, grocery stores and other retailers open boxes of new stock, then recycle or throw away the boxes their stock was shipped in. Any day of the week, we can walk into my local grocer and walk out with as many boxes as we can carry. All you have to do is ask! The employee stocking shelves is usually happy to get rid of the extra boxes- one less task for them to do.
You can turn the boxes inside out so they have plain brown exteriors and arrive to your buyer looking professional.
We've also had great luck asking for bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and boxes on Craigslist, Freecycle and Facebook. We very rarely have to buy bubble wrap or packing peanuts because of the generosity of our community.
While it is great that getting free shipping supplies saves us money, it's even more gratifying that we are keeping these boxes, peanuts and bubble wrap out of landfills. Recycled paper products are great, but it's even greater when these things can be reused first!
The other fantastic source of free boxes is, of course, free Priority Mail boxes from the USPS! You can have free boxes delivered to your house for free with a few clicks on USPS.com. You can even get eBay branded Priority Mail boxes at ebaysupplies.usps.com/usps
When we first started out on eBay, we were aware that there were free boxes available from the USPS. We didn't fully understand how regional rate and flat rate boxes worked, so we didn't order any of the free boxes. What a newbie mistake that was! Now, we make sure we are stocked up on Priority Mail boxes.
How do you get your shipping supplies for eBay? What works for you? Let us know in the comments below!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Selling Handmade
Since childhood, I wanted to make things with my hands and sell them. In 5th grade, I made bead lizards out of plastic pony beads and little felt snakes stuffed with brown rice. My mother helped me create a display board to take to school, and I sold each little creature for fifty cents to my classmates. My dad helped me with my first eBay listing- one of those beaded lizards. It never sold, but I remained determined to grow up and one day sell my handmade wares.
After high school, I went to college to study Fashion Design and Art History. I became obsessed with learning as much as I could about design and technique. I worked a few jobs as a seamstress, and later became the costume designer for a local theater. Along the way, I discovered Etsy and sold a few hand made things now and then, but I never had the time to invest in making up a bunch of stock for my store.
Fast forward to today, I have finally found the time to start putting my plans into action. I have started listing some handmade vintage inspired dresses and aprons. It feels great to be doing what I love, and rewarding to know I no longer have a boss soaking in all of the profits from my labor.
Sweet Cherry Pie Apron
Sweet Cherry Pie Apron
So, I've sold some handmade items on Etsy, and I've sold clothing on eBay, but I've never nothing of this quality or quantity before. I have to admit, I'm probably going to do a happy little dance when I hear the "cha-ching" for the sale of one of these garments. I hope that these will take off and become a regular item in our eBay store.
We are, of course, going to continue picking thrift stores, yard sales etc. But it will be nice to have yet another kind of merchandise in the store.
-Ashley
We are, of course, going to continue picking thrift stores, yard sales etc. But it will be nice to have yet another kind of merchandise in the store.
-Ashley
Saturday, August 9, 2014
DIY: Add Value to Framed Art with a New Paper Backing
One of my favorite things to sell on eBay is art- especially framed paintings and prints. Framed art can be flipped with a great profit margin. Plus, you can hang it up to enjoy until it sells! Our walls are constantly changing as we sell and buy more art to list.
Thrift stores and yard sales are great sources for inexpensive art pieces, but they sometimes need a little sprucing up. One of the easiest things to fix is the often over-looked backside of the frame.
Most framed art is finished off with a brown paper backing. If that paper is torn or missing, it may detract from the value of the piece. With a few spare minutes and some basic supplies, you can easily replace the backing and leave a great impression on potential buyers.
What you need:
- Brown Shipping Paper
- 1 or 2 Glue Sticks
- Razor Blade or Craft Knife
- Cutting Mat
Start by removing the old paper backing. Try to take off as much as you can, but don't worry if there are a few remaining little bits stuck on. You will also need to remove any existing hardware for hanging. Set the hardware aside to re-attach later.
Next, roll out enough brown paper to cover the back of your frame, plus a margin of a few inches all the way around. Use weights or cans to hold the paper down and keep it in place.
Now you're ready for gluing. Working quickly, use a glue stick to cover the back of the frame, making sure to get glue all the way to the edges and each corner point. Do not put glue on the back of the matte.
Once you have applied glue, promptly flip the frame glue side down onto the brown paper. Leave a slight margin of paper all the way around the frame.
Press firmly around the edges of the frame to ensure a good seal. Then, leave it in place to dry for 10 to 15 minutes. Flip everything over so that the paper is now on top. Carefully check to make sure all edges are adhered. Add more glue if needed. Let dry paper side up for 10 to 15 minutes longer.
Next, turn your frame paper side down onto a cutting mat. Carefully slide a sharp razor blade or craft knife along the edge of the frame to remove the excess paper.
Re-attach hanging hardware and wipe the edges with a cloth to remove any residue.
Now, your framed art will look fresh professional. Don't forget to show off your handiwork in your listing photos!
Have any tips for framed art? Share them in the comments below!
- Ashley
Sunday, July 20, 2014
How to Shop at a Thrift Store
Thrift stores are one of our main sources for getting
products to sell. If you’re going to go out picking for the day, it’s good to
be prepared. Here are some tips to help you get started.
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- Make a list of what you are searching for. It’s easy to get overwhelmed or distracted inside of a large thrift store full of interesting odds and ends. If you are setting out with a specific sort of item in mind, it’s best to note down what you want, in what sizes, colors, brand names etc.
- Get an early start. Many thrift stores put out new merchandise throughout the day, but others put out the day's stock before opening. If you wait till the evening to start picking, chances are most of the good stuff has been picked through already.
- Inspect everything before you buy. There’s nothing more disappointing than opening up your haul at home, only to discover a big stain on the back of an expensive vintage dress. Look over clothing for stains, holes, or missing buttons. Test zippers to make sure they are in working condition. Plug in electronics and check for exploded batteries. Smell for cigarette smoke damage. While many things can be easily cleaned, you shouldn't waste your time on things that look too dingy or have many broken pieces.
- Take a stain remover pen, such as Tide-to-Go, with you when shopping for clothes or linens. If there is a stain, test it with the stain remover pen before you decide whether or not to buy.
- Take hand sanitizer with you. The merchandise in thrift stores usually comes straight into a store from someone’s home. Basically, it’s nice to be able to clean up a bit after you've been rifling through a bunch of other people’s stuff for a few hours. If you are shopping at an outlet store with deep bins to dig through, consider wearing a pair of work gloves.
- Take a tape measure with you. This way, you can measure a piece of furniture to make sure you can fit it in your car to get it home, measure a large painting, or anything else on your list.
- Ask about any special sale days or discounts given out at each thrift store. Some stores give student or military discounts. Others have a punch card system or a fill a bag sale.
- Look online for local thrift shops near you. We like to plan out a route to several shops we can visit in one day. You can plug each address into Google Maps to see just how long the trip will take you. This is a great way to explore thrift stores in a new area too.
These are some of the things that we have learned through our own experiences, and we are always seeking to learn something new. Do you have your own thrift shopping tips? Post them in the comments below! We'd love to hear from you!
-Ashley
Taking Back the American Dream
My name is Roderick and I am married to a wonderful woman named Ashley. We have two beautiful children and we make our living by selling on eBay.
We were married in the fall of last year. The previous summer months I spent installing furnaces and air conditioners for an HVAC company. I rarely saw my family that summer, often coming home very late after the kids had gone to bed. I worked nearly 60 hours a week. We were behind in our bills and had a wedding to prepare for. We made it through our wedding only to have to prepare for the holidays. Anyone with children will understand that the holidays can be a financial burden. As the leaves shriveled and fell away so did the hours at the HVAC company. Ashley's work as a full time seamstress dried up as well. We had a holiday to provide for our children and family and we had reduced hours at work with no holiday pay coming to us.
Earlier that March I had found an old binder of Garbage Pail Kids That I had kept from the '80's. I logged on to Ashley's eBay account to see what they were worth. I wasn't sure if I wanted to sell them or not until I started going through them. I found them as charming as I had when I was young and decided to continue collecting them. After all, I had just found a source!
Slowly I began to buy them and then sell off the extra ones. It was just like trading them in the schoolyard, but this time real $ was involved. By the time winter had come, I was making some decent extra cash on eBay with these old stickers from the '80's.
It was enough to see us through the holidays.
As Christmas came and went, ice storms took the financial burden role. We both missed work due to power outages, snow-ins, school closings, and illnesses. These circumstances threatened to break us. We could not trust 40 hour a week jobs to provide for us. When industry is slow, employers cut hours. They give less holiday pay. They downsize. You can work for 20 years at a company and give them your all, only to have your benefits cut and wages reduced when the economy is down.
We hated feeling so helpless, so trapped in work-hell-prison with nothing to show for it.
What happened to the American Dream? Is it in the hands of Corporate America? Do they really have all of the profit? We asked ourselves how we were supposed to provide for our children in a country that raised the cost of living every 3 months yet never raised pay. We were both working 40 hours plus and we were STILL behind in all aspects of our finances.
So we decided to sell more stuff on eBay to make the money we needed. It wasn't long before we noticed that we were doing very well at it- and we loved it! Now neither of us work at traditional day jobs. We work for ourselves.
The American Dream is to make a living in this country and prosper. It is to build something with your bare hands and support yourself with your trade and skill. It is to provide something of worth to your community, to live in the land of the free. Today, Americans grow up to work 40 hour work weeks at companies that don't care if their workers prosper. They work their jobs, scrimping and saving to buy overpriced shiny things that they don't really need, just to make their work-hell-prison somewhat tolerable. They work and work only to barely see their children grow up.
We refuse to do this anymore.
We are a young couple interested in taking back the American Dream of prosperity through hard work from greedy corporations and giving it back to the American Family. We are doing it by selling on eBay. We know that others may benefit from our experience and knowledge. Here in this blog you will find out how we did it, how we make it work for us, and how we have a blast doing it.
Take back the American Dream with us!
We were married in the fall of last year. The previous summer months I spent installing furnaces and air conditioners for an HVAC company. I rarely saw my family that summer, often coming home very late after the kids had gone to bed. I worked nearly 60 hours a week. We were behind in our bills and had a wedding to prepare for. We made it through our wedding only to have to prepare for the holidays. Anyone with children will understand that the holidays can be a financial burden. As the leaves shriveled and fell away so did the hours at the HVAC company. Ashley's work as a full time seamstress dried up as well. We had a holiday to provide for our children and family and we had reduced hours at work with no holiday pay coming to us.
Earlier that March I had found an old binder of Garbage Pail Kids That I had kept from the '80's. I logged on to Ashley's eBay account to see what they were worth. I wasn't sure if I wanted to sell them or not until I started going through them. I found them as charming as I had when I was young and decided to continue collecting them. After all, I had just found a source!
Slowly I began to buy them and then sell off the extra ones. It was just like trading them in the schoolyard, but this time real $ was involved. By the time winter had come, I was making some decent extra cash on eBay with these old stickers from the '80's.
It was enough to see us through the holidays.
As Christmas came and went, ice storms took the financial burden role. We both missed work due to power outages, snow-ins, school closings, and illnesses. These circumstances threatened to break us. We could not trust 40 hour a week jobs to provide for us. When industry is slow, employers cut hours. They give less holiday pay. They downsize. You can work for 20 years at a company and give them your all, only to have your benefits cut and wages reduced when the economy is down.
We hated feeling so helpless, so trapped in work-hell-prison with nothing to show for it.
What happened to the American Dream? Is it in the hands of Corporate America? Do they really have all of the profit? We asked ourselves how we were supposed to provide for our children in a country that raised the cost of living every 3 months yet never raised pay. We were both working 40 hours plus and we were STILL behind in all aspects of our finances.
So we decided to sell more stuff on eBay to make the money we needed. It wasn't long before we noticed that we were doing very well at it- and we loved it! Now neither of us work at traditional day jobs. We work for ourselves.
The American Dream is to make a living in this country and prosper. It is to build something with your bare hands and support yourself with your trade and skill. It is to provide something of worth to your community, to live in the land of the free. Today, Americans grow up to work 40 hour work weeks at companies that don't care if their workers prosper. They work their jobs, scrimping and saving to buy overpriced shiny things that they don't really need, just to make their work-hell-prison somewhat tolerable. They work and work only to barely see their children grow up.
We refuse to do this anymore.
We are a young couple interested in taking back the American Dream of prosperity through hard work from greedy corporations and giving it back to the American Family. We are doing it by selling on eBay. We know that others may benefit from our experience and knowledge. Here in this blog you will find out how we did it, how we make it work for us, and how we have a blast doing it.
Take back the American Dream with us!
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