When I was a little girl, I’d often accompany my grandmother to yard sales and antique auctions. While that may not seem like an activity of choice for a kid, I never felt like I was being dragged along with Grammie. I loved it. Her home was beautiful. Always clean and spotless, everything always in its place. The auction finds that won a spot for display in her home were those of quality and of course, lovingly chosen.
I recall when I was about 12 yeas old, and Grammie allowed me to bid on an item that I admired. It was a solid lead crystal fish that appeared to be swimming on a wave. The fish was of substantial size, about 10 inches in length and 7 inches high. It was impressive.
There were two of those fish there that day. Mine was won for a $25 bid. The other had a signature clearly evident on the bottom. It went for much more.
Even though the signature had worn off of my fish, I knew it was something special. Today, the crystal fish sits upon my dresser at home. I’ve never researched it’s value. I simply admire it.
My grandmother passed away last January. The time she spent with me then made a huge impact on my life. Inviting me to tag along with her was a special gift — not only in her time and attention — but she introduced me to a much-loved pastime that continues to be part of my life.
Today, I am a mother of five. When my kids were babies, I’d often search out area yard sales to look for baby things that were “just like new." Aside from baby stuff like feeding chairs, bouncers and toys, sometimes I’d find great quality clothing items — brands like Baby Gap and Gymboree. It was a thrill to pick up a barely worn $25 dress for $1.
When my own children outgrew their clothes, I’d take them over to the local consignment store. Sometimes I’d make out with more than I paid for their things!
Then, when eBay came about, I posted my first item online. It was an exquisite flower girl dress my then 7-year-old daughter wore just one time. It sold for more than half of what I paid, saving me a bundle!
That was in 1998. Today, I am an eBay PowerSeller.
I am also the wife of an auctioneer.
I recall when I was about 12 yeas old, and Grammie allowed me to bid on an item that I admired. It was a solid lead crystal fish that appeared to be swimming on a wave. The fish was of substantial size, about 10 inches in length and 7 inches high. It was impressive.
There were two of those fish there that day. Mine was won for a $25 bid. The other had a signature clearly evident on the bottom. It went for much more.
Even though the signature had worn off of my fish, I knew it was something special. Today, the crystal fish sits upon my dresser at home. I’ve never researched it’s value. I simply admire it.
My grandmother passed away last January. The time she spent with me then made a huge impact on my life. Inviting me to tag along with her was a special gift — not only in her time and attention — but she introduced me to a much-loved pastime that continues to be part of my life.
Today, I am a mother of five. When my kids were babies, I’d often search out area yard sales to look for baby things that were “just like new." Aside from baby stuff like feeding chairs, bouncers and toys, sometimes I’d find great quality clothing items — brands like Baby Gap and Gymboree. It was a thrill to pick up a barely worn $25 dress for $1.
When my own children outgrew their clothes, I’d take them over to the local consignment store. Sometimes I’d make out with more than I paid for their things!
Then, when eBay came about, I posted my first item online. It was an exquisite flower girl dress my then 7-year-old daughter wore just one time. It sold for more than half of what I paid, saving me a bundle!
That was in 1998. Today, I am an eBay PowerSeller.
I am also the wife of an auctioneer.
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1 comment:
Ebay has become the scourge of EZ money. It has ruined brick and mortar antiquing and flea marketing in general. It has ripped off countless Americans because of its scams and buyer bewares. It has affected every transaction we as consumers make whether at Brimfield, Carlisle, Hershey, or at the local auction. Consumers lose big time in my opinion. The world was a better place before EBay. You actually had to work to make money on either side. Now any chump with an account can rip you and others off. I'd rather buy from a physical person or dealer. Anyone who supports EBay deserves what they get. EBay is for slackers.
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