When The Cost Of Shipping Weighs Us Down

I often find that people don't realize many of the behind-the-scenes considerations of this business, and I suppose it only makes sense -- I mean, do we generally know or understand how to successfully operate our neighbor's business? Ummmm, nope, can't say that I do.

One of the things in my own business that I often struggle with is the idea of selling over-sized items. Not only do I have the challenge of allocating and managing storage space, sometimes the biggest elephant in the room is shipping. Well, actually the cost of shipping. And I realize that, from a buyer's perspective, once you factor everything in and look at the bottom line,

The Story of Golda’s Locks and the Three Buyers

Once upon a time there was a young girl named Golda who collected antique locks.   As she grew older, Golda found she had more locks than she could ever hope to manage, so she decided to set up shop and hang out her shingle, offering her locks to the world.

Realizing much of her collection was alike, Golda decided her “extra” locks would be the perfect place to start.   With visions of that first and many sales, Golda excitedly arranged her front window display with two dozen extras, in rows and rows of colors and size alike. 

Days turned into weeks and many people passed, some slowing to take a peek, but still none stopped to venture in.

Finally, one day a young man opened the door and came inside, quickly scanning the locks in the front window as well as the few others in Golda’s display.

“Can I help you find anything?” Golda asked. 

Feel The Force and Go With Plan B

For the auction or estate sale addict, I suspect it’s something we all occasionally do – one thing draws us in, but somehow it’s another that catches our eye and gets our money. Like a sleight of hand, some magnetic force leaves us shaking our head in bewilderment, uncertain of what just occurred. Each mile of that trip home is one of speculation that this time we’ve really gone and done it; we momentarily lost our head, and with it, all potential for any financial gain. But if we’re lucky, really lucky, fate will be kind and remind us that there’s more to this business than meets the eye.