Flashback Alley

Research Puzzles Made Easier With Evernote

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 18:58:00 +0000

In the antiquing business, I seem to have a knack for being drawn to things that I have no prior experience with. What can I say; I live the antiquer's creed: "Never leave an estate sale or auction empty-handed". Besides... I just love learning new things about old stuff!

But what do you do when you just know, in your gut, that you have something really cool, but you technically don't know what it is or how to market it to those who do, and sometimes don't even know where to start? Ahhhh, yes.... That makes things a little trickier.

After the buying phase, selling online involves a few basic steps, which mostly consist of photographing, researching, writing a description, and establishing a fair price. With each step, you need to have access to the right tools and information, as well as enough time and focus. Me... I rarely have them all, at least at the same time.

Frequently I've gathered all of the right information, but good photos were still needed in the right setting or light. Other times, the photos were a snap, but the daunting task of research forced me to turn my focus elsewhere, leaving that day's mystery to be solved another day. Occasionally, when I was least expecting it (and often weeks or months later), I would miraculously stumble upon a cornerstone nugget of information, only to also discover that my original notes were nowhere to be found.

And then one day I discovered Evernote...

I'm still exploring all of the many ways of putting Evernote to use. But as for my researching dilemmas, no longer am I adding to an unwieldy folder of Word documents containing snip-its of research information or price comps. The folder of expired links to items sold long ago has been transformed into an obsolete depository of information.

Now, with Evernote, I simply select the information I want to save, click my Evernote Web Clipper toolbar button, make any appropriate changes to the clipped title, add a tag word or two for later search refinement, and clip and save my Note selection to the designated "Research" Evernote Notebook. Through the source data saved with each web clip, I know when something was discovered and where it was found, even if that original source site is no longer accessible (as with old listings of sold items). Later retrieval is a snap using tag filter options or searching for a particular word. And with portability of Evernote, you can save and retrieve your information nuggets virtually anywhere!

Now, I'm no longer grumbling about information I once had but have since lost. Instead, I'm quickly learning that I myself would be lost without Evernote!

Through Helping Others, You Really Can Help Yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:03:00 +0000

Recently a dear friend of mine (who's also in the antiquing and collectibles business) asked me to take a look at an upcoming auction's online photos, knowing that my buying interests differ somewhat from hers. I said "Sure!", she sent me a link, and then I returned to the task at hand. Some days it's just too easy to get distracted.

Days and dozens of projects later, she gently prodded by asking if I had any thoughts on the auction coming up the following day. "Tomorrow?!? That's tomorrow? Oh no! You'll need to send me the link again."

With so many things going on and needing to be done, I wasn't sure I was up to yet another distraction. But over the years, she's added to my knowledge base and been such a good friend that I knew I would only be selfish if I didn't at least take a quick peek at the jewelry, glass, and pottery being auctioned off.

Scrolling down the gallery of photos, I saw a variety of things I'd had selling experience with or previously researched for myself, so I relayed to her my thoughts on this and that. Suddenly I stopped and, like a giddy girl, pointed her to a photo that (to me) was immediately recognizable but most wouldn't give a second look.

You see, somewhere along the line (and I can't now even remember when or how), I started collecting a line of pottery that was made in Japan decades ago by a company that was and remains virtually unknown. The pottery is nothing fancy or of high quality or class, but what I find most appealing is its colorful charm. The problem is that it's not very common or easy to find, and many times the pieces -- due to their age and mid-range quality -- are chipped, heavily crazed, and not worth the expense of shipping.

"Please, please," I begged, "Since you're going to this auction, will you bid on this lot for me?" I gave her my bid limit and crossed my fingers, mentally reworking my growing collection display.

She, being a dear friend, happily returned the favor, and the next day, we both came out big winners. She managed to pick up a variety of things, including some figurines I had suggested, all five for the price of one. And me... Yes, I'm now anxiously awaiting my collection additions, which she managed to nab up for a third of what I was willing to pay.

So often I've found that in helping others, I also help myself. Sometimes it's in gaining a deeper connection to the person I'm helping or a better understanding of the topic at hand. And through this particular experience, I was able to help myself to a few more pieces of pottery I otherwise would have altogether missed. Yes, I'm quite glad that she asked for my help and even more glad that she asked again.

Oh, and as for my charming and colorful pottery ... Stop back in in a couple of weeks; I'll be sure to snap a group photo to show it off!

Tap, tap .... Is anyone in there?

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:22:00 +0000

Yes, yes, I know. Here we are at the end of January and it would appear I've taken few, if any, steps to advance into the new year. But if you could see the flurry of activity that's been going on inside my head and behind the scenes, you'd likely tell me to slow down!

The end of December brought closure to not just another year, but also one of my online shops. Between the economy and everything else going on in my world, the additional cost -- both time and money -- just wasn't making economic sense, at least not for the moment.

Instead, I've temporarily turned my focus to a bit of Spring cleaning, both at home and in my shops. With all that I've accumulated over the last few years, it may just take me until Spring before things are all spruced up.

In the meantime, if you ever stop in at Flashback Alley, you'll still find a slow but steady stream of new listings, with a mix of vintage jewelry, vanity items, and some lovely art glass and pottery listings in the works.

Burn out in 2012? Oh no.... I have every hope of burning bright!

2012: Ready, Set, Wait ... Not So Fast!

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 06:41:00 +0000

January 1, 2012... The year is fresh and so is my resolve. However, this time around I'm going to take baby steps. Who knows, maybe I'll actually get there! (Historically I start out the year all fired up with good intentions, but burn out the engines before I even make it past Spring.)

So, here's hoping this year's journey is packed with all the right things -- good intentions, focus, dedication, and follow-through, with just the right amount of enjoyment to provide a smooth, steady trip.

Cheers!

Social Marketing - My Current Day Pac-Man Game?

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 18:46:00 +0000

Okay, I'm probably going to be dating myself a bit here, but back in the day, I spent many an hour playing Pac-Man — you know, those multi-colored arcade video game creatures you navigate through a maze, eating up all the little dots along the way, with the hope of moving on to the next stage. Well, these days, I'm once again trying to navigate my way through a maze, except this time, it's not a game, it's serious business, and the little dots that are being eaten ... well, those are minutes and hours that have been disappearing from my day as I work to increase sales through social marketing.

Thankfully, with time and effort comes reward. Sales have been good and actually even seem to be picking up. So, imagine my surprise when I discovered that it may not be my new game plan after all that was advancing me to the next stage, but instead just good old dedication to the cause.

Wait.... What did she say???

Yes, checking the analytic reports for my online shops, I found that only 10% of my traffic was being referred through various links and other outside sources, social marketing included. Those familiar with and coming directly to my site made up 9% of the traffic, while the majority of traffic (81%) was still coming from pure organic searches. Hmmm...

Checking the ecommerce overview on my own website (a Google analytics feature that tells me the source of each sale), I again found that organic searches were providing the bulk of sales, with one entry reflecting that the buyer came directly to my site.

Now ever curious, I decided to extend my social reach and just get downright nosy with a couple of Internet neighbors, both of whom sell comparable items in competitive fashion (quality content and in-line pricing). I found that not only is Facebook falling flat on its face for the friend taking the social marketing route, the other — who is more old school, with no interest in Facebook or any of the vintage hangouts — has been having even greater success with her sales. Again, I thought Hmmm...

The more I've thought, the more I've come to speculate that maybe, just maybe, at least in the world of antiques and collectibles, none of this should be a great surprise. Not sure you agree? Let's experiment.

For those of you on Facebook, pick your most favorite thing to treat yourself with — maybe it's jewelry, maybe it's art glass, vintage clothing, or coins. Now pick a particular brand name, item, maybe even color, and then search for it... on Facebook. Are you at a loss for which one to choose from or are you simply at a loss in your search? If your buying habits are anything like mine, I imagine it's the latter.

Yes, we've all come to know, love, and appreciate the fact that the Internet can provide instant gratification — a good thing, since most days disappear like the dots in the maze. If there's something we want, we go to the most likely source — the bigger, the better — and then we look. Most times, it's mission accomplished.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not being a social marketing naysayer. I do believe there is definite value in creating awareness of a site, or sale, or special promotion. But I tend to think that instead of link after link and "Like" after "Like," it might just make more sense to try to increase traffic through inviting, engaging means that have more of a personal and personable feel.

Maybe there are a few aspects I'm overlooking, and then again, maybe I've given some of my readers some food for thought. I'd certainly love to hear some of your thoughts on the social marketing maze, as well as buyers' search and shopping practices.

Being a Steward of the Past

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 05:35:00 +0000

As an online seller of antiques and collectibles, I frequently find myself needing to hunt down information on my newest old treasure. Take, for instance, this boxed set of pastel-colored glass snack sets.

Thankfully the set was still in its original box marked "It's A Dilly," and clearly identified the maker as the Gailstyn Company, based in New York -- just enough information for me to search further and get a sense of age. But what would I have done if I didn't have the box? Few, if any, of my friends are familiar with this pattern or company, and none of the books in my library have a section devoted to the Gailstyn Company. Having and preserving this type of information can sometimes be invaluable.

Of course, preserving information solves only part of the dilemma; knowing what you're looking for and actually being able to find it is an altogether different story.

Now that I know the name of both the set and the maker, I find myself wondering how to best preserve and share that information with the next individual who is not so fortunate to have the box.

Have you discovered any information cubbyholes on the internet that proved to be priceless? I'd love to hear any thoughts or suggestions you might have on being a better steward of information from the past.

Well, What Do You Know…

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:36:00 +0000

Ahhh, finally, we were getting out of town for a long weekend to visit family. Even better was the fact that this time I was going to be a passenger, which meant I could gather up a stack of books to flip through and learn from along the way. With so many to choose from, I decided to include my book on British Glass from the 1800s, a perfect one to share with my aunt who still, after all these years, could inspire a smile with just her British accent.

As our first day of visiting began to wind down, I grabbed the oversized book with all the pretty pictures, and my aunt and I sat down to take it all in. The early chapters of the book told of the history of glass house cones, structures that she reassured me were still around to add an interesting element to the view. Then we got to my favorite part -- page after page featuring cut, engraved, and blown glass, with even the black and white photos depicting spectacular beauty through the works of Thomas Webb and others. Starry eyed and slightly salivating, my state of adoration suddenly came to a crashing halt as my aunt softly muttered, “Oh. We would throw glass like this away.”

Now, I’m rather confident that many collectors and dealers just nearly fainted, like I did, from a sharply drawn breath commonly known as a gasp of horror. Adding insult to injury, my dear aunt then told of a friend who had once inherited matching inlaid grandfather and grandmother clocks. Having no need or interest in a couple of big old clocks, her friend solved the space dilemma by simply reducing them to much-needed firewood. (As a clock collector myself, that one really hurt.)

The moral of this story is that sometimes you just don’t know what you just don’t know. So, in an effort to do my part in educating those of you who may be faced with sifting through a loved one’s estate or just clearing out the basement, I’ve added an extra element to my Facebook page with weekly “what do you know” quizzes, comparing values on various collectibles. Curious to see or share just how much you know? Come visit my Facebook page, Flashback Alley, at https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Flashback-Alley/273794567207

A Profile on Memories

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:12:00 +0000

I must admit, it caught me totally off guard. While checking for upcoming events, there it was, the Facebook notice reminder that Jacqie’s birthday was just around the corner. Except this year, Jacqie wouldn’t be celebrating her birthday; the cancer finally made sure of that. But as I looked at her profile photo, I couldn’t help but smile and send her a hug through the air waves. Although she was now gone, she certainly was not forgotten.

Jacqie’s profile photo, and that spontaneous but fleeting connection it provided, suddenly turned my thoughts to all of the tangible treasures that connect me to my past. Almost every room of our home holds a nugget of my history, a remnant of years long gone, a thread to memories still treasured. To others, they would likely be meaningless objects to dust and take up space. But to me, these heirlooms of the heart help to fill the spaces left by those who have since passed on.

My thoughts then wandered to customers I’ve had and emails I’ve received, overjoyed at finding something of their past that they thought was forever lost to the fading memories. Childhood memories or first love fawnings, and each milestone of life that follows, the impressions of the heart are personal, sometimes private, but always special, even if only to us.

I don’t know the relationship that others might have with their nostalgic connectors, but for me, holding the memories in my sight and sometimes in my hands helps me to in turn hold the humility of being human in my heart, and that face-to-the-sun sensation reminds me of the transient nature of each of our existence.

And so, as my awareness returned from the mental journey that Jacqie’s profile picture started, I had renewed appreciation for the fleeting connections that are sparked by a glimpse into the past, as seen through the lens of the tangibles of today.

To Jacqie and all of our friends and loved ones who inspire our collections, here’s to a new dimension on birthdays -- may your memories live on.

The Art Of Minding My Own Business

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 21:33:00 +0000

I’ve managed to do it again. A day that started with good intentions of getting a number of things accomplished is fast transitioning to an evening of scratching my head, wondering just where the time actually went. I did get a few things photographed and a bit of research started, but as for shop listings… well, I don’t yet have anything to show for my efforts. Thankfully, there is still time left in the day and coffee left in the pot. Now, if I could just find my focus.

Yes, somewhere along the way today, I (again) became slightly distracted, checking out the flood of friends’ Facebook posts of their own and others’ shop additions, with a peek at the upcoming local auctions to make sure I don’t miss any treasures.

One of these days, I’ll get it right, start to finish, and actually perfect the art of minding my own business…

The Magic of the Green Velvet Case

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Sat, 21 May 2011 04:43:00 +0000

A cigar-shaped green velvet case, worn with years and thread bare at the edges, sat closed amidst a group of old dusty bottles, a lusterless arrangement from days gone by. My initial response was a quizzical frown, fearing that the morning’s trip may have been a wasted one. But, conditioned by the antique trader’s creed of leaving no box unopened, I reached for the case and gently pressed the front lever as I carefully lifted the lid.

Tucked safely inside on a green velvet bed was an antique mother of pearl letter opener and matching dip pen, its delicate gold point resembling a lady’s slender finger, hushing the most private of thoughts that once flowed from its tip. Like a Genie’s lamp that had just been rubbed, suddenly the old velvet case seemed to come to life, releasing its magic with a story that now filled my imagination.

It’s not often that estate sale treasures speak to me, but in that moment, I “knew” the case that now held my attention once held the message of another’s heart. I imagined it as a gift to a young maiden from her betrothed, soon to head off to an uncertain fate. As I held the tapered pen, the glistening mother of pearl handle beckoned me to caress and twirl it, drawing me further into its rich fantasies with its spiraling golden thread.

Needless to say, I plucked that green velvet gem from that “lusterless arrangement” and now have it prominently displayed in my own living room. Of course, I can’t be certain of the true history of the green velvet case, but it doesn’t really matter. What matters most is that the stories from the past are carried into the present, bringing with them inspiration for tomorrow’s search. With luck, we find the gems that not only feed our imagination, but breathe new life into a treasure of old. At that moment, the circle of magic is complete, awaiting the next imaginative journey.

And the Facebook Oscar for Best Performance goes to…

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 20:35:00 +0000

"You like me, you really like me!"

Social media marketing, just like our ability to accurately remember things, can sometimes be a bit unreliable. If you’re like me, you may have thought the opening “you like me” phrase was what Sally Field said to the viewers and fans back in 1985. It wasn’t. Instead, she exclaimed, “You like me, right now, you like me!" which, you will note, subtly hints at the fickle nature of fans – a near-universal truth, regardless of the platform from which it is proclaimed.

Using Facebook as an advertising arena, I tend to struggle with my Goldilocks theory – how do you know when it’s enough to catch their attention and interest, and when does enough become too much and, in the process, turn people away? Unfortunately, even Goldilocks never won an Oscar, so I can’t rely on her to have gotten this one right.

The challenge with Facebook is that some of your best followers are there every day and could one day come to think of your posts like disturbing funhouse mirrors that never seem to end, while the rest of your favorite fans seem to rarely check in. With infrequent posts, you’re sure to soon be long forgotten to the most fickle of your fans, while the other end of the spectrum presents another dilemma altogether – walking that fine line between posting often enough to catch the rare check-in and posting so much as to inspire your fans to simply become a fan of that little red “x” and disappear altogether.

I’ve lately taken to selecting a few of the more interesting or eye-catching listings and then posting that photo collage on an almost-weekly basis. Interjecting periodic points of interest, such as blog entries or other informational highlights, helps to maintain a bit of balance. Of course, it’s always nice when one of my friends gives a post a thumbs up, even another seller friend who subscribes to the “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” philosophy of social media marketing.

As to if and to what degree any of this really works, well, I’d be curious to hear what the non-selling viewers have to say about what practice earns the right to hear “And the Facebook Oscar for Best Performance goes to…”

New USPS Priority Shipping Rates -- Thinking Outside the Box

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 21:27:00 +0000

For those who ship primarily through the U.S. postal service, we now all know that the postal rates have (unfortunately) gone up once again, with this increase affecting only those items shipped priority mail.   One thing the thrifty shipper (or shopper) may not know is that parcel post may not always be the most cost effective way to go.
I’m now looking to ship a 3-lb. package within the same zone and find that priority shipping provides a savings of $0.24 over parcel post, and that’s not including the supplies and service cost savings to me on the new cardboard box that I don't need to use or the $0.19 delivery confirmation that I don't have to pay.

If getting to the bottom line on priority over parcel post isn’t confusing enough, the USPS has just added four more box sizes and two more priority shipping box options, as well as padded priority envelopes and more, to strain the brains and clutter the closets of commercial base customers, such as those who use Click-N-Ship.   (To determine if you qualify as a commercial base customer, see the USPS article "Priority mail commercial pricing: do you qualify?”) Now more than ever, shop owners who ship via USPS will need to keep shipping options and box (or envelope) sizes in mind when adding an item to their online inventory.

To help drive this point home, consider this possibility. You have a pair of sad irons for sale, rather compact in size but heavier than heck. The shipping cost alone could make a person sad. Shipping them packed at 20 pounds to a bordering state would run just under $20.00 via priority mail, with a large flat-rate box costing $14.20, and parcel post around $14.50. Fortunately, their combined weight falls within the 20-lb. limit of the priority regional rate Box B, which puts your customer at a happy cost under $7.00.   Shipping the same package a few states away would run approximately $42.50 priority, $14.20 for a large flat-rate box, $22.50 parcel post, and just over $13.00 using Box B – priority regional rate service again being the most economic choice for commercial base customers.

This example is, of course, one of the more extreme shipping situations. However, in test comparing prices on even the average-size package, I’m finding that in many instances the regional rate boxes put the cost within reach of the parcel post cost, providing shoppers the opportunity to truly choose savings over speed (and safer transit) or safer transit over savings.

With variables of item size and weight needing to fit within the USPS limitations on priority flat-rate and regional rate boxes, shop owners who don't roll shipping costs into the item price will now likely find themselves needing to review all of their listings, selecting all of the viable shipping options, parcel post included.   And if you’re not yet a commercial base customer using Click-n-Ship or some other recognized commercial-base shipping means, now is without a doubt the time to start, and in the process, hopefully transform that listing into a budget-fitting sale.

Online Discussion Groups … Priceless

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 19:52:00 +0000

It’s a big event and the room is full. Wall to wall, elbow to elbow, so many people engaging in so much chatter, and there you are … no invitation and the sudden realization that you might just be in way over your head. Party? No-o-o-o... You have just entered the world of online sales.

It’s now been well over a decade since my first online sale, but I still remember how overwhelming it all seemed. I’d invest my money then invest my time – hours upon hours of research, sometimes only to find I’d be lucky to get my money back. I was a fairly quick study, but the lessons were many and the resources few. My biggest lesson: Online discussion groups can be priceless.

Fast forward many years and hundreds of sales and my days are now rich with a variety of resources, including a rather extensive library. But my most treasured resources are the acquaintances and friends who, like me, live in a world that revolves around antiques, collectibles, and online sales.

Authors, appraisers, collectors, and sellers fill auction houses or chat rooms, sharing stories and knowledge. For each of us, there are items that may forever remain a mystery, as we’ve come to realize that years of experience aren’t accompanied by a guarantee of knowledge. So we share tips about packing, photographing, and more. We look at photos for auctions we’ll never attend to save friends from the pitfalls or point out the finds.

Half a country away, I know Donnah, who has far more experience with and a passion for EAPG pattern glass. Thanks to Forrest, confirmation on any German pottery is likely just an email away. One person’s blind spot is another person’s focus. Thankfully, with so many people engaging in so much chatter, I now no longer feel as though I’m in over my head.

When The Cost Of Shipping Weighs Us Down

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:14:00 +0000

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,
I may as well be offering to ship you an elephant – the shipping cost just gets in the way.

In the world of online sales, where the cost of shipping can at times really weigh a sale down, the selling options are rather limiting -- either you buy smart and price for a low or marginal profit (and plan on it taking weeks or months for that right buyer to come along) or you stick to the smalls and save yourself the headache. I doubt there's any perfect, middle ground, and the reality (as I see it) is that the great divide in online sales could soon become even greater.

As more and more buyers bargain shop with an eye toward free shipping, I would challenge them to give a few minutes of thought to this behind-the-scenes consideration: While bargains are a fabulous thing, "free" is rarely truly free; a seller's time, inventory, know-how, and supplies are his tools of the trade, and they (as well as actual shipping) come at a cost. Sometimes you get what you pay for.

Do you really want to let that irreplaceable treasure you finally found ride along with an elephant who is weighing down a flimsy box packed with “free” in mind?

The Story of Golda’s Locks and the Three Buyers

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:08:00 +0000

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.

“Well, I’m not sure.” said the lad. “I’m looking for a lock for my father, who’s a collector. I don’t really know that much about locks, but you don’t seem to have that many, and most of these look pretty much the same. Do you have any others that are more interesting and unusual? Ones I can be certain he’d enjoy?”

Golda quickly panned the locks she had on display and for the first time realized they truly were too much alike. Her thoughts turned to the locks she loved and kept safely at home. Unable to bear the thought of parting with even one, Golda meekly told the young man these were all she had, lowering her head and her spirits as he turned to leave.

Many more days and shoppers passed, and still Golda waited for that first sale. One morning Golda reluctantly brought in two of her more unusual locks, placing them in the window for all to see. In no time at all and to Golda’s delight, an older man stopped and looked, then wandered in.

“Can I help you?” Golda asked, her excitement barely contained.

“I’ve collected locks most of my adult life, and I’m always looking to add a piece I don’t already have. This story padlock looks quite interesting and I still don’t own one of these Winchesters. How much might they be?”

Golda told the man her prices, but he shook his head and laughed. “The Winchester must be a fake or broken because that is far too cheap, and the story padlock… well, that one’s priced to keep.”

As the man left, Golda fought back her tears. She thought about how she had priced the Winchester to sell (or so she thought), with so many more at home. She knew it wasn’t broken and it certainly wasn’t fake. Years ago she had found it in her grandfather’s barn, and since it had cost her nothing, its real worth had not been a concern.   Only now did Golda realize that someone not knowing its history might suspect her of deceit. As for the story padlock, Golda bought that just last year at an auction where bids were flying high. She’d paid more than she intended and even more than it was worth, but still had hoped to sell it and get her money back. Now, she suddenly realized the truth in what he said -- she certainly wouldn’t buy it again for that price, so why did she expect others would.

That evening, as Golda studied her display, her thoughts flashed back to the first lock she ever bought and the many others that then followed.   Her favorite locks were not always the fancy, expensive ones, but ones that came with memories.   Suddenly, Golda found her love of locks and her dream of sharing them with the world renewed.

One by one, Golda looked at and studied her locks, rearranging them both in display and price. She mixed the everyday locks in with the bizarre and unusual, setting the prices so they weren’t too cheap to make others wonder, yet not so expensive to make them wince. Once Golda felt she had it all “just right,” she locked up shop and headed home.

The next morning, Golda set out her newly arranged window display, with a few other locks that she brought in. The hours passed and the sun grew tired, and Golda’s spirits waned. Finally, a man known through town as the king of collectors walked past her window pane. He turned, came back, and then he stopped, bending for a closer look. Golda’s eyes went wide and she held her breath as the man reached for the door.

“I’d like to see this lock,” he said, pointing to one she’d just brought in.   He studied and then tested it, obviously delighted that it worked. “This one is just perfect,” he announced, “and the price is perfect too.”

Golda could barely contain herself, excited at a possible sale. “Can I also see that one?” he said, pointing to the story padlock, now repriced. Minutes later and to Golda’s delight she heard, “I’ll take them both, and I’ll be back. Good locks are hard to find. Your selection is just great and your prices are reasonable too.“

Golda wrapped up his locks, the happiest she’d been in weeks. And as he left, Golda realized that in selling locks, the key to her success was not likely going to be making the top dollar on each and every sale. Instead, she would now focus on attracting customers who would buy and buy again, telling others of their most recent treasures and where they had been found.

Golda happily headed home, with many prosperous years to follow.

Feel The Force and Go With Plan B

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:03:00 +0000

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.

More than once, I’ve hit the road or stood in line, ready to scope out and buy an AuctionZip enticement or ad teaser. That’s all good and well; goals are good and a sense of purpose even better. The problem comes when “my” little treasure doesn’t measure up or the competition shuts me down. With money in hand and my heart set to spend, what’s a girl to do? Well, I’ve learned to feel the force and go with Plan B.

Over the years and under Plan B, my booklet of buying practices (as well as our home) has become filled with a lack of focus. I prefer to simply call it “eclectic.” I guess it’s just my nature. In any room and on any given day you might find me surrounded with a sampling of jewelry, glass, pottery, primitives, and just about anything in between. The funny thing is that many of the treasures that adorn our home or have passed through my shop were not items of first choice, they simply caught my eye when I wasn’t looking.

I don’t know that I’ll ever understand the power of that magical magnetic force, but here’s what I do know: While others around me might keep a steady course, buying what they know and selling what they can, I am thoroughly enjoying this ever-changing metamorphic experience. It might be eclectic, it might be downright odd, but these days, if it catches my eye, I’m willing to feel the force and try to build my bank of knowledge, with an occasional bonus to the financial reserves. Along the way, the wonderful reminders of others’ lives and the treasures they held help to reinforce the power of Plan B.