Dreary Saturday work on Ebay

Today is a very dreary Saturday. There is not much going on as far as garage or estate sales. There was one estate sale in Winder and one in Athens. (These are in totally different directions.) The kids each had a friend sleep over last night so it was a slow start getting ready this morning. I have been cold since I woke up. Needless to say, I was not very motivated to get out. Kurt, my hubby got ready and left to go to his shop. I called him and let him know about the sale in Winder as it was close to his work. He called me back and asked me where it was again. I guess they decided to cancel because of the weather as he couldn't find it. Well, glad I didn't get the kids ready and out for nothing. I decided to skip the one in Athens and work on the computer listing things for sale instead.
I spent an hour on facebook catching up and playing Mafia Wars. Yes, I am addicted to that game. I guess it helps me get some frustrations out in an innocent way!
Then, it was on to Auctiva to list some things on Ebay. I had some photos that I bought from the same sale that I got the mortuary items from. There are 3 great lots with some pictures hsown here. One of them is Nascar photos from the 1960's with Cale Yarborough (not shown) and others. The other 2 lots are WWII Army lots. One is from Germany circa 1945 and the other misc with some MP's from Fort Benning. I am hoping these will do well. They are interesting to look at. I also listed a grouping of lighters. Nothing that is a wow, just a group of regular lighters in used condition. A low starting price and no reserve should send them on their way.
The kids are getting restless being inside all day. We all need SPRING so we can get out. I need the sales to replenish my inventory and they need to get outside and play. So, I am off with visions of flowers and long days in my head.

When to call a Professional

Okay, last I wrote I was working on Ebay Mortuary items from an estate sale. Well, I also had some items from the same estate listed on Ebay and they ended last night. They did awesome! They far exceeded my expectations. Some of the items I had for sale were: an old fire dept or ambulance siren ($560.00), Santa Fe Army book from 1935 ($100+), Napcoware lady head vase ($100+). These were the very top sellers. I made my money back from the book and the rest was profit. I really needed that. There are many times when you make about 25% profit on your investment and that doesn't take into account your time driving and finding the stuff.
A few weeks earlier, I was talking to another friend who does antiques and he told me he was at the sale 2 weeks before it started and about all the good stuff I missed out on. I noticed there was a dumpster outside the home and asked him about it . He said there is no telling what they threw away,he got there after they started cleaning the house out. I guess it never occured to them that someone would want this "junk". I told my hubby about this conversation and I guess it piqued his interest. Being that this was close to his shop, he decided to go investigate. He called me from inside the dumpster. He found some silver coins and silver certificates. He also said there was bags and boxes of vintage clothes and shoes and lots of other things. McCoys planters, Fire dept patches,lighting. This family could of made ALOT more money if they would of just called someone in the business to handle this estate or just for advice. My advice to you if you ever have an estate to handle- 1. Call someone. Most everyone I know would give you pointers for free. 2.Don't throw ANYTHING away. 3. Hire someone to handle it for you. The cost will be minimal if you have any kind of collectibles and antiques and don't have the know how or resources to look the items up to get the value.

Estate sale find- Mortuary items

So, I have been spending some time with mortuary items today. I went to an estate sale last week in Winder and it was of a family who used to own a funeral parlor. Originally, it was downstairs in their home and they lived upstairs. They later moved it out.
Side note: It is a very interesting old Victorian house and currently for sale at a bargain price although it does need updating. Anyways, I bought a bunch of items there including these. I think the family was glad to get rid of them. I bought a folding coffin table/stand and a portable drapery. I also bought some clothing that they would sell to you, new in the box ,and a few old leather bags and cases for embalming. I have to admit, handling them did creep me out a little. I cleaned them very fast and handled them as briefly as I could. I could never work in this field although I do find it interesting. I have some of the things listed on Ebay and the rest will start on Sunday.
I just never know what I may find (or buy) when I go out looking.

How to start?? musings of a tech idiot and antique collector

As a newbie to alot of internet options and not tech savvy, I have to say thinking about how to start this blog has been overwhelming. I have read many others blogs and am worried about sounding interesting and sensible as I tend to think of many things at once. So bare with me as I gain my footing.
I decided to start this conversation to connect with people who share the same interests as I do and hopefully gain some knowledge and friends in the mix. I have been collecting antiques for 20 years and have sold them for at least 15. I have had rented booth space for many years, had a physical shop for 5 years in an old train depot- hence- Along the Line , sold on Ebay for over 10 and have recently joined Etsy. I find the mixture of selling avenues to be the right combination for me. Do you collect? What do you do with your finds? At least half of the fun, for me,is in finding the items. It is such a thrill to locate a good deal or hidden treasure especially if you know others have passed that by before you. And, if you get lucky enough to find something to add to your collection or sell it and make a bit of money on it, all the better! I hope to share with you some of my finds and things I passed up. Feel free to share yours.
I have to end here for now. It is time to go scour the countryside and see what I can see.