I had a yard sale...

...and it sucked. Seriously.

My friend Gary (you might remember him from my Springfield post) and I hatched a plan to have a sale at my house. I desperately needed - well, still do, really - space in my basement for the new inventory I am finding this summer, so I wanted to take all the things that have been in my stores for a year out and put them in the sale.

It was, of course, a ton of work. It took most of last week to go through the stores and the rest of my house, gathering things up, organizing and tagging them...

I didn't buy a newspaper ad, but I did post this ad on Craig's List:

Hi everyone, it is time for the 1st annual Vintage Goodness Backyard Blowout Clearance Sale! I sell vintage and antique collectibles online at www.vintagegoodness.com, and I am out of room - everything is priced to sell!!

Friday, July 25th 9am-7pm
Saturday, July 26th - Depends on the weather, I'll post a new ad on Saturday to let you know!

Glassware, Dinnerware, China, Dishes, Kitchenware
Pyrex, Fire-King, Corning Ware, Corelle, Hull Brown Drip & More
Pottery, Figurines, Housewares, Decor
Clothing, Jewelry, Shoes & Bags
Linens & Bedding
Books - from Antique to New, Cookbooks
A whole lot more!!

Pretty good, right? I thought so - but apparently not.

We had maybe 12 people total in about 9 hours, and I sold a grand total of $46, $10 of which came from Will's mom, who felt sorry for us and came over to shop.

We didn't even bother to set up on Saturday, instead I sorted through everything, kept a few things, set some things back to try to sell in lots, and hauled the rest (2 packed full car loads!) to the thrift store.

So, what went wrong? Here are my theories:

1. I live on a dead end street. We put up signs, but just because of where we live we didn't have the advantage of drive by traffic. Parking is also an issue - no cars are allowed to park on the cul-de-sac, which means people would have to park up the street a little way and walk back down to the house - not ideal.

2. I didn't put the ad up on Craig's List until Thursday night. I think I should have put one up early in the week, and again on Thursday night. A newspaper ad might have helped also.

3. The third reason is actually Walt's theory, which makes sense now that I think about it - I shouldn't have put in the ad that I am a dealer. I thought it might attract people, thinking I would have cool stuff - but in reality, maybe it kept people away thinking that there wouldn't be any "undiscovered treasures" or that things would be too expensive. Next time I will just list what I have, and not mention my business at all I think...

Live and learn I guess - at least I got some things out of the house, which I suppose was really the whole point to begin with...

Featured Collectible - Mego & AHI Action Figures

I was lucky enough to pick up a box lot full of vintage Mego and Azrak Hamway action figures a couple of weeks ago... I had never really heard of them before, but apparently they are from the early 1970's and are highly collectible, like most vintage action figure toys. Unfortunately, mine aren't in their original packaging - they would sell for out of this world prices if they were!

I found a couple great collector's websites that were super helpful:
Mego Museum - Mego info
The Gallery of Monster Toys - Azrak Hamway info

This is the Mego Mr. Mxyzptlk from Superman - I'd never heard of him, but of course Will knew all about him... sometimes it comes in handy living with a geek! ;)

Here is a Mego trio from Planet of the Apes - Galen or Cornelius, Dr. Zaius and the aptly named Soldier Ape.

Yay! It's the Mego Captain America! Check out the red boots - very swanky, superhero style...

Mego's The Riddler - one of Batman's many enemies.

Here is the AHI Frankenstein - I think he is my favorite out of all of them, his face is just classic!

This is AHI's Wolfman - creepy, love the painted on hair on his hands and feet!

I think I have like 12 or 13 figures total up for auction, ending Sunday night - I can't wait to see the action during the last 5 minutes of each listing - these hardcore toy collectors love the sniper software!

Flipping Vintage - What To Buy For Resale Online

Last night I wrote the first post in a new series I am calling Flipping Vintage - it's over on The Vintage List blog - if you sell vintage online head on over and check it out!

Auction Wally Radio Show - Sunday @ 2pm EST

It's time again already for another episode of the Auction Wally show! Here's what on the schedule to discuss this week:

- What we bought this week to sell and where we found it

- Strategies we use to promote our eBay auctions

- Tips for dealers on how to save money on gas

As always we will have a chat room open on the Blog Talk Radio site during the show, and we will be taking calls starting at 2:30pm - the number is 646-378-1561 - hope to see you there!

Featured Collectible - Enid Collins Purses

You may remember me mentioning few weeks ago that I found an Enid Collins wood box purse titled Wise Guy, featuring a fun retro owl:

It ended up selling for a happy $68 - and it gave me an excuse to do some research and drool over all the great purses that are out there! Here are a couple sites I found that have quality info about the history of the Collins of Texas brand:
Cool Old Stuff - Enid Collins
Enid Collins Collector's Guide eBook

It seems like both the handbags an the box purses sell well, and price depends on condition and rarity of design. Check out what this one sold for a couple of weeks ago:

Moral of the story - keep an eye out for these on your next thrifting trip! ;)

I am kind of partial to the box purses, especially the more graphic ones with words in their design (they seem to be a bit harder to find, too...). Here is a Love design I am coveting that is up for auction right now:

Of course I would be just as happy with one of these bird designs:

Bird in Hand box purse

Roadrunner handbag

And nothing says the 60's like an orange, yellow and green butterfly:

Flutterbye box purse

I could go on all day, there seem to be dozens of designs - definitely enough to keep a collector busy hunting, that's for sure!

Auction Wally Show - Sunday July 13th @ 2pm

I can't believe a week has gone by since the last show! I hope you all have had a chance to listen. This week we will be talking about Walt's trips to Brimfield (I couldn't be any more jealous!), my lackluster weekend shopping the yard sales, and what we each have been up to online lately.

Last week we kept the show to half an hour, but this week we are going to extend it to 45 minutes and open the last 15 minutes of the show up for phone calls. There have been some issues with phone calls not coming through for some unknown reason, so if you try to call and can't reach us, pop into the chat room and let us know. Well, pop into the chat room anyway, it's an easy way to interact with us while we are on the air! :)

The call in number is 646-378-1561 - click here to tune it at 2pm eastern!

What's new?

I'm sorry I haven't been posting that often, I'm still struggling with managing my time better so I can get everything done that needs done before it should have been done yesterday. Does that make sense? It does to me, and it is the bane of my existence at the moment!

So yeah, blogging keeps getting bumped to the bottom of my to-do list, right above cleaning my house.

I only managed to list a handful of auctions this week, my favorite one being this:

Made in Japan blue bird salt and pepper shakers, they would fit right in on one of my kitchen shelves... *sigh*

I did list some new things on Etsy, including some of my assemblage jewelry:

Baby Annie - Momento Mori Series - Vintage Assemblage Necklace

Like A Virgin - Vintage Assemblage Necklace

Other Etsy newness:

A pair of romantic vintage Corre watercolor prints

Set of 4 vintage Japan footed floral mugs

And new in my 2nd Etsy shop - how adorable are these?!?

Baby girl Kewpie doll crochet pillow

Baby boy Kewpie doll crochet pillow

Life Beyond eBay - Podcast Sunday @ 2pm

My first co-host show with Auction Wally is tomorrow! Walt has titled it "Life Beyond eBay". I did a pre-show post over on The Vintage List blog, which I have worked on getting set up this weekend. I'm working on re-vamping this one too, as you can probably tell. I am thinking of pointing my vintagegoodness.com site directly here...

We are also going to talk about The Vintage List, which I am excited to get to talk about. I have a complete vision of what I want it to become, and I can't wait to get into it with Walt, I think it will be easier for me to express than when I try to write about it.

Don't forget you can call in while we are on the air, the number is 646-378-1561. There is also a chat room that is open during the show, so you can hang out and chat... We will try to keep an eye on it so if you have comments or questions that you want to ask in the chat room you can!

I'm going to be on Auction Wally's show! Sundays at 2pm EST

It's been a while since I was on Auction Wally's podcast on Blog Talk Radio - the first show is here and the second show is here, in case you missed them the first time around... They were a ton of fun to do, and Walt and I have become good friends since then, talking shop pretty regularly both online and on the phone.

At first we hatched a plan to do another show, to talk about my new project, The Vintage List shop directory... But after a few conversations, we decided not to do just the one show, but several shows together, every Sunday at 2pm - kind of a host and co-host type of situation.

I guess that means I'm now officially an online radio show co-host! How cool is that?

I'm really excited to see how it goes, and of course I want all of you to be there listening, chatting in the chat room, and calling in! The call in number is 646-378-1561 - you can call in anytime while we are on the air.

This Sunday we will most likely be discussing not only The Vintage List but also the state of selling collectibles online in general - the eBay situation, selling on alternative venues, etc. It's what is on the minds of a lot of sellers these days, including me! I don't think I will be able to help myself... ;)

Now Open! - The Vintage List - Online Vintage Shop Directory

Finally, I can tell you about my new project - The Vintage List! This is going to be a long post, so grab a cup of coffee and settle in... :)

What Is It, And Why Now?:

It used to be that there were only one or two places where most people sold Vintage online, which made it simple for buyers and sellers to find each other. Times are changing though - in the new Web 2.0 environment, a lot of sellers are opening multiple shops on a variety of different venues, and/or on their own websites.

I realized that having one central directory that lists all the various stores from around the web would be a great solution for buyers and sellers alike! It is my hope that the List will become the #1 source for quality 20th century collectibles on the internet. No use dreaming small, huh? ;)

For Buyers:

Vintage buyers and collectors are a savvy and passionate bunch - for most of us, it is more of a way of life than just a hobby or a passing fad! It is my hope that The Vintage List will become the first stop on every vintage geek's online treasure hunt, because they will know that the sites listed are of the highest quality, containing only authentic vintage merchandise from trusted sellers who make customer service their top priority.

Each shop listed is personally looked over and approved by me, if they meet a set of pre-established standards:

- 85% of their inventory is from the 1920's through the 1970's

- New inventory is added on a regular basis
- At least 20 items for sale at all times

- Feedback scores are 95% and above on those venues that allow Feedback ratings

Also, the directory allows users to rate listings using a star system, and also to leave comments - it's a fun way to let shops know how they are doing, and to let other buyers know which shops you have had great experiences with!

For Sellers:

Making your shops known to buyers is a daunting task, but if we can come together as allies instead of as competitors, I believe the entire online vintage community will benefit. By listing our shops on one central directory, we can make it much easier for buyers to find us, and to find that special something that they are hunting for!

Regular Listing: $15 for 3 months, paid via PayPal - one URL listing into 2 categories

Featured Listing: $30 for 3 months, paid via PayPal - one URL listing into 2 categories, placement at the top of the category page, and in the Featured Listings box

Life On The V-List & The Vintage List Blog:

Included in the price of listing is membership to a private forum community for vintage sellers called Life On The V-List. My vision for this community is to create a group where we can "talk shop", share ideas, resources, and knowledge, and generally support one another as we each work toward our common goal - building an amazing online vintage business! We could also hold sales or promotions as a group as well... the possibilities are pretty endless!

Also, as a member you will be able to submit articles to The Vintage List Blog, to highlight your business, promotions that you are running, or to share information about your area of expertise. The blog will also have a link list to all member blogs that are listed in the Blog category.

Introductory Special!

For a limited time when you purchase a paid listing, you can list your blog in the Blog category for free for 1 year, as long as you place a reciprocal link on your blog back to the List! Click here for the details...

To Wrap This Up, Finally:

Needless to say, I am really excited! If anyone has any questions feel free to email me at thevintagelist@gmail.com.

New on Etsy - Vintage Greeting Cards!

Finding unused vintage greeting cards is such a treat - the illustrations are always amazing, and not only can they be used as intended, they are also great for collage, scrapbooking, and other art projects...

I finally got all of my stash of cards listed on Etsy this week - click on the photos to see the larger version! This is just a couple of my listings to give you an example - I think I actually have like 15 different lots up for sale... I just can't resist them!

Lot of 8 Embossed Birthday Cards

Lot of 5 Vintage Sunshine Birthday Cards

Tons of goodness ending tonight!

I've been so wrapped up this weekend shopping and working on my new project that a lot of the cool stuff I have up for auction that I wanted to show you is ending tonight!

The main thing I just have to share is this totally fab Enid Collins box purse titled Wise Guy - look at that adorable retro owl! I have drooled over these purses before, but never thought I would be lucky enough to find one - but I did! I am going to try to do a featured collectible post about Enid Collins later this week, so stay tuned...

Ok, I really am torn about these Dakin hugging monkeys - like, I hesitate to even tell you about them because I am afraid they will sell!

See, I had these cuties when I was small - in fact, they were born the same year I was, 1975. I loved them to pieces, literally. So when I saw them at a sale, in MINT condition - I had to snatch them up! The lady said they have never been played with, just displayed on a shelf.

At first I was going to keep them, not only because I had them when I was a kid, but because Will has a "thing" for monkeys - actually when we first started seeing each other, he used to call me Little Miss Monkey! He was ready to put them on his shelf next to the pink Love monkey I got him for valentine's a couple of years ago... they certainly made a cute little group!

But, of course, practicality won out and I listed them. If they don't sell, I may just go ahead and keep them - or put them in my brand new Etsy shop.

Oh, wait - I didn't mention that I started a new Etsy shop this week, did I? It's called Vintage Goodness Too, and it will be focused on vintage children's items. Nothing is in it yet, but it is all set up and ready for me to start filling it up! A few things I am putting up for auction this week will end up there if they don't sell, like these:

Miller Studios chalkware puppy dog plaques - how cute would these be in baby's nursery!

I have a whole bunch of other things of course - kids books, dolls, games, ephemera - that are probably skipping eBay and going straight into the shop...

Ok before I go, I have to show you one other thing that is ending later this week... Remember the post I did on vintage Ouija Boards? I found a 1960's Parker Brothers board:

And guess where I found it - a church sale! Too funny....

Featured Collectible - Vintage Chenille Bedspreads

I've found a couple vintage Chenille bedspreads in the past - but nothing as amazing as this one! I about died when I found it this weekend, crumpled on the bed at an estate sale. The colors are gorgeous, and the pattern is really sweet - a heart flanked by spring flowers:

These spreads are highly collectible, and they come in a wide variety of colors, styles and patterns. I was so excited to find a couple catalog pages on Wish Book Web featuring Chenille spreads!

Look at these original prices!! Unreal... From Sears, 1942 (click to enlarge):

From Spiegel, 1942 (again, click to enlarge - you gotta see the detail!):

Of course I had to poke around eBay and see the others that are currently up for sale. I was shocked there were so many! Most of them have a very cottage chic type of vibe, like this beauty:

Others are much more, to put it delicately... um... wild. Yeah, that works. I think my favorites are those featuring peacocks - not for the faint of heart! Check out this over the top gem:

I also fell in love with this really unique hearts pattern - it's like a valentine made of fabric!

Ahhh, if only I had a few guest bedrooms to decorate...

Where the hell have I been?

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, I swear. I'm just letting you guys miss me, that's all. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and all that. Right?

Really I've just been busy busy, as always. I have a brand new project I am working on - and it's big. Like, I'm probably crazy for taking on the task - but I am so excited about it! I am hoping to be able to launch later this week. I can't make any promises though, I made the mistake of starting a project while Mercury is retrograde, so I've had plenty of stumbling blocks! I'm working it all out though, so stay tuned...

I've been shopping like crazy - there were so many sales the last couple of weekends I was almost overwhelmed. I got some killer stuff too - I'll be listing some of it over the next few days, I'll post about it for sure!

I have also been making an effort to list a few new things on Etsy every day. I am moving all of the clothes I've been listing on eBay over to Etsy if they don't sell - in fact, all the ones I showed you before are now on Etsy, plus a lot more, and more to come!

Check out the amazing vintage tin toy pins/badges I listed also - they are mint on card! The sale I got them from was selling all kinds of old toys and prizes from the 60's and 70's, the kind that were prizes at county fairs.

Bugs! Ladybugs, dragonflies, bees... and cockroaches? ;)