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This is just a rant, here where it’s safe as opposed to in the face of the family member that deserves it! I love my eBay store, and I love my family, but I need to vent. Don’t read it. 😉
Jay & Ryanne, you are so lucky to have and be supportive, involved partners. While I am happily married, I’m solo in this business. I’m tired of ‘nudge nudge wink wink’ America’s Hoarders references, or my income compared to working at McDonalds. I’m fed up with “advice” from family members who have NO idea what I’m doing, how it works, or what my restrictions are.
I’ve got a box full of Chico’s clothing because “it’s a great brand!” that I have to pay for because they picked the stuff up for me while they were out at yet another yard sale or thrift store. Yes, Chico’s may be a great brand, but it’s on a glut on eBay and doesn’t sell; so your $5 bargain will sell for $6. Blunt responses don’t help. Yet another Chico’s shirt arrives. I’m tired of advice on how and when to ship items, or how to do my listings, or how to organize my stock. Or – horror of horrors! – offers to organize it for me.
As my store grows and the orders pile up and the money comes in, my husband is being cautiously positive. Although he can be unhelpful: he will tell me that I need to focus on my shop and make it work! (shades of Tim Gunn) yet, in almost the same breath, ask me why the laundry has piled up, or why I haven’t raked the garden where the chickens dig up the stones.
My community, on the other hand, is fantastic! And making things worse. In our small rural community, folks are now calling me to collect stuff. Lots and lots and lots of stuff. In the past week I’ve sold: Mako Saddles for $45, an empty tequila bottle for the same price, and some Dead Sea cream for $35; all donated by folks in the neighborhood clearing out their stuff. There’s no way I’m turning down free inventory, especially when some of it sells within days of listing, but it sure adds to the Death Piles.
Overall, I love this life. As I get into a groove of listing and resolve some of my photography problems, my Death Piles are shrinking. The two weeks I spent organizing all clothes, linens and shoes into labeled boxes made the DPs far less frightening, and reduced space, which has made the other half happy. I look at all your stores where you have sales of $500 per week and resolve to get there too. That would make such a difference in my life.
And I will get there!
Just as soon as I’ve finished the laundry and raked up the chicken scratchings!
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I would never give my family money for items that are junk. It sounds like you just need to set boundaries. It’s your business. Be the boss.
It’s unfortunate your partner isn’t always supportive, and he expects you to do all the house/yard work. I’m sure other sellers on here can share their experience. Often it’s just money. As soon as he sees the money you bring in, he’ll get excited.
Just keep plugging away listing and do your research so you aren’t wasting time on low dollar junk.
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I totally understand what your saying. My husband was not supportive, well to a certain extent depending on his mood when money rolls in. I jumped out of a traveling sales corporate job getting paid almost six figures. Hated what I did and decided to jump out. Little did I know, I would run into Ebay and reselling used items. For a while, I had multiple beat downs as people were questioning the type of business I was in. Including my in laws and parents, let alone my husband. Questioning every step of the way. My first year, never felt so alone. They recently told me to quit and I should go back into the corporate world. Because of all the pressure, I was actually considering it and posted my resume. Went to interviews, got a job offer and I declined because I knew if I would’ve accept it, I’m betraying myself and my life dream of owning my own business. I love antiques and vintage items and love watching antique roadshow as a kid.
I think about all things in my life and realized I’m most happiest now. Even though, I don’t get to go out for dinner three times a week or live in a spectular home with my Greek God water fountain. I may not make the same amount FOR NOW. But, this business is mine. It’s not the most glamous, but it’s my business and I own my own time and they don’t. I have no regrets walking this path and grateful to stumble upon Scavenger life so I can get some support.What I have to say is, You GO GIRL!!!
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It sounds like your family members have misplaced good intentions. Could you print out a list of brands you’re actually looking for, give it to them, and put those good intentions to work for you? If not, I’d just politely decline to purchase the items but maybe offer to help set the family members up with their own eBay stores. When they see what’s involved, they might ‘get it’ a little more.
As for the husband issue, I’m not sure what to tell you. For the most part my husband is supportive, but at the same time if I had a ‘real job’ we’d probably have more money and better health insurance, so that’s sort of looming over all the conversations. And, self-employed or no, I’m a slovenly housekeeper. That’s a whole other problem. 🙂
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LOL. I did, Kate, not just brands, but items too. I kept it down to half a page so that it was short and sweet. Guess what I got? 😀
Yeah, the whole more money/reliable income is what’s driving the hubby’s concern. He has done his best to be supportive of me in practical terms, like building my light set up and putting my shelving up, but he can’t be supportive of what he doesn’t understand. He’s a company man, worked for the same crowd for 35 years, and his concept of entrepreneurship is zero. So he does his best.
ROFL. Yeah, housekeeping is not on the top of my priorities. If it’s clean enough, it’s good. I don’t live in a museum! But clean enough to me means e.g. a pile of dishes at the end of the day, washed and left to air dry, then put away in the morning. I wash dishes every day, kitchen is always clean before bed! But it drives the hubby bonkers. He reckons they should be washed, dried, and put away immediately after use. My response? “Go for it, babes. Clean drying towels in the drawer!” I have a stack of drying towels, so my once a week pile of laundry is not a problem – if you don’t count that it drives him crazy too! ROFL.
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Thanks Lily210. Yup, sounds like you and I are paddling in the same canoe. My in-laws are the most disapproving, and my husband is just worried about the funds. I like your perspective though. I think I’m going to frame your quote, if you don’t mind, and keep it close!
It’s not the most glamous, but it’s my business and I own my own time
Jay, you’re right on the money that it’s the money. If I made enough, DH would stop fussing. He’s only worried about finances. I had a nice, safe $50k per year job. Now I’ve got expenses and loads of stuff, with no fixed income. List more, sell more, make more, happy husband. I’ll get there!
Re the family though, I did think of saying no, but considered it a case of win the battle, lose the war. It’s small change, maybe $30 a month. Not worth putting family in a tiff. YOu know how in-laws can sniff down their noses at you? Avoidance is a tactic! LOL. And I think I’ve figured out a solution for how to get rid of it. The words “capsule wardrobe” are key. 😉
Thanks to everyone for all your input. I was feeling peeved yesterday, but I’m back to myself today. I’m going to frame Lily210’s quote and put it up VERY BIG for the family to read, or me to point to, when necessary. Ha!
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