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This happened to me. I had a cool vintage hat up that was one of my first listings, for $15. It’s definitely worth more than that, I just didn’t do enough research at the time.
Someone sent me an offer for $10 yesterday, which I declined, but it reminded me that I forgot to reprice the hat.
So thanks, cheap stranger.
Thanks for the advice! I will be doing a lot of sleeping on it — luckily I have all the time in the world to prepare and make a decision.
I know I’m still probably in a honeymoon period of sorts, but it’s been incredibly interesting so far. I’ve had a lot of fun, and most importantly, I’ve felt that spark of freedom and creativity while scavenging that I’m looking for.
We’ll see how it goes!
Unfortunately, while the USPS requires 30 years to retire, the minimum federal retirement age is 57, which would put me on track for 34 more years.
It has not been an easy decision. There is something to be said for stability and security, but it is not everything — especially for me at this early stage in my life when I have no one to support but myself. I will never be in a such a good circumstance to try something new and exciting like this, and I want that freedom more than anything.
I’m very lucky to have my postal job, and I worked hard to get it. But life is too short to stay somewhere you’re unhappy.
In the meantime, I have no plans to quit right away. I will be developing my Ebay store on the side while I save money and tie up loose ends. If all goes well I hope to be fully independent in 1-2 years. It may also be possible for me to take a part time position with USPS once I get to that point.
Hey Simon, good to know we’re well represented! I live up in the northern valley and do a lot of scavenging around Sacramento.
And hi Jay, nice to meet you.
I am a full time, career postal clerk. I’m grateful to have the job and for many it’s a great ticket to a middle class life, but it’s just not for me. I have always had a wild, independent spirit and I’m happiest creating a life for myself instead of slaving away for someone else’s interests. I’m tired of producing $1000 in value so someone else can make $100 off it and pay me a dollar.
I used to own a small gutter cleaning business and played music on the side, and I enjoyed my work life much more then. Reselling seems to be more along those lines, and excites me the same way working for myself used to. I would rather be happy and free than have a pension.
As far as common shipping mistakes resellers make, there are not too many obvious ones. Make sure your barcodes are easily scannable — that can cause problems in the mailstream. Also, this seems an obvious one, but being nice to your mail carrier is huge. Whether or not it’s right, they have incredible leeway to affect your business, and most essentially can’t be fired. You don’t want them holding a grudge against you for the next 20 years. But that’s generally not an issue for normal, kind people.
