This will be short and sweet as I really need to get busy. I've had my sweet grand babies here since last week, and being 2 and 3 years old, you know that means you don't take your eyes off of them for one second. LOL
I have to destash....seriously destash for several reasons. I'm asking from those that maybe have done this in the past if there is a better way to do this. I'm talking quilting, cross stitch and TONS of brand new scrapbooking (what was I thinking?)Ebay? Etsy? Put lists on here? I really don't have a clue. I have a long arm that I have never used and also a Qbot that has never been used, either. Both I really need to sell, but don't have a clue. I'm a bit scared of Craigslist after hearing about some of the weirdos out there. LOL It scares me to let some stranger in my house.
I will post more later, but I'm working on this a bit today, and thought I would ask if there were any of you "seasoned" quilters that could give me some ideas. I'll be anxiously waiting to hear your ideas. Any and all are SO APPRECIATED!!
Love to all....
20 comments:
I'd create one major list and post it on your blog and Craigslist, which are free, and save Etsy/eBay for the things you cannot sell. But that's just me! I don't think you could go wrong either way, but the latter would both take more time and money to create separate listings. I've sold a lot on Craigslist, and you can often tell by the e-mails who you don't want to reply to.
Great idea, Lindsay. Especially for the long arm and Qbot, it would be much easier for someone closer to want those, due to it would be horrible to try to mail those. Thank you for the info!
I have never had any experience with selling on ebay or etsy or craigslist. But I wish you luck.
I have to agree with Linsay. Put everything into your blog and see what goes that way. Then I'd go to Craig's List (although that makes me a little leery when you hear about some of the things that go on), and then Etsy or Ebay for what you can't sell. I'm sure that you'd be able to get rid of a lot of things this way.
I also agree to first post pics and lists on your blog. Create a separate post to refer to that you can update as items are sold. You can use craigslist for more expensive items. When I have sold on there, I am limited (by hubby) to ONLY show items when he is there. So early evenings, but mostly weekends by appointment only is what I put in my ad. You can also do one big yard sale, listing items on craigslist in the yard sale area...with key words as "fabric", "quilters", and a separate listing for the long arm. I search all the time on craigslist for fabrics and I rarely see any for sale. If I saw a yard sale specifically for quilters I would be there in a heartbeat! I love bargains!! Also list the hours you will be open for business and address and be prepared for people showing up early. They ALWAYS do! I would NOT put in a phone number. I hate getting phone calls! I just have them contact through the blind email that craigslist offers. Put me on your mailing list if you offer stuff on your blog! :)
Linda V
homesweetquiltinghome.blogspot.com
I don't have any suggestions (they have all already been made) but I'll keep a look-out to see what you are getting rid of!
I figured after keeping the babies all weekend you would be napping today! (called earlier but no answer - call me!)
You can first make a page on your blog for items you are selling and have others spread the word.
You can still do craigslist just put pics of what you have for sale and when it comes to the exchange of money/product. Meet in a neutral place. I have done that before.
You can also try using backpage.com.
Hope this helps.
Carolyn, I think that we both live in the Houston area (????) and if you email me, I will give you the name of a couple of on-line sites, that you may want to look into. I tried to email you directly, but it keep showing errors. My email address is: slotmachinemimi@yahoo.com
Thanks, Susan
I would try eBay first, then Etsy. What's left you could put on here. Good luck destashing!!
I love Linda's response, only I would say post on craigslist, just make arrangements to meet the buyer somewhere PUBLIC, like the library. If there are things you just want to donate, try Volunteers of America, Goodwill or Freecycle. (Both Goodwill and Volunteers of America have drop-off centers and will take fabric and notions and such).
Another thought: if you're looking to get more traffic on your blog, you could always do a giveaway. Sew Mama Sew has great major giveaway days where they link up everyone's blog and you could get listed there (or just have one for your faithful followers and see how quickly word spreads).
http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/
I'd love to see your list on your blog so I can go shopping!
I'd have pics, dimensions, prices, payment type accepted and shipping details (where you'll ship to and costs)all clearly stated and your list broken into separate posts for each category, ie all quilting together, all stitchy together etc.
The aussie dollar's value has made shopping in US really attractive!
I agree with most of what's already been posted. You might also see if you have any friends that want to join you in craft yard sale (or if you have enough do your own LOL). My quilting buddies and I did one about 2 years ago -we made over $1000 and there were 6 of us. We sent flyers to some of the local quilt guilds to get some traffic in. Just be prepared that at these kind of sales people are looking for bargains and don't want to pay a lot....in our flyers we emphasized it was a good time to save money becaue of the economy. We got rid of tons of stuff! Good luck.
You also might want to check w/your fave LNS. You know how we ladies love to talk to the ppl that work there.
Craigslist could work if you put your stuff into the garage or yard so no one goes into your house - if the stuff is too big to put into your car every time someone wants to see your item.
Ebay: keep in mind you will have to do shipping. Yes, they pay for it, but you have to box and get it to the p.o.
Good luck!
I agree with those who have cautioned you to meet your buyers in a public place....DON'T have them come to your home in this day and age. Just not safe. Hope you make some sales - you can spend your earnings on organizational units AND more fabric, right?! LOL
Jacque in SC
quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hey there Carolyn! Well since I don't do craiglist, I say list the stash here & on your BB so I can have a look all the way here from Canada!!! I would do whatever I could to save on extra fees/charges. Looking forward to seeing what you decide!
Cheers my friend.
Maureen
Also be sure to include the cost of postage. Check into the cost for shipping. You don't want to settle on a price and then find you will pay more than that to ship it. I'm just starting out in quilting, and most of the goodies I have received have come in US Postage boxes that are "if it fits it ships" type of boxes.
I totally agree about listing on your blog. You have alot of readers with the same interest that would jump at the opportunity. If you go with CL, meet in public. DH listed an item there and we met in a public area to ensure nothing unexpected. Lots of luck.
This is something I need to do myself. I've gone through my small amount of stash and weeded out the items I just know I won't stitch due to changing taste.
I agree with making a page on your blog for your sale list, but use Craigslist for bigger items. I've utilized Craigslist many times - mostly for purchases and love it. My sister in law however, has sold a few things by way of it and has never had any problems with people picking up. Mostly they've come when her hubby has been home, or they've met in a public place between her home and work.
Carolyn-
You are such a generous person and the suggestions on the other posts are great ideas. It is going to be work no matter what you decide but the final results will be worth it!
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