Sunday, July 15, 2012

Trash Talk

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About 10 years ago I first heard the phrase “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”  When I am out scouting for items to resell, I think about the friend who told me this and wonder if what I pick will be appreciated and sought after by adventurous shoppers.


The business of buying and reselling is a gamble – but it is something that helps supplement our income.  With the nagging threat of a job loss on the forefront, coupled with the horrific price of health insurance that we pay out of pocket, my little business is not only fun but a necessity at this point. 
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One rule of thumb that I keep in mind when selecting items to sell is to think outside of my safety zone.  This means that every now and then I need to buy something that I would not necessarily use in my own home. For example, I recently found a Mid-Century modern Starburst wall clock at an estate sale.  Yea, not my style, but a few days later it was purchased by a young couple who loved it. 

I adore old scales, clocks, ironstone, transferware, old floral Sunday oils (with holes, too), galvanized buckets, rusty baskets, oil cans and chippy painted furniture.  Though not elegant and refined, these old pieces have personality with their aged and weathered appearance and fit “my style” of decorating, which I describe as an eclectic mix of cottage and English style decor.
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The vintage store display below was one of those finds that I thought would be wonderful out on my patio to hold potted plants.  Instead, it is for sale in the shop.  It would be just perfect in a kitchen!  Wouldn’t it be great to display old crockery bowls and neatly stacked piles of French towels?  Or, better yet, use for a little mini bar – after all, it says “Perfect Cocktails Every Time With Holland House.”
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My favorite egg basket sold the other day and now I am having seller’s remorse for putting it in the shop to sell.  That’s how it goes though – can’t keep everything!  One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.  The search is on for another one!

29 comments:

Terra said...

That is a unique little mini bar with the sign. Yes, one man's trash is another man's treasure.

Pondside said...

Becky, I admire your inventiveness in finding a way to supplement your family's income - you've got something that gives you pleasure while you work. I'm sure you must be responsible for a trend or two down your way!

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

I hear ya- it's tough to let things go to sell......I do it all the time.....and know I must, too....but it is a strong remorse every time I do it.

Empathetic hugs to you.

I live your treasures a lot.

Buttercup said...

You've found treasures in trash. I love to look at books and do some reselling there.

Amber Lyon Ferguson said...

I feel the exact same way about the risk of buying for resell. I try to stick with buying things that I can use or live with just because we don't have a lot of storage space but occasionally I have had the same experience with buying something that I wouldn't use and it gets snatched up quickly.

Great images on this post! I still haven't had a chance to message you about my Scottie but I definitely will. We did the big $$$$$ allergy testing and he will be starting his shots soon so hopefully he will get relief.

Amber

Susan said...

You did well with your little mini bar. I love it when I see people put other peoples trash to good use!

Brenda Pruitt said...

I fear that is how I'd be. Never be able to give those treasures up!
Brenda

Shirley Hatfield said...

What you said about the starburst clock...I have always hated them. My mother-in-law had one. But my oldest daughter had one on her Christmas wishlist last year. It's true that you never know what will appeal to someone else. =D

cynthia lee designs said...

I do shows to help out with our income...for the first time ever with our insurance, we have to pay everything out of our pocket until we reach our deductible of $7000. It feels like we are paying on insurance that we don't really have.
I go through the same thing as you do...of wondering if I have the right items in my booth to sell. Do I only have in there what I like or have things for everyone's taste? I do find that I have items in there that are more my style, but I do try to have other styles in there too.
Cindy

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

Oh, Becky, I need to come down and visit you and your shop!!!!!

So so funny, I posted a photo of a scale on my post yesterday that is very similiar looking to the one you have posted her!! If you want a laugh, come check out my post, Doreta and I were trying on hats and accessories yesterday at Nested Treasures!!!

Have a wonderful week!!

xoxo

NanaDiana said...

Oh- The trouble is I fall in love with everything and don't want to part with any of it- It's a sickness I tell you- xo Diana

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Hi Becky,
You have amazing taste and a keen eye for treasures.
You find beauty in everything...
Have a sweet week and sending you big hugs, Elizabeth

Kris said...

I love scales too! I sold some treasures and have had sellers remorse ever since!!!!!
XO Kris

Kathleen Grace said...

I think the idea of buying outside your comfort zone is a good one. Earl and I have trolled antique shops for years and I have noticed that often you can go from shop to shop and see mostly the same items over and over. Finding those unusual pieces would be so refreshing! You have great taste, I know you'll be successful!

Elsie said...

Becky I have heard that saying all my life. It is so true! I would have a terrible time selling any of my good stuff. Although that is such a fun way to supplement your income. The fun is in the hunt.
You feel victorious when you score something big. Such Fun!!! Oh and I have 3 of those scales you show and my mom had one of those starbust clocks and I never liked it either. You never know what might appeal to others. Good luck selling everything, if only I were closer so I could shop at your space.

Vee said...

Oh I had never thought of it that way...that you'd have to think beyond your own tastes to what others might enjoy. I'm sure that you love doing what you do and imagining what a young couple would love or a modernist or a prim person... I know this, I've seen many an item here that I would've loved. Hope you find another egg basket!

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Hi Becky!

I know what you mean about purchasing items for resale. It's a gamble sometimes. I don't have a lot of storage space either. Good luck with your selling!

Hugs,
Debbie

Mimi Sue said...

You definitely have a great eye when it comes to finding these treasures. Mimi

Sarah said...

I'm popping in from Alison's. So happy to find your beautiful blog! And a big congratulations on winning Alison's gift. Those ironstone pieces and wicker wrapped jug should fit right in. Wish I lived near your shop, I'd be there buying some of those treasures. ~ Sarah

andrea@townandprairie said...

I get seller's remorse all the time, too! But, the money does help to pay for kids' socer fees and Christmas, so it's not all for naught! It all goes to good causes! It's not like you're squandering your profits away on bad things... you're doing the right thing for your family and that should always give you peace of mind! A new follower from Allison's, Andrea

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I've had seller's remorse a few times, too...but at least we get first picks, too! Lots of eye candy on the post!

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Congratulations on winning the wonderful items from Alison at the Polohouse....You have a wonderful blog...I am a new follower!!!

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

First of all CONGRATS on being the winner at Alison's giveaway! I came over from there and now am anxious to explore your sweet blog! You are so right about another's treasure. That is what I find every time I have a yard sale:):) XO, Pinky

wendy said...

You find great things I think.
So true, isn't it, how what one person want's to throw away
Another Says GIVE ME GIVE ME

craftyles said...

Love that rusty scale. I like the idea of using things for another purpose, it's where people can get creative. You certainly have with your treasures. I also think it's the thrill of the hunt-weather you keep it or not. So many beautiful finds in this post!

BittersweetPunkin said...

I love that! It would make a great mini bar indeed! Is it sold? :)

Chenille Cottage said...

Wonders never cease....! It's amazing the treasures that are discarded as junk.
I love your post...and have several old scales. They add so much to a charming vignette.
Blessings, my sweet friend!
Carolynn xo

Sinta Renee said...

You are so talented and creative. I am positive that you give a voice to the items in your booth and in tern it will speak to the right person. You can be sure your treasures go to a loving home.

Elma said...

Glad you can find treasures to sell.We also buy our own health insurance and it is insane.