While it's true that eBay brings a world of products to your door, it seems a mixed blessing when you're on the selling end of the transaction. While I've never owned an actual antiques shop, I've sold antiques every other way one can-flea markets, estate sales, tag sales, indoor and outdoor antique shows. So naturally, since I'm a 21st century sort of gal, the next logical step was eBay.
Having been disappointed repeatedly by the condition of purchases on eBay, I've made it my goal to develop a reputation for scrupulous descriptions of the object up for auction. I refuse to offer for example, a vintage tablecloth with spots that might (or might not) come out. If it can be cleaned, I clean it. If it's silver, I polish it. I believe there's a clear distinction between patina and grime. So far, none of my customers have complained about an item not matching its description. My feedback is 100% positive. Now, if I can only get the profit thing worked out. . .
The hard part about profit is knowing exactly what is selling at that particular moment, and by that particular moment, I mean right this second. This past week, I had 13 bids for an item that ultimately sold for $22.10. Last week, the exact thing brought $46.00. That the item under discussion is a Tupperware Toy Mini-Serve-it set circa 1979 brings the transaction into the realm of theater of the absurd. Plus, I have to ship the Tupperware to France. Apparently, collectible kitchen containers that burp are a rarity there. Who knew?
Also for auction last week was a beautiful Victorian sterling silver hand mirror with beveled glass, and a Mc Coy pitcher in an experimental glaze. Both had no bids. Since I clearly am not paying my bills with my eBay profits, my philosophy as a dealer is that I sell to support my collecting habit, so I only buy what I like in case I get stuck with it. I'd rather buy silver, but if Tupperware is what people are buying, I guess I will too. At least it doesn't require polishing! And it's dishwasher safe.
