Antique Turkey and Wishbone Pin Thanksgiving World War One

Here is an item I came across recently that when I looked it up online, I couldn't find anything like it. 

This button has an image of a Turkey inside a wishbone. It also has what looks to be part of the American Flag running behind the image. The back of it has the name of a city, Madison, N.J. with Nov. 28, 1918 printed out. 

I did a little research on the emblem, and it was used in politics around this time period as a sign of bounty and good times ahead. I also looked up Madison, NJ and the history of the town to see if there was something important about that particular Holiday. I couldn't find anything. So the pin remains an enigma... But I did list it on Ebay. I started the bidding at $9.99. It did sell... All things said and done it sold on Ebay for $61.00. I was happy it sold for that amount! But I would like to hear any information you might have on this piece! I am sure I won't find another like it, but I love hearing the story of things. 

Do you need help finding pricing for unique Vintage and Antique items?

Do you need help finding pricing for unique Vintage and Antique items? I know this is something that I myself run across semi-regularly. Usually I look to Ebay for help when I am looking to see what things are going for. I search for an item in the search bar, then once it's popped up you can click the box on the left for completed items. There are usually similar items listed to what I have, and this gives me a big clue towards how to price an item for resale.

But every now and again you come across a very unique piece. This happened to me recently. I looked up the item on Ebay, and there was nothing even close to it. The next step I took was looking it up on Google. I usually search the Images tab first, and sometimes I can find a similar object with pricing info this way. I'd say maybe 50% of the time this works. But still with this recent item I couldn't find anything. So with items that are like that - with no Google search attached to them, I had an idea. How about a blog that talks specifically about the item so that others with the same issue can have some kind of an idea if there's nothing on Ebay. And Ebay seems to only keep records for a limited time period.

So please keep following my blog as I update with these rare items. I would love to hear your feedback on the items as well!

Slow Sales?

To stay inspired with working from home and have good sales, you must find items that speak to you. Don't just buy because you know you can make a buck on something. Wait for the items that you are excited about, the items you almost want to keep for yourself, but you'd rather share them with someone else and stay profitable. Plus selling things helps you from becoming a hoarder.

We all go through times when things are a bit slow, but keeping your eye focused on your niche items will help. Especially when you are just starting out selling. If you know what items do well, and sell for a lot online keep researching those items and make yourself an expert. Keeping track of the current sale prices on Ebay does help as well. You can click on the completed listings box after you have searched for an item and it will list all the completed auctions on similar items. This is my go to somewhat accurate price guide. Every item will have highs and lows throughout the year. If you learn the trends you can make adjustments accordingly.

I need to listen to my own advice here. My sales have been slowing because I have made the mistake of impulse buys on things I think are a great deal. Then come to find out they were a great deal because the market isn't hot for that particular item. So I am trying to liquidate some of my less inspired buys. Local Antique Dealers that buy items from pickers, and Estate Auction Houses might be able to help out in this regard as well. I haven't tried either as of yet, but when I do I will let you know how it goes. For now, my advice is buy what you know and love!

Etsy vs Ebay - My thoughts

A lovely Blenko Vase I currently have listed on the Ebay

Is it better to list vintage or antique items on Etsy or Ebay?

 I've been posting vintage items mainly to Etsy since they have a much lower fee of 3% for sold items. But I have noticed that some things don't get the hits on Etsy that they do on Ebay. And since an item needs to be seen by the right buyer to sell I am giving Ebay another chance. I am starting to see a trend. Here's what I have found and what I will probably do from here on out...

Etsy is really good for vintage clothing and accessories. If it's cool, unique, and artsy and you don't mind keeping it around for awhile until it sells Etsy is a great place to list. 

Ebay on the other hand gets way more hits for collectibles and other vintage and antique odds and ends. Housewares and dishes seem to have a much higher following on Ebay. I think there are many more age groups on Ebay since it's been around longer than other sites - my parents both in their mid sixties buy things on Ebay. 

Another thing I love about Ebay is the ability to see what is selling and for how much by just clicking on the sold or completed item search. Makes listing things and doing research on items a lot easier. I wish Etsy had something similar. If you run across a link on Etsy that shows an item that sold you cannot see how much it sold for which can be a bit irritating.

So for now I am listing vintage clothing and accessories on Etsy and almost everything else on Ebay. I am still figuring this business out, but it's been a lot of fun!

Kind of a boring post, but food for thought. If you have any tips or tricks on where you list your items please post a comment!

Thank you!