Off Topic: Help Help Ebay's got ME....
 

I feel myself slowly slipping away... like I do at garage sales!

Going, going, gone!

Actually I haven't spent very much $$ yet, but I am looking around and finding many things to help with our summer home.. and a couple of rare tidbits for me personally.

I think I will garage sale on Thurs/Fri locally... this new time I have with retirement is rather nice! LOL

Uh-O....
 

Mrs. D,
Time and retirement also equate spending more money? :D Have a good time with the garage sales. I love them. I'm staying away from ebay.

Billye

Buying on Ebay can either be the best thing since sliced bread, or if you become compulsive about it, it can be your worst nightmare.

Being a seller for over 10 years (I think it's 10 years), I have only bought about 12 things in total. But I needed everything I bought. I am not the type to simply go to Ebay and say "oh, this is cute, let me get this". This makes no sense to me. But what my friend does also makes no sense to me either.

She watches QVC, or Home Shopping. She buys something every day. And I mean every day. Either it's jewelry, or it's a Pannini Press, but the best was the Seal A Meal that she got for $50.00 and never even opened up the box.
It was delivered and she promptly put it in her closet and that was 2 years ago.

She told me today, I have no room to put any of my clothes. I told her "why don't you sell your stuff on Ebay"? She says "Oh I can't be bothered".

In her closet there are 50 pairs of Easy Spirit Shoes. Thank God I wear a size 10. I never will have to buy another pair of sneakers. I either get my diabetic shoes from my insurance or I go to her house and she gives me brand new shoes. I have a white pair and a black pair of Easy Spirit. She can't stand them. She also has New Balance. She can't stand them either.

She just bought a new pair of shoes last week for $129.00. You guessed it. She can't stand them either. Last week there was a gold chain and some kind of diamond pendant thing.

She's not the only one I know who does this. My 75 year old neighbor around the corner has every catalogue known to man. You see, there aren't that many flea markets or garage sale by us, so it's either QVC, HSN, catalogues or EBAY. And my 75 year old friend doesn't do computers.
She does Harriet Carter, Lillian Vernon, etc.

She loves handy dandy kitchen gadget, AS SEEN ON TV products (just like I do). She has everything in her kitchen. If it's on tv, she has it.

The mops, the toaster oven, the doggie stairs, the gadget for this and the gadget for that. She could open up a gadget store.

So my dear Mrs. D. You are nowhere in the same league as these compulsive people. You go right ahead and go to EBAY and if you see something that you need, and it's a good price, and the guy has good feedback, then you should go for it.

Enjoy!!!

Me?? I wish I had my friend (with the shoes), well I wish I had her money. Her closet alone is worth a fortune. lol

Melody
P.S. I forget to mention that yesterday she went to Long Island, came home, called me up and said "Melody, I bought 3 pounds of coffee for $32.00. I said WHAT???? and she said "oh, they're fabulous. They are English Toffee, Amaretto, and some other kind. Can't remember.
But she's good. She always gives me little samples of the coffee. I must try the English Toffee

I reckon Ebay is great too, i must admit i got a bit hooked as well but there are some real bargains that come up for sale, sure beats paying inflated retail prices for stuff you need.

Brian :)

My recipe for avoiding SHOPITIS?
 

Is to SLEEP on IT [any purchase]...If IT was really worth it, it's gonna be there and fate after you sleep on it and thus all the sweeter?

It's always the ones you either 'got' [that you don't really need] or those that 'got away'...The world hasn't gone away because we have it or not.

As Cats, and some Dogs say: Life is hard, then you nap! I really like that concept? Good 'hunting'? - j

Well, I did get the dutch oven I wanted...
 

from the gal I will pick it up from... 9.00 (the new New vision glassware is $80.00)

I also got a music CD of the old 70's prog band Renaissance (which we both love) for 2.50--it is a rare live version recorded in England.
and two solar powered lights for outside for the dock up north 2.50 but pretty high shipping. I think they raise the shipping charges if they feel no one will bid high. I've been watching that happen alot. I also found a 21 LED light you strap on your head so you can walk in the dark hands free..it is very nice and state of the art and uselful for up North where it is very very dark. I also found filters for our water filtration set up... 1/2 off. I've been tempted by a "store" seller to get a bird bath. But the one we did makeshift from a planter's saucer worked pretty well, and wasn't too ugly. The Ebay store prices are just like retail, so I will probably pass on that. The bird bath I made is in our photo gallery here. But I was tempted!

I've always been a rockhound, and have wanted to do it more, and there are even lapidary supplies and tumbling stuff on there. But that would be lots of $$ and I don't feel comfortable doing it, with no income coming in.:o

My hubby and I will hit the garage sales when we pick up the cookware. That way it will be more fun. Its about 1/2 hr drive to that seller's place.

Melody you are really lucky having that personal shoe outlet! that is a hoot!

I just had to vent... you know how it is when you get something you need/want easily like this! :p

glad to see you are enjoying your retirement, we never know what is around the corner so keep doing what you like and buy what you need or just even want.

Quote from Mrs. D: "I also found a 21 LED light you strap on your head so you can walk in the dark hands free..it is very nice and state of the art and uselful for up North where it is very very dark."


YOU GOTTA TAKE A PICTURE OF THIS WHEN IT COMES. And you have to be wearing it!!!!


Mrs. D. YOU ARE ON A ROLL!!!! GO EBAY!!!

lol, Melody

P.S. With me, it's kitchen slicers or mixing gadgets. From the beginning, when I saw my first infomercial for the Smart Chopper, for $39.99 (for a plastic bowl with a chopping blade, would you believe I paid $39.99 for a plastic bowl with a stupid chopping blade. They sold it in Kmart, years later for $2.99. I could have shot myself. Then I got the Vidalia Onion Slicer, which I use for everything. Then I got the V-Slicer (20 years ago). Best darn slicer I ever owned. Lasted 15 years. Got another one at Bertas last year.
It's made by some Swiss Company. Now this is SOME slicer, believe me. Slices, dices, juliennes, does everything but cook the darn veggie!!!!

Heh heh heh.... MrsD and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder about to kick in... :)

Cathie

Mrs D
 

Heres a good way to have fun on ebay and not go broke - I've been getting stuff for others with their money! Fun to bid, find the deals - they are happy, and I get the thrill of the hunt!:)

Oh, yeah!!!
 

become an Ebay agent.... that is Cool!

You know I love a good garage sale. This seller lives in an area east of me, that is subdivisions. I am going to scout them out on Sat. We set up for Sat am.

We have so much stuff here, I have to be careful tho. Sometimes you can score on art supplies...this is my next goal. Now that I found the cookware, I have to "move on".

I will be scouting out some cookbooks for my son, for Xmas. He LOVES cookbooks.

I even found today a case for my mp3 player... for $5.00. You can't find anything here locally unless it is for Ipod and those things/accessories cost like $30. This is a hard leatherette case, which will be good for the gym. Protect it some. Sansa e280

You garage/tag salers should look at Pets, at the wonderful cat tree Chemar got for $10. That is a real inspiration for me now. I need a little dopamine reinforcement anyway!

Hmmmmmm..... Perhaps I can replace my Diet Coke with Lime addiction with Ebay purchasing....

Mrs D - Another Idea for Shopping/Selling
 

Hi - I dont know how active it is in your area - but over the past few years and hopefully a lot in the next few months as I have to get rid of most of my "stuff" to move - I post it on "Craigs List" - which is free for both parties and usually used locally usually for your own area.... few weeks ago I very sadly let go of a piano I've had my whole life that I know I will not have room to keep - but it also needed a MAJOR tuning (lots o money to do) so decided due to the cost of the tuning it was worth it just to give away because for me to pay someone to haul was was very expensive.... I took some picures of it, uploaded - and literally wthin minutes it was taken - got over 50 responeses, even with people knowing it needed work... now its happily living with musicians who could do the tuning themselves and cost me nothing to get rid of. ALso have sold other heavy stuff - cause I just cant stand at a stove long enough to cook wax (used to make candles) I sold all my supplies (including boxes of wax left over) on one posting too - they came and hauled it all out - I got paid - they got a great deal - and we were all happy campers!:)

here is a link to craigslist. it will direct you to the dfw area..cuz that's where i'm at have that bookmarked. i have sold a few things and posted employment ads with success.

i posted the link because it is a .org..and if you put .com...it goes to porn sites. :eek:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/

also try

http://www.backpage.com/classifieds/index

great ideas....
 

These are great ideas. When (and if ) I need to sell, I'll check that out.

Right now it is small stuff for me. Actually I received my first cookware pot.

It was quadruple wrapped, and it took us 15 minutes to get out of its
layers. We both started laughing and giggling...pretty silly. The stock pot was brand new! A very good first time experience. (came all the way from Washington State).

Tomorrow we are going to visit another seller in person. Should be interesting.
I will donate the reams of bubble wrap to HER for her own shipping. She will probably like that :p

I've already done 3 Xmas gifts! I like that alot!
It is amazing what you can find on Ebay. A friend of my hubby's bought a Banjo there, which was misrepresented...and she had to threaten to have the seller delisted before he would refund her. And I've seen some posts about faked Chinese fossils...in the nature section. So I am treading carefully, but still enjoying myself. My leg warmers are on the way! That was a find! ;)

I love EBAY--but I've only used it to look. I have stainless steel flatware that has lost so many pieces over the years that I've just added cheapo camping type spoons, or borrowed, when I had company. But I found enough extra pieces on EBAY to get back my original service for 16. It was amazing! Also, I got a really inexpensive cat tree, that sold for hundreds in stores.

The absolute best deal (along with the $19.00 Gigantic brand new George Formal Grill), was what I paid for my IPD accessory kit.

In all the phone stores and electronic stores (and Radio Shack), a SKIN (the thing that protects an IPOD), goes for $20.00

I got a SKIN, an armband (so I could walk with the Ipod attached to my arm), a lariat with a hanging thing so I could wear it around my neck.

I paid $1.00 plus $6.95 shipping and handling. To me, this was steal.

Oh, an ipod charger in Radio Shack is $29.99. I got it for $3.00 on ebay.

So to me Ebay, as long as the person has excellent feedback, EBAY is the way to go before I go to any store.

And did I say I bought like 12 to 15 things. I must be crazy. At least 20. But all stuff I use, no frivolous stuff .

The bargains are amazing. I've sold all my older big size clothing, and Alan's size 50 pands (yeah, that's right, he used to wear a size 50).

Hey, it's a little money now and then, right??
mel

my music
 

CD and my "headllight" for up north came. The music just threw me into a
huge nirvana state. This is a rare live recording with London Philharmonic and Renaissance (a Brit prog folk/rock band). They used to be very hot, and we love them. Annie's voice was at her peak (1976) and this was recorded in Britain (1976)
I am soooo happy. 2.50 + 4.00 shipping for a rare CD. Amazon has a similar for 35.00. It is like being back in time at a live concert! Swoon....

And the light is nicer than I expected, and will be very handy up north (hands free and bright)!
So far so good!

I have lost some items... I am not letting my psychology get the best of me.
It is tempting to not let an item go...but common sense is still in place for me..and I am letting others have some things.

Oh my!!! Who would have ever guessed that our beloved MrsD would retire and lead the path to all of us becoming Ebay addicts??? Not that we all need any prompting... :) :) :)

Cathie

Gotta go check and see what I can find... I sure don't want you all to beat me and get all of the good stuff...

i remember when Renaissance was a new band and how different their sound was at the time. Does this mean im getting up there? ha

Oh, you guys like music???

I've got Frankie Lane Cds. Bing Crosby, Bob and Delores Hope (Somewhere in Time, the Songs and Spirit of World War 2), cd. I've got the Classics, I've even got Tschaikowsky cds. I've got Big Band Sound. Peggy Lee and yes, I even have an Al Jolson (April Showers) cd.

And don't laugh. I have The Greatest Hits of Sousa cd.

Anybody want some??? lol I'll send them to you.

I used to sell on Ebay. But there is no appreciation of these great entertainers any more. Some of these are still wrapped in original plastic.

just holler if you are interested.

Melody

MrsD and Melody -- our very own Ebay pimps! I'm going to go there right now and look for stuff! I just wish I could think of something I actually need!

great day!
 

Met a wonderful person! (Ebay pick up)

My leg warmers came...and they are very very nice. High quality. (although from China).

My order from Amazon.com came. Josh Groban has a Xmas album out, and I prepaid for it (discount) and it finally came. A beautiful more classic interpretation of old Xmas songs and caroles. I just love Josh (sigh), and have copies on CD in the car--his other 3 albums.

We had a lovely fall day...

Sorry Mel, I'll pass on the oldies...sorry. Thanks for offering. I'd think you'd find someone or even a nursing home who would take them?

A nursing home?? Never thought of that. Do elderly people in nursing homes even know how to use a CD player???

But it's a good idea. Monday, I'll call the office of the one closest to me. If they wish, I'll drop them off.

What a nice idea. Maybe it will bring a smile or two to some elderly people.

Will make me feel good too.

Thanks much.

Melody

you know,
 

another thing that might work for you is selling to a used music store.
(they might let you "trade" for some other work?)

There must be those places in NY. My son's college town, has a huge
resale shop, which I have purchased from several times. It carries everything under the sun and is always packed with people. I found Johnny Mathis'
Good Night Dear Lord CD there for $7.00 :yikes: ...it is totally unavailable from Amazon or anywhere! (a beautiful collection of religious songs from many faiths---very old, late 1950's)

But you know I can just see some dear seniors dancing to your oldies! They will love them!:hug:

Giving them to a nursing home is a wonderful idea, and such a compaaionate thing to do! My daughter is in college right now studying to be a music therapist, and she goes to nursing homes as a volunteer and sings and plays the piano. She has learned all those old songs and music styles! She says that they really love them, and it even brings out folks who are depressed or confused.

yes...
 

I have a great appreciation for nursing homes, and helping those people who
have to be there. I worked temp and sometimes full time at a nursing home supplier. How depressing the orders become!

You know what they are using now in nursing homes, just starting?
And also in PT for seniors? The Nintendo Wii games. These are just mega mondo popular and also provide movement and engagement for those with physical impairments or who are just too old to want to move around. These games use movement, for bowling, pool, golf, tennis, ping pong... really they are something else.

The Wii games are not available now in stores...they are out of stock.
But Ebay still has them. When the shortage ends after Xmas, I am going to invest in one. I like the earlier games, puzzle ones. But most modern games leave me cold (violent, etc). So I am thinking about Wii. Maybe my son can find me one... he is very enterprising sometimes!

There was just a thing on animal planet how they have the dogs that go to the nursing homes and lift there spirits. I'm sure they would love the music. I have only ordered off the net once. I have been looking though for furniture at a cheap price. I just like to see things in person and be able to feel it. Many do all there holiday shopping online. I have friends who are compulsive shoppers and get into a lot of trouble being able to do this 24/7. Well have fun.

I had heard that, too, MrsD, about the Wii. I had the chance to play with one a couple of months ago and I can see why they are so popular! It is so amazing! And can give you a lot of exercise that you hardly notice because you are having so much fun! My favorite waas bowling, but of course my nephew's favorite was boxing.