Making money online with used stuff.

To prosper on eBay or any other online selling venue, you need a ready source of inventory: a source with constant variety, that’s nearby and convenient to shop, one that won’t involve a lot of time or gas.

You need a friend in the business. You need the consignment and resale shops in your area.
What, you say? How can I make a profit online by paying retail…even secondhand retail? It’s easy: all you need to do is Continue reading

9 Tips to Avoid Consignment Hassles with your Home Decor

Whether you’re moving, redecorating, or simply clearing out the clutter, consigning furniture and home decor can make your budget and your conscience very happy.

Consigning excess possessions is simpler and more lucrative than trying to sell your items on your own. Professional resalers market and display everything from your couch to your curios for you, saving you time, money, and security concerns.

But that doesn’t mean that they can sell just anything for you. Heed these 9 tips to avoid consignment hassles for a smoother and more profitable experience:

Avoid consigning hassles from HowToConsign.org

1. Do your research. Visit the shops you are considering and see if they carry the type of items you have in mind to bring in, observe the amount of customers they attract and the merchandise those shoppers seem drawn to, and take note of the shop’s general pricing.

2. Get a copy of Continue reading

A unique vision for this resale shop: Supporting schoolkids!

Recently, we sat down with Pamela J. Wilson, the owner of “For Arts’ Sake!” A New and Recycled Boutique.  The store supports local artists of all ages as well as the Melbourne Beach FL community.  In addition, a portion of the sales proceeds each month support local schools’ art and theatre programs which are in danger of being limited or eliminated altogether from Brevard County school curriculum.

Q.  What brought you to Melbourne Beach FL?

Pamela Wilson of For Arts' Sake in Melbourne Beach FLA.   I lived in Sarasota for 31 years so I’m technically a true Florida girl.  My late father lived on the east coast in nearby Grant/Valkaria area for 30 years.  When he became ill, I spent much more time in Brevard County and discovered the picturesque beaches, abundant parks and respect for historic buildings.  I was attracted to Melbourne Beach because of the small-town appeal.

Q. Why open a store?

A.  Having a store is Continue reading

Lucky enough to seek the sun?

Consignment, resale & thrift shops have resort & cruise wear too!About this time of year, we all start longing for a bit of sun… and sand… and sea.

If you’re planning on a cruise, a tropical isle vacation, or just a long weekend at that condo Aunt Judy owns in Florida, be sure to pack the right clothes!

Your favorite consignment, thrift, or resale shop is featuring its resortwear selection now. From sportswear to a dress fit for dancing and romancing, you can save enough to pay for that darn baggage fee… in both directions!

And, of course, be sure to check out shopping possibilities at your destination. Are there any new and wonderful resale shops to explore? Click over to our Resale Directory and Zoomable Map. For example, here are the shops in Florida.

Shopkeeper’s Tip: You don’t have to have a vacation planned to shop the cruise selection now. Think positive: the capris you buy today just might bring spring a little faster!

More: Get the most outfits possible out of one suitcase.

Swish swish… it’s all the rage!

My super-secret* sources tell me that the HOT fashion for this spring will be

Jean Skirts!

And that’s not skirts made out of denim fabric, but skirts made from honest-to-goodness broken-in, well-loved jeans. Now some of us remember these skirts from another decade, but this time around, they are new, and fresh, and best of all, they’re repurposed!

This first example is clever: the skirt portion is actually legs from other pairs of jeans. See how they’re used upside down, so the whiskers make a hem detail?

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Next. the skirt I want: loving denim and lace, especially with the vintage vibe! Wondering if I can find some old lace curtains or a tablecloth to tea-dye for a skirt that’s so boho it’s chic!

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Easy how-to photos here. I’m thinking an old, soft-from-washing print tablecloth or batik bedspread. What fabric would you use?

* PS My super-secret sources are the Professional Resalers who are the Sponsors of the Resale Directory & Zoomable Map. They listen to their customers, they take care to match shoppers up with styles, and they are always the first in the know! So get to know your local consignment, resale or thrift shop today!