I need to get rid of stuff!

[propita]

Hubby and I used to collect a variety of stuff, some of which we want to offload, but that's proving ... well, honestly, I'm a bit lazy.

We have Disney stuff that wasn't worth much (< $3.00 each) when I checked eBay. But "true collectors" would likely want parts. I'm willing to give stuff to collectors, but not really so much to dealers, you know? Give it a home with someone who may or may not be able to buy even this. Problem is actually finding such people.

Hubby and I are going to a Disney show in 2 weeks in Anaheim (and hopefully go to Club 33), so I'm hoping to meet some collectors there. That and have a friend's daughter sell it on eBay (even at those low prices) and she can keep half of what comes in--and can keep some for herself if she wants.

Makes me regret getting stuff, you know?

 

[Mr Silver]

I would recommend searching the web for collectors forums, specifically about the kind of stuff you are looking to get rid off. Some forums have shill sections where collectors trade or sell their goods.

 

[propita]

I've looked here a bit. The organization beyond "pins" is somewhat lacking.

 

[RandyS]

I've heard from a friend that Craiglist offers some good deals, but whenever I've tried to sell my old comics on there, I never get so much as an offer.

What about doing things the "old fashioned" way and having a garage sale?

 

[PKTrekGirl]

I have recently begun to more seriously consider moving a very long distance, and as a result, have also begun to consider the possibility of shedding some of my 'stuff'. For me, it would be a lot more than what you are talking. I think that to rent out my house and get out of here, I'd want to put some stuff (stuff I really want to keep) in storage (until I get a job and can pay to have it shipped). But a lot of stuff, I will want to just unload completely. A lot of my furniture (would like to sell it, but am not certain what the best way is to go about that), a bunch of old clothes (I've already started bagging some up to throw out or take to the goodwill), and a bunch of household items - books and things I should have dumped years ago (anyone want a bunch of Trek VHS tapes? )

I could definitely use some money...but I don't think I can expect much for anything. Although I was told yesterday by another poster that there is an actual MARKET for old shoes on ebay. So who knows?

I think I need a "used item marketing consultant"...not that I have the money to pay anyone. How did I get all this crap?

 

[Kestra]

Look into prices for self storage, it can get pricey. Just so you can figure out if something is worth storing vs selling. I've been decluttering for the move to CA next month, and it's so stressful.

 

[Holdfast]

Although I was told yesterday by another poster that there is an actual MARKET for old shoes on ebay. So who knows?

It's a thriving one too. I wouldn't want to wear someone else's shoes (unless it was just a single try-on for something they ordered, and it turned out it didn't fit and couldn't return) but lots of people are perfectly happy to do so. For some shoes, you can at least send them back to the maker for recrafting and they'll replace the footbed as part of the process, so it's not so icky, but the shoe has to be pretty expensive/rare to justify the cost.

I think I need a "used item marketing consultant"...not that I have the money to pay anyone.

If you have stuff that's worth reasonable sums, lots of people have set up "ebay consignment" businesses (google the term, along with your city, and I'm sure you'll get some hits). They sell your stuff on ebay for you, and take a percentage of the proceeds. They take pro-quality photos, write the copy, do any measuring, etc, etc, in return for their cut. Some will even restore/clean things, in return for a higher cut. Be warned; the quality of consignors varies massively, so you'll need to do a bit of research first.

 

[Goliath]

Stuff is the domestic equivalent of fat. Sit around for too long, and you get accumulate fat. Live in one place for too long, and you accumulate stuff. In both cases, moving around eventually becomes difficult.

 

[Mr Silver]

Stuff is the domestic equivalent of fat. Sit around for too long, and you get accumulate fat. Live in one place for too long, and you accumulate stuff. In both cases, moving around eventually becomes difficult.

You seriously need to write a book.

 

[Holdfast]

Stuff is the domestic equivalent of fat. Sit around for too long, and you get accumulate fat. Live in one place for too long, and you accumulate stuff. In both cases, moving around eventually becomes difficult.

You seriously need to write a book.

He already has, I believe. Although not on that topic; unfortunately someone else already has.

 

[Canadave]

You could always try using Freecycle if you don't care about getting anything in return for it.

 

[PKTrekGirl]

Although I was told yesterday by another poster that there is an actual MARKET for old shoes on ebay. So who knows?

It's a thriving one too. I wouldn't want to wear someone else's shoes (unless it was just a single try-on for something they ordered, and it turned out it didn't fit and couldn't return) but lots of people are perfectly happy to do so. For some shoes, you can at least send them back to the maker for recrafting and they'll replace the footbed as part of the process, so it's not so icky, but the shoe has to be pretty expensive/rare to justify the cost.

I think I need a "used item marketing consultant"...not that I have the money to pay anyone.

If you have stuff that's worth reasonable sums, lots of people have set up "ebay consignment" businesses (google the term, along with your city, and I'm sure you'll get some hits). They sell your stuff on ebay for you, and take a percentage of the proceeds. They take pro-quality photos, write the copy, do any measuring, etc, etc, in return for their cut. Some will even restore/clean things, in return for a higher cut. Be warned; the quality of consignors varies massively, so you'll need to do a bit of research first.

A couple of things:

1. Leave it to you to know about anything related to shoes. The shoes under discussion are a pair of Doc Martens, circa 1995, purchased in London, actually. I 'located' these shoes yesterday during a geological expedition into the far recesses of my closet, and made a comment on Facebook about them, believing them to be out of style and utterly without even the smallest value or potential use to anyone. However, I was quickly informed by BBSers in the know that a) Doc Martens never go out of style in the UK; and b) that there is a market for such shoes on ebay.

Incredible! I never would have imagined.


2. That is interesting information about the ebay consignment dealers. I had no idea such people existed! Thanks so much for the tip in that regard!

I might very well look into that. Although I don't guess I can sell the furniture on ebay. I mean, I would imagine local buyers would be the best pool for that.....

 

[rhubarbodendron]

Hubby and I are going to a Disney show in 2 weeks in Anaheim (and hopefully go to Club 33), so I'm hoping to meet some collectors there.

I'm afraid Club 33 is invite only. You'd need extremely good connections to get in there.
I have a friend who is a Disney-addict. His tiny appartment is already full, though, but he might perhaps know someone else who's as big a fan and who would like a few things. I shall point him to this thread.

 

[PKTrekGirl]

Look into prices for self storage, it can get pricey. Just so you can figure out if something is worth storing vs selling. I've been decluttering for the move to CA next month, and it's so stressful.

Ah! Missed this comment yesterday when I checked the thread.

That is a good point to consider. Especially here in Atlanta, where we have the largest foreclosure rate in the country. I would imagine a lot of people who owned huge homes and lost them have scaled back to small homes (which is what I have) or even apartments...and all that 'stuff' has gonna go somewhere! I bet storage space is at a premium.

Kestra, where do you live now...and why are you moving? I think I read it somewhere, but I can't recall the details (my memory sucks).

 

[Yeoman Randi]

I could definitely use some money...but I don't think I can expect much for anything. Although I was told yesterday by another poster that there is an actual MARKET for old shoes on ebay. So who knows?

Before you just throw away anything, always (if you have the time of course) look it up on ebay. It would blow your mind as to what things other people are interested in buying. I don't know about the Doc Martens specifically, but there is quite a market for used women's shoes. And the buyers aren't women.

I had a friend who use to sell her old spikey heeled shoes on ebay. They were well worn. She would include in the 'description' area how she wore them. In one 'description' she was a teacher who disciplined the bad boys in the classroom while she wore them.... and so on.

A while back i had my old, beloved pair of Keds, which are practically the only thing i wear (summer and winter). (I'm a very simple and easy to keep woman).....

I planned on tossing them until my friend reminded me about her old shoes and the success she had on ebay with them.

So, for a laugh i put my old ratty, holed sneakers on ebay.

They sold for $30.

'nuff said.

 

[Kestra]

Kestra, where do you live now...and why are you moving? I think I read it somewhere, but I can't recall the details (my memory sucks).

Chicago, moving to CA to join my husband who got a job out there.

 

[WillsBabe]

I tossed out all my Trek and tv memorabilia stuff over the space of about 18 months. I used to have a room full of stuff, collected over 30 odd years. Only yesterday I noticed that what I have left now barely fills a 16 litre crate. I have a great sense of satisfaction knowing that crap is out of my life!

 

[PKTrekGirl]

I could definitely use some money...but I don't think I can expect much for anything. Although I was told yesterday by another poster that there is an actual MARKET for old shoes on ebay. So who knows?

Before you just throw away anything, always (if you have the time of course) look it up on ebay. It would blow your mind as to what things other people are interested in buying. I don't know about the Doc Martens specifically, but there is quite a market for used women's shoes. And the buyers aren't women.

I had a friend who use to sell her old spikey heeled shoes on ebay. They were well worn. She would include in the 'description' area how she wore them. In one 'description' she was a teacher who disciplined the bad boys in the classroom while she wore them.... and so on.

A while back i had my old, beloved pair of Keds, which are practically the only thing i wear (summer and winter). (I'm a very simple and easy to keep woman).....

I planned on tossing them until my friend reminded me about her old shoes and the success she had on ebay with them.

So, for a laugh i put my old ratty, holed sneakers on ebay.

They sold for $30.

'nuff said.

Wow. Just.....wow.

I guess appealing to the perv factor is always big money, huh?

Still, I can't decide whether I should laugh...or be totally creeped out. For now, I'll have to settle for shaking my head in amazed disbelief.

 

[Yeoman Randi]

Yeah, i was pretty amazed myself. But disappointed that they didnt sell for more. My GF use to get upwards of $75 for her used, worn shoes.

At the time i had posted the auction on my facebook page and we all watched daily in disbelief....some of my friends were incredibly grossed and creeped out. I didn't really care. I figure everyone has their "thing" and if someone gets off on old shoes, no one is getting hurt, so what the hell.

I CAN tell you i now look for old ratty shoes when i hit the yard sales......

 

[Goliath]

Stuff is the domestic equivalent of fat. Sit around for too long, and you get accumulate fat. Live in one place for too long, and you accumulate stuff. In both cases, moving around eventually becomes difficult.

You seriously need to write a book.

He already has, I believe. Although not on that topic; unfortunately someone else already has.

Typical. Pereant qui ante nos nostra dixerunt.