Freebies are Fun and Business is Tricky

I have snipped the last of the daffodil blooms secret thrift shop location. These are a totally different variety from my first batch of purloined blooms a few weeks ago. Those were so fragrant, these - not so much. I did buy the measuring vase at thrift for 99 cents. We are in for another storm so I am sure they would not survive that pummeling. 

Our town had a community-wide garage sale. The participation seemed a little sparse, but one Mary Kay seller gave away discounted product. In addition to some delightful scents, lipsticks, and nail polish, there was this owl pin. Rhinestones all intact! Freebie to me 😍

And ... eBay seller update - in California we are required to remit sales tax on the products we sell. It is collected by eBay according to the county tax table of the seller. Each year I calculate that amount and remit it to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Thankfully, there are online tutorials to aid the business owner.

Here is one tidbit I learned after watching the CDTFA Sales and Tax Return Preparation Seminar, the sales tax for return purposes is calculated on the gross sales minus the sales tax collected. That only makes sense! But I didn't calculate it that way the past three years. Better to make calculation errors while the business is small. Even as my business grows, I will still keep a close eye on the books when I hand over the bookkeeping and taxes part of the business to someone else.  

One advantage to the type of wares that I peddle: sewing patterns, books, needle kits, quilting and crocheted items, I sell year around and am not dependent on the holiday season. 

My average sale last year was $15. Total gross sales July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 - $9,700. I am hoping to surpass $12,000 in total gross sales this year. As of this post, I have over 2,200 active listings. The last three months I have averaged $1,000 a month in sales. 

Any business is hard work, there is no doubt. But that hard work pays off, I am debt free. I have been able to use my sales money to travel, and keep up with inflation. 

Until next time,

Tami

Decluttering, Rearranging, and Detoxifying

Major room rearrangements resulted in a better way to display my crystal lamp collection. 

Rather than purchase another shelving unit for my product, I moved it down to the supply room. It was starting to look like a hot mess. There were containers of patterns on the floor and bagged crocheted blankets stuck between the tubs of sewing patterns. Now the blankets for sale are all on the top shelf of the wooden unit. 

When I first started reselling on eBay, all of my items for sale fit in a small corner of my room. The Mr. laughs at me when I tell him I envision a barn full of product for sale, with rows and rows of shelving. As a way of reference, in July 2019, I had 50 listings. It took me nearly a year to March of 2020 to double my listings. I now have 2,200 active listings. 

My latest sewing pattern session on eBay included a spate of extra cute ones. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/185731324748

The cute detail on the Blue Jean Buddies is their bodies are made from jean pockets.  

https://www.ebay.com/itm/185731116100

https://www.ebay.com/itm/185731213967

Decluttering also meant getting rid of at least half of my book collection. I have winnowed it down to reference books, art publications, cooking, and quilting books. I will Terapeak research each one, and those books worth $10 and less will be thrifted back to the Great Thrift Shop Beyond. 

The year has started out right for me, a certain health condition meant taking my diet in a different direction. The goal was not to lose weight, but to eat healthier portions. I have slowly segued to a vegetarian cuisine. There had been much feet dragging over eliminating meat. Not that I won't eat meat, it is just easier to digest in small doses. 

What is new in your life for this New Year?