She Thrifts

Thrift. Flip. Repeat.

Love Lovey Love

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Soooo.  I used to send an e-mail to every buyer the day I shipped their item to let them know it was on the way.  Most of the time I would get no response or just a quick “thanks”.  But occasionally I would get a note back about why the buyer had purchased the item, like these below:

Thank you so much!!! We are moving from Alaska to Colorado and our 7 year old has had that blanket since he was born and the movers packed it and stuff won t arrive until mid June so your saving us

This is my sons night night blanket and when I sent him with his father this Christmas break daddy didn’t give it back and refuses to mail it. You’re a life saver!

Thank you! This exact blanket is my 4 year old’s special lovey. She lost it a few weeks ago…we have searched everywhere. She will be so happy to have it! 🙂

I just wanted to thank you so much for selling us this blanket and at such a reasonable price. My daughter is almost 5 and has autism. She’s had her sisters hand me down twiddliwinks (monkey/giraffes) that is now almost 10 years old. It had holes and was no longer soft or even pink/purple mostly just purple, but it was her favorite. This blanket made her smile so big. Thank you again!

Received the monkey yesterday. Bought one for my five year old granddaughter when she was 3 months old and it goes everywhere with her. Now her three year old sister tries to take it from her and I have had to sew it up multiple times so I decided to get her one, and almost gave up looking before I found yours for sale. A very big thanks

Awww so sweet. Can not wait. We lost this in a fire…I was browsing ebay when I found it. My 4 year old can not wait 😉

Thank you for accepting my offer. I am a proud Mom to 9 stray & feral cats & kittens. This mug is purr-fect!


Thank you so much. Years ago I donated my two girls “junk” toys and now I feel so guilty as these simple toys really were their favorite.  I am trying so hard to find replacements as a surprise to my now grown daughters for their kids (kids in a few years).

But here is the e-mail that I get a couple times a year or so that makes me cringe.  When a cute, loveable plush is about to get destroyed I would rather not know.

This is the 3rd Dewie that I have purchased for my Yorkie! He is infatuated with (her) and plays with it until it falls apart! He is only 2 1/2 years old, so I am afraid there will be many, many more Dewie’s in our future! LOL! Thanks!

Ugh!!  Poor Dewie!

You may have noticed that I wrote that I “used to” e-mail the buyers when an item was shipped.  Somewhere around the holidays I just got so busy that sending the e-mails dropped off my priority list and it stopped happening.  And I never got back to doing it.  But when I was looking back through my draft posts I found this one where I had been compiling the lovey love.  It almost makes me want to prioritize sending the e-mails again … maybe.

Nickel and Diming ~ Build A Bear Clothes

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The clothes above are those that have have already sold – for over $100.

Another item that falls into the “nickel and diming” category for me is Build A Bear clothing.  I have bought a few lots at yard sales in the past, and have separated them out to sell in various smaller lots.  A couple days before Christmas someone listed a lot of BABW clothes on a kids FB group for $25.  From what I could see in the photos there appeared to be a decent variety, and it looked to be in good condition.  But, it was located a-l-l the way across town.  I normally wouldn’t have been motivated to drive all that way to buy it, but both of my boys actually have Build a Bear plush, and it is a tradition that each one gets a new outfit for Christmas.  And just the day before I had realized that I was an outfit short.  I decided it would be worth it to trek over and buy the lot, choose an outfit to give as a Christmas gift, maybe set aside a few more good ones for future year(s), and then sell the rest to make my money back.  When I went to pick up the bag of clothes I was pleasantly surprised.  The bag was MUCH bigger than I expected, and very full.  I looked through a few to make sure they were in good condition, gave them a sniff to make sure they didn’t smell like cigarette smoke, then stuck the $25 under the mat and took my treasures home.

Photographing and listing them didn’t take long.  I ended up listing around 30 lots of clothing, in addition to those I kept to gift to my boys.  It really will be like nickel and diming – no individual  lot will bring in much money, but as the sales trickle in the nickels and dimes will *eventually* end up netting me a couple hundred dollars or so.  Plus, they are so darn easy to list/store/ship.  Sometimes (IMO) just having an easy, brainless day of listing is worth it.

Favorite Flips Friday, 3/16/18

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Here are a few of my better or faster flips from the past couple weeks.

Lands End Tankini, Size 20W
Paid: $2 @ VV, Sold: $19.95 (5 days after listed)

Tommy Bahama Dress
Paid: $2 @ VV, Sold: $24.95 (1 day after listed)


Jones New York Coat
Paid: $2 @ VV, Sold: $34.95 (listed since August, 2017)

Nike Air Max Shoes
Paid: $3 @ ys, BO Accepted: $49 + shipping (listed since June, 2017)

Pylones Paris Watering Can Purse
Paid: $0.50 @ rummage sale, BO Accepted: $20 (6 days after listed)

NWT Eddie Bauer Owl Lovey
Paid: $2.99 @ GW, Sold: $19.95 (20 days after listed)

Target Limited Edition Owl Lovey
Paid: $0.50 @ rummage sale, Sold on sale: $25.71 (2 days after listed)

This is the second Murray I have sold recently(ish).

Murray Monster, Sesame Street
Paid: $0.79 @ VV, Sold on sale: $26.95 (10 days after listed)

Fordlet Big Orange Easter Bunny Plush
Paid: $4.99 @ GW, Sold on sale: $33.96 (1 hour after listing)

Have any fun sales recently?  I’d love to hear about them!

Favorite Flips Friday, 2/23/18

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My sales have been pretty underwhelming this week,
but here are a few of my better or faster flips.

Secret Treasures 3X Leopard Print Pajamas
Paid: $2 @ VV, Sold: $22.95 (1 day after listed)

Buzz Lightyear Build A Bear Outfit
Paid: $2 @ GW, Sold on sale: $16.15 (4 days after listed)

This one has been listed for quite awhile – kinda.  It “sold” (but was never actually paid for) not long after it was first listed, and for some reason I let it sit for about a year before I got around to relisting it.  I am currently waiting for payment for the second time.


NWT Hop Build A Bear Bunny Plush
Paid: $4.99 @ GW, BO Accepted: $28 + international shipping (listed since September, 2016)

 Beansprout I Love My Mommy Baby Blanket
Paid: $1.99 @ GW, Sold: $24.95 (listed since December, 2017)

I bought four identical Koala Baby small square loveys at a yard sale last summer for $1 each.  This was the third one that I sold (each has sold between $30-$35).


Koala Baby Gray Chevron Fleece Lovey
Paid: $1 @ ys, Sold on sale: $31.45 (listed since August, 2017)


Itty Bitty Butterfly Baby Blanket
Paid: $3.19 @ VV, Sold: $34.95 (26 days after listed)

Here’s hoping next week’s sales are better!

Favorite Flips Friday, 2/16/18

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Here are a few of my favorite flips from the past week.

Clothes will never be my favorite thing to sell, but they definitely help pay the bills.  Whenever I find WHBM I take a second look.  I don’t always buy it, but some of their pieces are really pretty, like this dress.

WHBM dress
Paid: $2 @ VV, Sold on sale: $22.95 (11 days after listed)

I bought this jacket at a yard sale last summer where literally EVERYTHING cost a quarter!

VTG Lakers Men’s Jacket
Paid: $0.25 @ ys, Sold: $45.95 + shipping (listed since August, 2017)

Considering I never even figured out what brand this lovey was, it was a decent flip.


Frog Lovey
Paid: $1.00 @ consignment sale, Sold: $24.95 (listed since May, 2017)

One of the mice had a flaw (torn/repaired foot),
otherwise I would have held out for more.


3 Cinderella Mice Plush
Paid: $2 @ GW, BO Accepted: $23 + shipping (listed since December, 2017)

BIG Purple Granny Squares Quilt
Paid: $4.99 @ GW, BO Accepted: $40 + shipping (listed since July, 2017)

I got this mug out of a free box at a yard sale last summer.

Smokey the Bear Mug
Paid: $0.00 @ ys, Sold on sale: $32.15 (listed since August, 2017)


4 Baby Signs DVD Fun Packs
Paid: $10ish? @ VV, Sold on sale: $36.75 + shipping (listed since November, 2017)


Did you have any fun sales this week?  I’d love to hear about them!

BOLO ~ Liz Plush (Magic School Bus) AND Maybe Even School Buses

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So, I was going through a box of old, neglected inventory a couple weeks ago and came across a plush school bus.  While doing a bit of research I discovered that Liz, the Lizard from the Magic School Bus, can be a good flip.  Check out completeds HERE.

I didn’t find much info on generic looking plush school buses in my research.  I honestly have no idea how long I have had it, or how much I paid for it, so I listed it for $14.95, hoping for a quick flip.  And quick it was – it sold the same afternoon I listed it.

Which actually jogged a distant memory.  I have listed a school bus or two in the past, and they have all actually sold quickly.  In fact, I remember one of the buyers e-mailing me asking if I had any other school bus items because he was a collector.  And the buyer of the plush above had “schoolbus” as part of their eBay ID, leading me to believe they are also a fan or a collector of school buses.  I’m not saying I would buy everything having to do with school buses, but I’d certainly at least give them a second look.  Like some of these TOYS.  And you can even sell REAL SCHOOL BUSES on eBay.  Of course!

December Sales (2017)

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After my best months ever in September and October, my sales have dropped off a lot in November and December.  I admit though that I have not been listing like I should be.  Here are a few of my favorite sales from this month:

Aren’t these pajamas cute?!  I love the gnome pattern.  I procrastinated listing them for a long time (almost 9 months) because they had a light stain on the top that I couldn’t get out.  Finally I just listed them as is, and they sold quickly.

Nick & Nora Gnome Pajamas
Paid: $2 @ VV, Sold: $29.95 (9 days after listed)

’tis the season, coats have been selling well for me.

Chadwick’s of Boston Red Leather Coat
Paid: $2 @ VV, BO Accepted: $29 (listed since August, 2017)


London Fog Coat
Paid: $2 @ VV, Sold: $39.95 (listed since August, 2017)

Mackintosh-Scotland Blue Quilted Jacket
Paid: $2 @ VV, BO Accepted: $70 (listed since May, 2016)

I bought this to give as a gift a couple years back, and never gave it.  It sold weirdly fast.

Class of 2015 photo album
Paid: $2.99 @ VV, Sold: $19.95 (1 day after listed)

Lambs & Ivy Mobile
Paid: $6 @ ys, Sold on sale: $35.56 + shipping (listed since May, 2017)

Ted Thunder Buddies Men’s Pajamas
Paid: $13 @ Wal-Mart, Sold on sale: $35.95 + shipping (1 day after listed)

Plush and loveys are still my favorites, of course.

I bought this dog for my son, and then decided he has MORE than enough plush as it is.


Paid: $2 @ VV, Sold on sale: $24.60 (listed since October, 2017)


Target Bullseye Plush Dog
Paid: ?, Sold: $24.95 (listed since July, 2015)


Build a Bear Lamb
Paid: ?, Sold: $29.95 (listed since August, 2015)

I sold two of these cows at the same time.


Paid: ?, Sold on sale: $35.52 (listed since September, 2014)


Petrie (Land Before Time) VTG Plush
Paid: $0.50 @ rummage sale, BO Accepted: $30 (listed since May, 2016)


Carter’s Mouse Lovey
Paid: $5 @ JBF, Sold: $29.95 (listed since October, 2017)

  
Carter’s Fleece Flower Blanket
Paid: $1 @ ys, Sold: $34.95 (listed since May, 2017)

  
Koala Baby Zebra Blanket
Paid: $4 @ consignment sale, Sold: $39.95 (listed since October, 2017)

As you can see some of these items sold almost immediately (within a day), and some took a couple years to sell.  The plush especially tend to be long tail.  But, IMO, almost anything will sell eventually, and I don’t mind waiting for the right buyer to come along.

My best auction ever

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I’ve started dabbling in auctions.  In part just to mix things up, in part because I get 500 free every month and I hate to see them entirely go to waste.  A couple weeks ago I pulled a tote of unlisted inventory out of my garage.  I was pleasantly surprised to find some really good items in it.  One was a vintage Cabbage Patch doll.  I don’t know a lot about CPK, but I do know that the soft sculpture (cloth face) dolls sell for the most.  I have sold two in the past, for around $75-$100/ea.  In the tote I found this doll:

I bought her and another soft sculpture CPK at the same time from a FB kids sales site.  I paid $10 for the other doll, and sold it back in September, 2015.  It was in excellent condition.  This one I only paid $5 for.  It was still in nice condition, but had some marks/spots on it, so I procrastinated listing it … for TWO YEARS.

Fast forward to two weeks ago, I listed it at 7-day auction for $49.95.  A minute after listing I got an e-mail inquiry asking if I would add a BIN price.  Less than a minute after that the listing got its first bid.  At first I was a bit both confused and slightly irritated wondering why they bid if they wanted me to add a BIN?  Then I realized it was someone else who had bid.  Within a couple minutes I had four watchers.  Ten minutes after that it was up to 11 watchers.  I got several more inquiries about adding a BIN price and one outright asking me to cancel the auction and sell it to them for $250.

I’ve never had an auction with so much interest before.  I decided to let it ride.


The most watchers I saw was 65.  It ended with 879 views.  With one minute to go it was at $202, but it had a bunch of (literal) last minute bids, and ended at $427.18.

The gal who bought her e-mailed me immediately, she was SUPER excited!  We traded several e-mails over the past few days.  My impression from her is that doll was more sought after than some others because of the hair color and year of production.

And I just got the note below:

Hi Kari, My super cute baby just arrived safe and sound. I love her. I do want to name her Kari Lynn if you don’t mind. We are going to Georgia the end of August. We will only be one hour from BabyLand, so I will take her to bathcamp. I’m a little afraid to try and clean her myself. You can be sure she will have a good loving home. Thank you. Please have a good day. Best Always, xxx

Love the good flip, but also love that the buyer is so happy to have her.  ♥

Favorite Flips Friday, 5/5/17

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My sales haven’t been overly exciting this week.  Here are a few of my better or more interesting ones.

NEW Robert Taylor Wings of War Puzzle
Paid: $2.50 @ consignment sale, BO Accepted: $35.00 (listed since May, 2016)

I love this cribbage board!  The buyer was excited to add it to his cribbage board collection.


3-D Airplane Cribbage Board
Paid: $3.99 @ VV, BO Accepted: $40.00 (listed since May, 2016)


Monkey Bone Plush
Paid: $2.99 @ VV, BO Accepted: $29.95 (listed since May, 2016)

I picked this up at a yard sale two summers ago because I thought it was interesting.  And it has sat and sat and sat.  And then it sold this morning out of the blue at full price.


VTG 1963 Pacific Title Insurance Co Rates Plaque
Paid: ? @ ys, Sold: $19.95 (listed since August, 2015)

I was at a thrift a couple months ago, and made a second detour through the plush/toy area just before leaving only to discover boxes and boxes and boxes of older Barbie items had just been put out.  I looked them all up, and this was the only one worth snagging.

  NEW Krissy Swing ‘n Play!
Paid: $4.19 @ VV, Sold on sale: $54.05 (listed since March, 2017)

I am dreading the possible summer slow-down, since sales aren’t amazing as it is.  How are sales for you?