wk12 ebay ReSeller BOOT CAMP in Retirement + New Seller

[@AvanteAvenue]

It was a good week. I hope you had a good (or great) week too! Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing, Vickie & Mark ~ Avante Avenue

[@mspaula0509]

Due to them (floss) being in bags and the packet of beads and the metallic threads...I'm wondering if it was from a couple of patterns kitted up (such as a Nora Corbett/Mirabillia or Bella Filinpa pattern. Or perhaps even a chatelaine cross stitch.

[@AvanteAvenue]

Could’ve been. Thank you, Paula!

[@keriburkett8842]

I enjoy watching you and your husband work together it’s inspiring

[@AvanteAvenue]

Love that. Thank you!

[@thelmamclaughlin8504]

Thumbs UP on everything you pack into these videos, the Bloopers were the icing on the cake. Thanks especially for the comment "I know nothing, but I can learn". It's my new mantra!

[@AvanteAvenue]

Thank you so much, Thelma! Yes, "I know nothing, but I can learn." WooHoo!

[@loisrostine5665]

The scrapbooking paper idea is GENIUS!

[@AvanteAvenue]

Thank you, Lois!

[@supermom23]

Fun video! I have to admit I guessed “A” for the eBay buyer because I usually expect people to be jerks. I’m glad I was wrong! Also, not only does the Salvation Army use marker, they often staple the price tag to the size/brand tag so you can’t see anything. I never go there anymore.

[@AvanteAvenue]

I was in a thrift store once, and they too stapled a huge piece of paper to the back of the clothing. They didn’t care where the multiple staples went! I went to the counter and said I would never buy any clothing from their store because of that. We were traveling so I didn’t have to worry about going back. Lol. But it’s crazy. These stores have some common sense? Sometimes not. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@lovemytreasure]

Thanks for another installment of Bootcamp ❤ Great items and interesting to see you try new product categories 🤩 Bloopers are a hit, too! 😊 Looking forward to your next video 👏👏👏

[@AvanteAvenue]

As always, thanks for joining us, Clarissa! Have a "shorty" video coming out....

[@juliecombs462]

I love Bootcamp! It is full of great tips on packing. Vickie is the queen of pack and ship. She shows you how to pack to ensure your package gets there safely to avoid negative feedback and returns and receive positive feedback. My positive feedback has increased since I started using Vickie's techniques. Another thing I learned from Bootcamp is how to use all the features ebay has to offer. She provides clear and precise instruction with modeling when using ebay features. Can't wait for next week's Bootcamp!

[@AvanteAvenue]

Thank you so much, Julie! Appreciate your kind words of support! WooHoo!

[@nitaburg-zn4kd]

I hadn’t listed for a very long time, a couple of months, and while I have good excuses (surgery 2 weeks ago, bulging discs, sleepless nights, etc.), I can’t sell something that isn’t listed. Thanks to you and your motivation, I listed lots! I’m not sure I listed those things that people are looking for, but at least I listed some of what I have. My son (49 yrs old) asked me if I had started listing my own things. That felt like a punch in the belly. No! I wish he understood that just because I had surgery 2 weeks prior to our weekend celebration visit, doesn’t mean I am ready for assisted living! My son means the world to me, but I am in no way ready to hang up my hat! Thank you for your kindness & motivation.

[@AvanteAvenue]

I wish you a great recovery, Nita! Nothing more important than that. It's true that no one probably wants to deal with "our stuff" someday but perhaps it was just a general question? I agree, not ready to hang up our hats! Thank you!

[@BeaErickson]

I always say if I can list it, I can sell it. Somehow, it never makes the listing and rightly, never gets sold. I’m watching for inspiration😊

[@suec.9125]

Thanks again for another wonderful video! I’ve always wanted to get into the health and beauty category but never knew where to start and how. My eyes lit up when I saw that you’re diving into it-now I have a mentor and teacher to follow. Yes please!

[@AvanteAvenue]

Happy to hear you're interested! I'm learning a lot and will share after I've made some sales. Thanks, Sue!

[@marianaculcer3046]

Thank you. I’m so new in this business and learn a lot from you. Appreciated your knowledge and kindness.

[@AvanteAvenue]

Love that and thank you so much!

[@GinaW-it6dy]

I enjoy all of your videos!! I have learned so much from you already about glassware and how to research items, so I'm eager to learn about Health & Beauty as you explore this new category. You are the absolute best at Pack & Ship - hands down. Because of you, I am no longer scared to sell 'breakables' and I receive comments such as this: ★☆☆excellent ! and so well packed☆☆★; Beautiful and well packaged. Thx! Keep up the excellent work!!

[@AvanteAvenue]

Thank you, Gina! I love that you’re no longer afraid of shipping breakables! That’s great! As to the health and beauty, it’s more bath, body and beauty rather then health, but I’m keeping track of everything to make videos and hopefully the sales start coming in.

[@sandradriesen3656]

I’m finally getting regular orders after a 4 day time away almost 3 weeks ago! Still listing my 5 M-F, I love having a Grocery Outlet near me, always great options!

[@AvanteAvenue]

That happened to us once too. Closed the store down for time away and it took forever to get sales again. Happy it's starting up again for you but I know it's frustrating. Thanks, Sandra!

[@jyllhyll]

The bloopers are funny. I did my first You video for my supposed KZbin channel and I RAMBLED for 35 minutes. I don’t/ can’t edit, so it may never see the light of day. LOVE LOVE THE FINIALS!!! What a score!

[@AvanteAvenue]

Oh....yes, some editing it a must. Otherwise my videos would far too long for the average viewer. Thank you! Still working on the finials!

[@raphaeladler8637]

I had something delicate to pack this past week and I said to myself, "How would Vicki pack this" LOL. My best pack ever! Thank you.

[@AvanteAvenue]

Ahhh, love that. Thank you so much, Raphael!

[@FrankCostanza456]

I had a good week of boot camp; listed every day, sourced effectively and took some of your tips and made a profit. Thank you

[@AvanteAvenue]

Fantastic! I'm happy for you, Frank! Thank you!

[@JanetHarris-bc8zx]

You have really inspired me to work thru my death pile. I have about one more week then I hope to list things the same week I purchase. Thanks for the encouragement over the last 12 weeks!

[@AvanteAvenue]

Love hearing that Janet. Thank you! I’m happy you’re working through your profit pile. You are so welcome.

[@TJ-yv3kp]

Another great video. This series has really kept me accountable for my own reselling goals. I'm down to my last few boxes of backstock/deathpile. There is nothing better or more sad that a deathpile item sales instantly after being in a corner unlisted.😂

[@AvanteAvenue]

Fantastic! And, woohoo to getting your "profit pile" whittled down! I'm happy for you! So true....it can't sell if it's not listed. Thanks!

[@thomascabral8443]

soaps,, toilet water, spray travel cologne, $$$

[@AvanteAvenue]

I love seeing the three dollar signs $$$! Thank you, Thomas!

[@lisamoore5830]

I have been a listing maniac this week and it shows! We have had three terrific sales and some smaller ones. As you say woohoo. Love the upside down clip, it made me laugh. Haha. Great to see your video as always. Have a good week!

[@AvanteAvenue]

I’m happy for your sales, Lisa! Glad you enjoyed my bloopers! Thank you!

[@MarySitaras]

Thank you so much for another great week of content. I've learned so much from you, but sadly have also learned that with my current situation, I cannot sustain much more inventory. I sell like you, a little of everything and a lot of breakables and housewares. That's my favorite category, glass, china, art glass, pottery. Those items bring me joy to research, photograph and list. I cannot sustain the 'beast' listing 5 or 10 items a day in hopes of selling something every other day; my home is too small. I still have over 700 items in my store, but have reduced that in May from 1500 after realizing the storage cost was eating up 98% of my earnings. If I had a bigger home or lived in climate where I could utilize my garage as work space it might work. It's too cold where I live and we need our garage for covered parking. I will continue to sell until I figure out my next steps and also continue to follow you and Mark. Thank you as always!

[@AvanteAvenue]

I hear you. Inventory can take up a lot of room. Especially, fragile items. Have you thought of stacking lightweight banker boxes? Yes, listing 5 or 10 a day, isn't doable for everyone. But that's what is great about reselling. You do what works best for you. It doesn't matter what anyone else is doing. Thank you!

[@melissabarker2128]

Vickie, I don't sell health care products, at least not right now. I may start at some point. Being new to reselling as of this year, I have already learned that it is important to pay attention to the market, your sourcing, etc. and pivot if you need to or just want to. That is one thing I am learning about reselling is that things can change and if we want to be successful in this business, we have to pay attention and make the changes we can in our own business model. Bravo for you! Love your channel!

[@AvanteAvenue]

So true. Thank you, Melissa!

[@karenhunter-kowalski8463]

Last week I listed six items on Monday and seven on Tuesday…most I’ve ever listed in a day… but the rest of the week was a wash because I took the car in for work and waited, and also had not one, not two, but three medical appointments, one of which was a lumbar epidural…then Friday I accompanied my husband to his biopsy results appointment and got great news that he is cancer free! Great cause for celebration. I also had a sale yesterday, and got great feedback from two of the previous week’s buyers, one of which complimented my packing on a breakable item…guess where I learned to pack so well? 🎉😊

[@AvanteAvenue]

Two great days of listing is better than none. You have a lot going on right now. WooHoo for your husband is cancer free! I'm so happy for you two! Congrat on your great feedback for packing.....I shared some tips but you did all the work! Thanks, Karen!

[@FoundThingsandFamilyLegacies]

Did well this past week. Our sales are up overall for this time vs last year at the same time. I often reply, when asked why the shipping is so high, "You are welcome to thank the United States Postal Service for their pricing". If I receive ANYTHING more, I BLOCK them. I do not need every possible customer - the possible negative from them is not worth it. My husband and I passed by (after consideration) a 5 gallon pail of crystals (similar to what you have) mostly pendulum style at $25. I really thought it was worth it - but he saw all the work and declined. LOL!

[@AvanteAvenue]

Woohoo! Happy your sales are up! I think you might have made the right decision on passing up the crystals.....Thanks!

[@planetarpchrisandloraarp2665]

Hi, First time commenter. Lurker, lol But had to comment, I have been dabbling quite successfully in home and beauty products. Most recently bottles of Condition 3-in-1 Maximum Hold Mousse w/ Sunscreen Purple Bottle 6 oz NEW for $30 each. Also Amway prewash spray picked up at a thrift store selling for $50. I also look for new perfume and cologne and have done well in this category. Love your channel.

[@AvanteAvenue]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for commenting! Love that! I've been learning a lot. It takes a lot of time but it's fun. Like a scavenger hunt! Thank you!

[@harmonijohnson443]

Your inspiring me to be more persistent in my listing. Also you are our shipping queen! Did you ever consider doing a shipping cost cutting video. Since supplies are expensive these days. Maybe we can all share tips? I just started using shredded paper instead of peanuts in the bottom of my glass items with of course the bubble and double boxing. So far so good. Friends are giving me their boxes and shipping materials. It helps!

[@AvanteAvenue]

Love that, Harmoni! Happy to hear that you're finding my pack to ship videos helpful. I did once do a video on the best place/price to get bubble wrap and then they changed the quality and shorted me! Thus, it's very tricky to share "sources" for some supplies. I used to shred paper (glossy magazine pages and sales fliers) but it does create a bit of dust and I found that it did add weight to my package in comparison with bubble wrap and air pillows. Purchasing an air pillow machine (we have a video on that) was the best thing we did. I appreciate your request but other than the supplies I share below each video, I'm not sure how much I can (will) do. Thanks!

[@beckyboopz1]

I would never have thought that the HBA items would sell for so much. Great to know.

[@AvanteAvenue]

Oh, it is hit and miss and sure takes a lot of research. Thank you, Becky!

[@terrymartin6886]

Vicki, you have always inspired me with your videos. I have definitely learned to pack from your videos. Boot camp has kept me on track. Thank you.

[@AvanteAvenue]

That is awesome! Thank you, Terry!

[@verakozlowski5907]

I'm learning so much about combining orders & creating copies. Just recently found you & am enjoying your channel!

[@AvanteAvenue]

That’s wonderful! Thank you so much for letting me know. Happy to hear you’re enjoying our channel!

[@terrywilliams8585]

Lol. The damsels Flys. Too funny

[@AvanteAvenue]

OMGosh, yes! We were so surprised to find them in the store....of all places! No morals! LOL. Thanks, Terry!

[@terrywilliams8585]

@AvanteAvenue thank you for all you do! And love the bloopers as well.

[@njerseygrl2]

Thank you for letting me know you have crystals! When I need some, I will check your store first.

[@AvanteAvenue]

Yes, we do. More to be listed each week until done. Thanks!

[@pamseclecticplace709]

Boot camp has helped me tremendously. I learned I need to make my listings on the weekend and release them during the week. I'm too exhausted and hurting when I get home from work during the week. This change has helped me keep up and surpass my goal. As for sharing your personal care items, I've watched many channels say they regret it. The market on those items became flooded and the prices dropped dramatically. Just my thoughts on that. I love the bloopers! LMAO!

[@AvanteAvenue]

Wonderful! Thank you, Pam! I hear you about the beauty products. My goal is to really focus on "discontinued" rather than currently available everywhere. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@sandradriesen3656]

I do the same thing, make lots of drafts on Saturday and Sunday then post during the week!

[@TheGgbears]

Got a good laugh at the bloopers.

[@AvanteAvenue]

Thank you!

[@GrinninGramma]

This series has been fun. We do wish you could have gone to the 127!

[@AvanteAvenue]

Glad you enjoyed! Thank you, Sher!

[@TerrieHamblin-un5gy]

Thanks for showing how to do combined shipping on eBay. I usually do my shipping from my phone. I didn’t know you could do it that way so that was good information for me.

[@AvanteAvenue]

Glad I could help! Thank you, Terrie!

[@MyrtleJane_IsNotMyName]

I would like to see how you end up packing the liquid health and beauty stuff. I hope it sells well for you. Items that have just fronts and backs to photograph are heaven. Lol.

[@AvanteAvenue]

Yes. Once I get it all figured out and actually make some sales, I'll share any tips I have with you and everyone. Yes, love "easy photo sessions." Thanks!

[@kayekoerth3545]

I always love bloopers. Yours were great! Good luck with your new categories. I never got into health and beauty. Lots of wonderful information, Vickie.

[@AvanteAvenue]

Thank you, Kaye!

[@lamerson771]

Last week solds were great in the beginning then dropped off. But I kept up well on my listing's. I've almost completed a huge haul from online auctions and will be able to start my new category of handmade items such as quilts and bags mainly for my booth but I hope to sell some on ebay as well. I am taking some vintage linens and going to create some handmade items from those. Fingers crossed it works out! Thanks so much for all your tips and information. You've really boosted my confidence to branch out!!!

[@AvanteAvenue]

Happy creating! Love that my videos are helping. Sales are up and down for most everyone. Thanks!

[@arepurposedlifewithlaura1496]

Well, now that I've seen the rooster finials.......I guess I'll be watching for those to be listed.

[@AvanteAvenue]

Thanks, Laura! They are too cute!

[@carolynneely388]

Great video- yours are so helpful. I just went to Walmart to buy the Tri-fold Board to help with filming a listing. Thank you !

[@AvanteAvenue]

Glad it was helpful! It is a handy and quick background. Thanks, Carolyn!

[@marciascott7948]

Great tips, but I don't think I would like to get into H & B...too much worry about spills due to pressure changes in the time zones, etc., and the mess. Maybe it's an unfounded worry but I've traveled and flown plenty . So...experience. Been doing eBay since 2001. So...experience. Loving your videos and the longer hair. Great job, Vickie and Mark!

[@AvanteAvenue]

I hear your concerns, Marsha. Thank you. I have been researching how to pack and ship these type of items and when I get it down, I’ll be sure to share it. We’re even looking into shrink wrap and or vacuum seal. There are definitely proper procedures to follow per USPS. My hair is getting longer, but that means it’s time to cut it just a little bit. Lol. Thank you!

[@arepurposedlifewithlaura1496]

I'm loving the boot camp videos, they have certainly been inspiring for me and have got me listing more again. I always learn new things from your videos. Great find with the embroidery floss and your prices are very fair. I do buy replacement heads for toothbrushes almost anytime I find them. Ross and TJ Maxx are my go-to for beauty items to resell. Discontinued lipstick colors do well for me. I find health and beauty items to be hit or miss for me overall though.

[@AvanteAvenue]

Thank you, Laura! Thank you for sharing your experience with beauty items too!

[@jyllhyll]

B! That’s my guess. However, though I have never done it before, on one of my reselling, Facebook groups, people block people like that almost immediately. They don’t even respond with an explanation. They just cut to the chase and say bye-bye Felicia! I personally don’t mind trying to explain, but I definitely would not want to be selling to her after the explanation. I’m glad you explained about the flat rate box. I think she was thinking exactly that, that she could have you shove that in there, and the weight wouldn’t matter. Obviously, she doesn’t know how any of this works, so you did your best, and I am more than likely would’ve responded the same at the end.

[@AvanteAvenue]

I think it's easy for people who don't "Ship items themselves" to be completely out of touch with what goes into the packing AND cost of shipping. They just don't know what they don't know (unless they're shipping a gift). Thank you!

[@TheGgbears]

Hi again Vicki Another awesome video. I can say that doing my version of boots bootcamp has helped me so much. I have sold some health and beauty oil of Olay Regenerist being the most recent. I just want to remind folks that you can not sell open perfume.

[@AvanteAvenue]

Thank you! Love that you've made it your version of Boot Camp because that's what it's all about! Open perfume can be sold on Mercari but that's about it. Thanks!

[@TheGgbears]

@AvanteAvenue I didn't know that thanks so much.

[@lamerson771]

Wow those finials are beautiful. If I need any, I know where to go!!!

[@AvanteAvenue]

Thank you! It’s gonna be a while till we get them all listed.

[@thomascabral8443]

good idea for the color separations of floss,,,

[@AvanteAvenue]

Thank you. We'll see. I'm not sure if it was the best choice but I thought I would try it first before giving away the entire lot of mixed colors (perhaps at too low a price). Thanks, Thomas!

[@TheAgelessReseller2024]

Great tips this week Vickie! I must start paying more attention to listing in the right category! Thanks for all you do to help us. Unfortunately my week was as bad as last week. Looking forward to a better economy next year!

[@AvanteAvenue]

Thank you! Sales are still sporadic for us and slower then last year. I hope your sales pick up for you!

[@brendarushka9966]

Oh I have tons of stuff not listed. Working through my huge death pile one box and shelf at a time!

[@AvanteAvenue]

One day at a time! That’s the only way to go. Thank you, Brenda!

[@Couturecollectibles]

Whoo hoo! I just made it this week. I listed 9 things today because I was sick in bed for two days. 😢. I love selling health and beauty, but I don't find much of it.

[@AvanteAvenue]

So sorry to hear you've been sick but happy you're feeling better. Congrats on you 9 listings! WooHoo! Thank you!

[@lgarcya]

Love the boot camps! And you provide so much more than just boot camp. Thank you so much. About the high prices of postage, it seemed like the potencial buyer was having a sticker shock moment and voicing it to the seller.

[@AvanteAvenue]

Thank you! And yes, I think the buyer hadn’t purchased anything for a long time. I checked her feedback and I think it had been at least six months. I think she just wasn’t aware prices have gone up for shipping. Thank you!

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching your boot camp videos. I’ve learned to realist items as “similar” items when they were not getting any looks or watches after 30 days. Majority of the time the item will sell. I do believe items oftentimes get “lost” in the EBay “cloud”. This is not something for everyone but it’s been working for me. 😉

[@AvanteAvenue]

Happy to hear that "sell similar" is working for you too! I end and SS several each week. Thanks!

[@DianeHerring-m2y]

I have some bags of embroidery floss that I need to go through and get listed. Thanks for the video Vickie!

[@AvanteAvenue]

So do I. LOL. More floss to list. Thank you, Diane!

[@carolheringer5513]

I loved the bloopers! Made me laugh. What gorgeous finials… and a great deal.

[@AvanteAvenue]

Happy to hear that! We all need a good break once in a while...I used to call it a "smilebreak." Thank you, Carol!

[@njerseygrl2]

WOW! yours are already sorted for you what a blessing mine is like a 5-gallon bag stuffed with every color imaginable

[@AvanteAvenue]

Although individually bagged, I still am removing ALL of the floss to sort by color lots. But I can imagine that having bunches of them in a bag to sort could be more time consuming and possible cause damage to some of them (missing the paper tabs). Thanks!

[@lisawalsh3960]

Correct reply to her. You gave reasons and a good suggestion for her. We can’t risk bad reviews for postage. Good job. What are your thoughts on listing chipped plates labeled “display, clearly damaged” I normally only list things that are in very good condition. However, I ended up with a whole bunch of Johnson Bros. plates that are all chipped. II only listed them just a little bit ago so I could pull them down if you feel like it would be a negative for me in public perception. I respect your opinion. Thanks so much!

[@AvanteAvenue]

Thank you, Lisa. As to the plates, if the chips are on the rim or the front, we would not list them. It’s one thing to have a chip on the back of the rim, but another to be visible from the front. I mean, you can still try it, but make sure your title includes “AS IS.” Then add the condition notes in the description as well. We also include a sticky arrow in our photos to point out any flaws. So there are several hoops to jump through to make sure the buyer has been alerted to the issues. My gut feeling is if the entire lot is like that, they probably won’t sell. But no harm in trying.

[@dbeverlybrtn]

I had a good week - for me - sold one older item on offer. Sold 2 hats and one high end necklace that were listed last week. Both were on offer as well. But they sold quickly and not far from what I was asking. I still have very few things in my shop. Rib injury slowed me down. I have been hesitant to sell any health or beauty items because of tampering before I found them. I have no way of knowing the product is what it is supposed to be any more, color me skeptical, but I just stay away from liquids, creams, lotions.

[@AvanteAvenue]

I'm happy for your sales, Beverly! Sorry to hear about your rim injury. I wish you a quick recovery nonetheless. That can take a long time to heal. Thank you!

[@MimisTreasureAttic]

Hey there Vickie. We really enjoy all of your videos and have learned soooo much from you! ❤ In this particular video we were just wondering if you may have read the incorrect "tone" in the shipping response from your potential buyer? When you read it back it sounded to us like she was just shocked and realized how much shipping really was and that flat rate is even more! I don't think she was upset with you. It is easy to read a negative tone into the typed words. I'm sure we are all guilty of that at times. I just wonder if this could have been one of those times?

[@AvanteAvenue]

Oh, I didn't really read too much into it. For people who don't package and ship things, like we do, they just aren't in touch with shipping costs. I don't think she was upset with me either. We were just two people have a candid conversation. Thanks!

[@MimisTreasureAttic]

@AvanteAvenue it seemed like you were pretty frustrated with her at the time. You even advised that she may want to purchase the item somewhere else

[@AvanteAvenue]

I didn’t think she’d be satisfied with the shipping cost.

[@lamerson771]

One of my local thrift stores uses RED marker. It drives me crazy. For glass and porcelain the magic erasure cleans it right off without damage BUT for cloth items or plastic bags or cardboard its a big issue! Ive had to just leave items behind. Baskets and wood items are hard to remove the marker.

[@AvanteAvenue]

That would drive me nuts too! It’s so silly on their part. Even if it’s not being resolved, it could be gifted and who wants to give a gift with marker on it? Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@lamerson771]

@@AvanteAvenue exactly!

[@lynnesears6254]

C She seemed like she got it in the previous reply.

[@AvanteAvenue]

Thank you, Lynne!

[@lamerson771]

I do not currently sell health and beauty products. I've been a little hesitant because of being afraid they are used or contaminated in some way. Just my own paranoia I guess. The items that are sealed I think I could feel Comfortable selling.

[@AvanteAvenue]

I have a work around for finding out if they're used or not. I'll share in a future video....after I've made some sales. But, I hear you. It's not for everyone. I don't like to sell video games and such because it's not my thing. Thanks!

[@dcooper6708]

I, too, have thought based on questions, I really don't want to sell this to this person. One time, I was completely right. Let's just say they purchased the item. Then they accused me of selling an item with defects not disclosed. Opened a return and returned a different item than the one I sent them. I reported them to eBay!!!!

[@AvanteAvenue]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience! But, thank you for sharing it.

[@michelecirrincione6848]

I would have blocked her. Those are the ones that will give you trouble after the sale. 😢

[@AvanteAvenue]

Sometimes! Thank you, Michele!

[@harmonijohnson443]

Yy

[@AvanteAvenue]

Yy? Not sure what that means.