I know that Craigslist is a headache but I surmised that a garage sale is a bigger headache, and we're still having weather in the upper 90's each day, so it would be a hot headache. It's one week later and I've only sold the lot of red diner chairs ($40 for 6). I've had about 30 conversations with folks, via email and phone, about the items, about their work schedules, about where they live, about directions to my house, about the reasons why they missed their appointments with me to come and view the items, about their kids soccer game schedules, and about their conflicts with significant others over whether or not to purchase the item. Does this sound familiar or is it just me?
I've learned form these prospective buyers lots of interesting anecdotes that I hadn't previously considered:
1. Building a home with your spouse can lead to marital problems.
2. Diverticulitis CAN put you in the intensive care unit.
3. Round Rock and Georgetown got an average of 8-10 more inches of rain from Hurricane Hermine than Central/East Austin did.
Upon reflection, I realize now that many who I have corresponded with had no real intention of purchasing the item, they just wanted to CHAT about the item(s). They were interested in the history of the item. They wanted me to know they used to have a similar item in the home where they were growing up. They wanted me to know that the item was underpriced or overpriced. They wanted me to go out into the garage and MEASURE the item because they thought I needed practice with a tape measure.
I am not complaining, ya'll. I'm a pretty good sport. This is like a modern, sociological phenomenon. My husband walked in on me last night and eavesdropped on the tail end of a conversation with a prospective buyer.
Husband: "Who were you talking to?"
Me: "A lady interested in the red/orange chairs."
Husband: "Why were you saying "Bless her heart?"
Me: "Well, because her daughter has re-injured her knee from playing volleyball and she's laid up in bed."
Husband (with incredulous look on face): "Well, God Bless America!"
If I lived anywhere near you, I would be purchasing the pair of orange chairs with absolutely no questions asked. They are perfect!
ReplyDeleteSanctuary Home, I love your blog! Thanks for reading...
ReplyDeleteLOVE. THOSE. CHAIRS. Which chairs? Oh, all of 'em. :) The red ones and the horse one are all killing me. Sorry to hear about your craigslist run arounds-- these people should know great stuff when they see it and come scoop your deals up! Good luck with rehoming 'em.
ReplyDeleteOkay, please tell me what you didn't sell and let's talk, k?
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I've only posted the furniture so far. I'm going to post the art, rugs and lamps today. I sold the wicker chair ($30) and the diner chairs ($40). The red/orange chairs ($250 pair) are "pending" and the horsie chair ($50) and green tweed chair ($25) are still up for grabs.
ReplyDeleteI FEEL YOUR PAIN! We did the same crazy thing a couple of weeks ago but we opted for the yard sale. Amazing the things you learn from perfect strangers. The items I thought would never sell, sold. We are now left with a carport full of stuff that I don't know what to do with. Another yard sale? Craigslist? Pack it up and take it to the thrift store that I purchased it from? Leave it in the carport and go thrifting in my own store when I have the urge to spend money? Hmmm, that's not a bad idea.
ReplyDeleteI would like to talk to you about the artwork. Have you posted it yet?
ReplyDeleteOMG I want everything...esp those red/orange chairs and your artwork...and your lamps..
ReplyDeleteyes craigslist is a mess. I usually got with "trunk sales"
you set up the time and if they're not there, they miss out. You can sell a lot of stuff that way. Also try contacting local retro stores they'll take it off your hands.
Can you tell me more about that olive green Brooklyn Bridge painting and that yellow-orange cityscape painting?
ReplyDeleteI wish i could click my heels & wish myself over to your house.I would love the orange chairs & the green lamp & the cushions,oh & the horse rocker is devine ,i would so luv that to bits.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear people are giving you the run around.I hope you manage to sell them asap.
Great blog you have here,glad i found it:)
What a hassle...which is why my house is also up to the brim in STUFF. Which is why I've also become convinced I'm a hoarder. Such is the life of the retro lover!
ReplyDeleteGood thing I'm not in Austin, I'd have bought up half of it and it would be in MY garage!
Bombshell Bettie, a "trunk sale" is a great idea! I may try it!
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I love you honey, but I can't ship this shit.
Jonathan, the Bridge painting sold to a lovely couple last night. They will appreciate it and give it a good home. The other picture you mention can be found here:
http://austin.craigslist.org/fuo/1949034137.html
Mid Century Madam, I've been "going thrifting in my own store" for awhile. It has it's rewards, but I'm scared I'll end up like that hoarder.
I love the green couch. I just wish I was in your garage sale.
ReplyDelete-Display homesM
I love the green couch. I just wish I was there when you had your garage sale.
ReplyDelete-Display homes
Jesus and the good lord's pancakes, what the heck were you doing with all that shit in your garage? I'll come over and take a look at things but my husband has got me on a tight leash these days. That was some good posting though. You are a funny one and I do miss you. Can't wait to see you. Maybe Jake and I could drop by and I could tell you about my husband's diverticulitis and our own personal emergency room visit and the fact that we are about to sink $2500 bucks on our beloved Clyde's knee for a bit of surgery. So....love and kisses to you. I'll be back!
ReplyDeleteHow much for the streaking neighbor kid?
ReplyDeleteJo, it is a testament to my friendship to you that I didn't call you and try to sell you all this crap. You're lucky we don't wear the same shoe size!
ReplyDeleteKristine, that's my 8 year old! He's currently NFS, but my 4 year old might be if she doesn't quiet down...I'll might even throw in a couple of hearing aids, if you're interested.
Is your house totally NEKKID?
ReplyDeleteGah! Craigslist! It drives me crazy. Most of our people sound like they are chomping at the bit to get the items before anyone else and then...well, you guessed it. They don't show up. It's maddening. We once had a man come over because of an ad that we had for a free dog kennel. While he was taking it apart to transport it, he told us in too much detail about how he slaughters turkeys.
ReplyDeletep.s. LOVE that Western chair. My gosh.