Collectors Consigning with Collectors- musings for my newest venture.

I am so thankful my friends and past clients, Danny and John, chose me to help them downsize their collections as they embark on a new adventure in condo living.  There are many times in life when you are faced with your bulging collection and space, time and storage issues.  I am using this experience to set up spreadsheets, procedures and thoughts for an official contract for future consignments.  

My thoughts so far, this is a lot of work.  It is probably not worth consigning small, low value collections.  This is for mass quantities of high end stuff or a combo of both.  I also will be faced with what to do with the residual items as time goes on?  I was thinking after an agreeable amount of time, slashing prices.  Contacting local dealers to buy out the remaining items, etc. My goal is to realize the highest values for your stuff as the market will bear, pack and ship safely and deal with the customer service, make appropriate bulk deals with shoppers.  

What can you expect?  Well, it’s hard to say until we get rolling.  The Barbie market has really surprised me.  Collectors are ravenous and willing to buy multiples for combined shipping. These are all in mint condition and never removed from the box.  I have competition on these listings and am pricing in line with recent sales and things are moving faster than my own inventory! That is great news!  I try to keep my shipping costs low and I am begging friends to save me smaller to medium boxes, packing pillows and other materials.  So far, so good.  

Here are some additional thoughts.  I make more money buying bulk at low prices and selling high myself than I do consigning.  I do not always have the cash to purchase mass quantities of inventory and especially high end inventory so consigning works great as it is no upfront cost for me.  Here’s probably the best thing so far.  I picked up 2 carloads of inventory last week.  I listed the furniture first then the Franciscan Starburst as that fits what I normally sell.  My own fan base was excited and I sold some china out the gate.  Next I started the Barbies on eBay.  I have gotten though 3 boxes in 3 days with close to 15 boxes total.  Since I started listing, I sold over $1000 worth of stuff and raised my consignors over $600!   I know in the estate circles I buy in no dealer would pay this much for this massive lot.  I have not even touched the surface! So much more to go!    Keep watch on these fabulous items in my eBay shop at eBay.com/usr/MadModWorldVintage and the mcm items will be headed to my Etsy shop.  If you think you have a large valuable collection and would be interested in consigning with me, you can reach out at anytime to get on my list! 

XO MALISSA

On the road again.

Thanks everyone who was been keeping me busy!  I have had no luck with job applications so working this full time and that’s a good thing as I have 2 items waiting for shippers.  We are on the way to Pittsburgh for the weekend and hoping to hit some thrifts as I always find good stuff there!   Fingers crossed!  I will do my best to assist shoppers over the weekend as needed.  Last weekend I arranged a shipper while I was hanging at a music festival so I am good at multitasking. 

I just swapped out my booth space this week!  Most of my glass is gone bacause I had no room for a shelf with the day bed in there.  Stop by if you are local!  I am currently offering 20% off with a college ID for the month of August.  KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY students welcome!  I have great college dorm and apartment gear.  Daybed is priced at $150 (less discount with your ID) and it is ready to use.  Not perfect, but I put new foam in the cushion, washed the cover and sanitized the bolster.  Also included is an atomic cover you can toss over if you like.  Perfect for extra seating and doubles as a guest bed.  Priced to move!  Nothing in my space is priced over $80 right now!  I have some great wall art too!  Why buy new stuff when you can start your vintage collection young!? Here is a few shots of the revamped space!  Hours are 10-6 WED THROUGH SUN. Also note I deliver furniture!!! I would gladly deliver anything to the area colleges so if you have a child or grandchild going to school nearby and want to arrange a gift of furniture, reach out!  I can flex on my pricing if you buy direct.  

This mammoth mirror shadow box is mint and so cool! I left some items on the shelves so you can see how neat it is.  It is heavy so you’ll want to anchor into the studs. I think I priced it at $80.  It is worth much more!  

LINENS! I have a new rack and filled it with some great table cloths, placemats and scarves/table runners.  Also Indian Kantha quilt throw pillows.  Please leave the hangers on the rack for me and take the item and tag to the front.  *Indian Kantha placemats also available in my Etsy shop.

Dish towels.  Insanely snarky and nice large square size.  Primitives by Kathy is famous for their towels.  I have camping themed and retro themed complete with alcohol humor.  **I have all of these listed in my eBay shop for you out of towners!    

Pillow cases!!!! Camping themed.  New in package.  Buy here or in my eBay shop. 

Door mats!  I have a few Dorm Sweet Dorm mats, a striped one and some camping theme.  There are 2 TOASTED FRIENDS AND MARSHMALLOWS/HAPPY CAMPERS LIVE HERE mats out there.  I only have 4 total.  They are now discontinued I believe so chances of me restocking are slim.  I you have not picked one up, now I’d the time.  Also on eBay until they sell out.   

Here’s another look at the linens rack before I added the daybed and removed the shelf of glass. 

NEW ITEM

I have not listed this yet as I want see if I can replace the brass ferrules, many are missing.  It is a gorgeous 2 pc sectional in awesome cobalt vinyl.  Comfy and in really good condition.  You can arrange it in a corner or like a couch.  If interested reach out.  I will deal with the ferrules next week.  I found some but need to measure.  They seem to be $10 or so a piece and I will need 8.  I think it is worth investing in to bring it back to it’s glory.  Here is a peek.  

the Heywood corner table is in my project stash.  I can restore to order or sell AS IS to those looking for an easy project. I will get it listed soon but it is available if looking.  It is perfect for this set up!

Also picked up this amazing Austin Productions post modern sculpture by David Fisher, Russian American artist.  She is entitled the Stargazer and stands 2’ high.  If you are looking for a stunning sculpture she is in very good condition!  

She is awesome from every angle! 

Thanks for your support!  I have some exciting news to share! One of my restorations will be featured in the November issue of Berks County Living Magazine along with 4 other local Etsy sellers.  This is really great for me as my goal this year was to work with more regional clients.  Can’t wait to see what the writer does!  Have a great weekend! XO Malissa