The family that eBays together...

The mermaid glasses that I talked about here are now for sale on eBay!

And, if you are in the market for a funky retro martini set (or just want a laugh), take a look at my Father-in-Law's latest eBay listing. Yes, I am his only daughter-in-law.

As I have mentioned previously on this blog, my in-laws are antiques dealers in Washington state. My father-in-law, Jim, recently started selling antiques on eBay. This created such an excess of fodder for my blog that I don't even know where to begin. He seems to use the titles of his auctions as a contest to see how FEW words he can use to describe the object he is selling. He had an auction for a beautiful green Moorcroft Pottery covered bowl with hibiscus flowers on it. The auction title can be up to 55 characters long. What does my father-in-law put in the title? "Moorcroft bowl".  Nothing about the flowers or the lid or the fact that it was in mint condition. But then he sold it for $94, so I guess I can't mock him too much.

A few months ago, Jim had an auction for an antique miner's candlestick, known as a "sticking tommy". The next day, another seller put up five of the same style of antique candlesticks for sale. 

So, my no-nonsense father-in-law saw that the "sticking tommy" market was now flooded, and proceeded to go to an auction of the other seller and click the "Ask this seller a question" link. He sent the seller a message that read, "You idiot! Haven't you ever heard of supply and demand?"

While I would have never sent another seller a message like that, I can see his frustration. For anyone who sells on eBay frequently, you would know that it isn't too smart to put on several items of the same style at the same time. Potential buyers assume that there are a lot of that item in the market, so they won't bid as high. That seller was essentially screwing himself out of higher bids.

And the seller's response was exactly what I would have predicted: "Who the F*CK do you think you are? You can't tell me what to sell!"

Comments

[Diane]

I love your blog & especially your funny comments. You always find the best stuff at estate & yard sales - it's fun to see what you've bought.

[Grumpy]

Hey!! It worked!! I've had 76 hits on the Martini Set since your last blog!! Oh, by the way. Ask Colleen for the Martini recipe.

[nina]

mmmmm....chocolate martinis! Hey Colleen-can you part with the recipe?

[Kimberly]

I totally agree with your father-in-law, supply is high I look for the lowest price! Although he knows you don't need martini glasses to drink chocolate martini's right? Gotta love Godiva Liqueur!

[Joy]

Hilarious! And so true.

[Joy]

p.s. Your fil has a wicked sense of humour - just like you!

[Lee W.]

wow- I honestly never thought of that- only listing things here and there... but SO true!!

[Vintage Kid's Books My Kid Loves]

Those tumblers are spectacular!

[Lynn @theVintageNest]

What a delightful blog you have...and a great sense of humor. I ran across your blog while doing some research on an old tin. I would love to add you to my "take me away" blogs to read.

[Kelley]

Oh thanks for the giggles! I've never emailed another seller on ebay, but I've certainly wanted to!

[Wanda]

Coleen, I read this post the other day, but didn't have time to comment. Those mermaid glasses are wunderful! And I love the story about the miner's candles. Why *do* people do that??? They obviously don't have walking around sense.

You asked about the ink I used on the tags. I don't guess it's anything special. StazOn that I get from Hobby Lobby. I've learned two things. 100% cotton takes the ink better and don't press down too hard. Some of mine have bled so badly you couldn't read the words. I expect twill tape will take the ink pretty well. You'll just have to experiment with the pressure.

Wanda

[Rosemary]

So funny!!
Rosemary

[kim]

Hey there,
I went to your in-laws yard sale this morning and walked away with some fab finds! Had a little conversation about how we've met on your blog-your in-laws Do love you!
mary said you might be coming to Yakima this summer...maybe you can stop by our shop for a visit.
Have a treasure-full weekend.
Kim

[Katherine aka. Urban Flea]

I LOVE your blog! I've added you to my links, and would be forever indebted to you if you did the same for my site! In the meantime, cheers, and keep spreading the Urban Flea gospel!
xo Katherine aka. Urban Flea :)

[Deborah]

Oh, I love eBay!

I'm having a giveaway if you would care to enter!

[Sarah Hough]

Your site is intoxicating!!! Love it!