I am preparing for putting on my first estate sale this weekend. I have entirely too much inventory and have found myself going in a different direction than I was when I opened my shop. The love and admiration I have for the American glass and pottery makers has not diminished; rather, it has evolved into a better appreciation of quality and craftsmanship, in areas outside my “comfort zone”. Thus, I need to evaluate my current stock and decide what to keep and what to liquidate.

So, I have joined in a city-wide sale, taking advantage of the advertising of same and the reduced ad rate. Being included in the sale gives me the benefit of being placed on the sale map, which is a definite plus. I have also put an ad on the local Craigslist, with less-than-heartening results.

I have rented a small but very nice Activity Room at an apartment complex, for a surprisingly low rate, complete with tables and chairs, restroom facilities and a kitchen as well. All I have to do is get my stock there, unload and price it, and display it. Then (I hope) the fun will start. The measures I have taken are born of several dismal results achieved in my three forays into “yard sales”. I made sure to go the extra step and define my sale as an Estate Sale, hoping to draw a clientele more apt to be willing to pay a higher price; selling face-to-face, I will not have to wrap, pack and ship then hope the buyer is pleased when the item arrives; this will let me discount the price and give me give-and-take room to negotiate.

I will report back with my outcome and hopefully have a tale or two to tell about the goings-on. Or at least a funny story about how I went in the hole, renting, advertising and paying my kids to help me!

Karla Baugh
Grapenut Glass on Ruby Lane
http://www.rubylane.com/shops/grapenut