One of the most challenging aspects of selling online is finding the perfect storage solution for your merchandise. I'm a long-time apartment dweller that used to resell and work full time. For years I've tripped over merchandise boxes and begrudged their ugliness as they gathered in bedroom corners.
Sensing my frustration, BF very kindly offered me the groovy wood paneled sun room in his house for storage! I'm extremely grateful.
I love finally being able to have an open storage situation. When something sells in my Etsy shop, I can easily find it in the merchandise room. BF lives 15 minutes away and visits often and he sometimes bring merchandise that's sold over to my place so I can ship it out.
It's fun to my collections displayed together, they're the result of years of hunting at thrift stores and flea markets. I've been addicted to finally listing my years worth of hunting online. It's wonderful to make a living documenting the beauty of these vintage finds.
As you can see, I'm playing catch-up big time. You'll recognize some of the items in my Etsy shop but for the most part, almost nothing in this room has been photographed! And I'll be bringing over many more boxes of merchandise soon. I feel like I'm filled to maximum capacity with merchandise. Mission accomplished?
I've been thinking about this and what it means for the blog and my future as a reseller. I love what I do, but the constant influx of merchandise frustrates me. And sometimes I feel like I'm going against my values as a non consumerist. I know I'm only buying merchandise second-hand and I'm curating everything I find carefully, which makes this more like an art project and less like a pure capitalist venture, but still. It doesn't sit right with me sometimes.
I don't feel like I can continue doing weekly thrift hauls when I already have so much to photograph. But readers always tell me the haul posts are their favorite posts and I gain lots of new readers, followers, sales and blog traffic from them. This makes me want to keep doing them even though I already have so much merchandise. That's the retail life, you have to keep acquiring and getting fresh merchandise.
Be prepared for the blog and what I do to evolve. I absolutely love flea marketing, thrifting, documenting beautiful finds and curating a shop of playful vintage. But my true passion isn't for objects, I want to educate and inspire people to live a healthy, creative, thrifty life more than anything else. I don't see myself stopping reselling anytime soon, but expect my focus and posts to include more crafting, art, healthy recipes, and frugal lifestyle posts. I'd love your support while I grow in this new direction!
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the thrifty and reselling lifestyle. What are your common frustrations? Any advice for me? I'd could really use it right now...
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