Selling on eBay Isn't Always About the Money

Sandy B. in Ohio sent in this story:

"Just want to offer a tip. I like vintage and it tends to sell cheap because people think it is just old junk. Any time I find something packed in newspaper, I look for the date on the newspaper and that gives a clue as to the age of the item. I've always done this.

I had an extraordinary find this week. I found a very small box of military buttons, a belt buckle, 2 badges, and a spent lead bullet. There were a few newspaper clippings in the 2 inch by 6 inch box. I asked her what she wanted for the old buttons and she said just take them.

I got home and the newspaper clippings were the obituary and family information that confirm these were from the Civil War. I am awaiting the evaluation from a contact of mine. Because of the documentation (the newspaper clippings), I'm expecting a minimum of $800, hopefully higher.

I drove 40 miles back to the place I bought from to hand them $200. I couldn't in good faith not do something. They cried and hugged me. It's not always about the money, sometimes it's about doing what's right. It's about sleeping at night because you know you did what's right.

I haven't sold on eBay in a few years because I have been a caregiver to all and lost mom, 2 brothers, sister in law, and husband in the last 3 years. June is a good month in Ohio, it gets hot in July and sales slow down so I'm on my buying spree now. I retired at the end of January so my selling will resume in the fall. Another tip - living close to a body of water (I'm on Lake Erie), I've done well with vintage marine items. Anything boating or fishing is plentiful and profitable."

Wow. Thank you so much Sandy for sharing this. You are right, sometimes it isn't about the money.

Bless you for being a caregiver for so many my condolences for the losses you have suffered. So much loss in such a short period of time. That is a lot to deal with. Thank you for sending in this story and I wish you great success with your sales when you re-start eBay in the fall.

Have an interesting eBay story? I'd love to post it! Send me an email at suzanne @ suzanneawells.com and let's talk about it.


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