Dear Thrift Girl,
I want to sell a book that doesn’t have a dust cover and so far I haven't been able to find a reliable ISBN number. I like to sell on half.com or amazon and both won't let me because I don't have the number.
Amy in California
Dear Amy,
When I want to find a value for a book my favorite place to look is www.bookfinder.com This is a website that compares prices on over 100 million books from different book venues. This is a great place to start the search to see if your book is worth selling. I sell many books that do not have an ISBN numbers. As an example I looked up Popcorn by Frank Asch which is a children’s book. If you type the title into Bookfinder around 10 titles come up and the prices range from $27.00 to $95.00. This gives you an idea that the book is valuable. From that point you can decide where best to sell it. You could take it to a local book store and see what they will offer you, or you can sell it on Craig’s List or eBay. Neither Craig’s List nor eBay require ISBN numbers to sell books.
Dear Thrift Girl,
How do you know if you're paying a good price? Or getting a deal?
H.K. in Washington State
Hi H.K.
Go with your gut is the key to getting a good deal. If your gut is focusing on your latte instead of your wallet then ask yourself how much you would pay for this item at a retail store. I found a little figurine that I collect at a yard sale the other day. It was priced $4.50. I know that these sell for $10.00 at Hallmark. I asked if they would accept $3.00. I felt that 1/3 of the price was fairer than nearly one half the price. If you think something is too expensive and you aren’t bit by the shy bug, then go for it and ask if they are firm on their price, or if they would accept less or you can throw out a figure to them and see if they accept.
Dear Thrift Girl,
I bought the most wonderful dishes in the world--brusche, california. How do I add to this if I don't know anymore about them?
Amy in California
Dear Amy,
When I come home with my arms loaded with thrifted items, I sometimes head straight to the computer with items that I have questions about. I first do a google search for any key words that might be on the bottom of an item. I start with typing Brusche into the eBay Search box. When I have a list of auctions come up, I then search for more information. The words Bauer Pottery are also in the same titles as Brusche. I next go to Google and I do a search with Bauer Pottery Brusch. A site that sells antiques explains part of their history here: My Granny's Attic Antiques. You can also find pieces you are looking for at www.replacements.com.
Dear Thrift Girl,
How do I get started on my embroidery projects--jeans and a demin shirt? I want to collect denim shirts and embroider on them--how do I collect those. And also--I don't like new dish towels--any suggestions for getting the older fashion cotton ones that actually absorb??? Where is the best thrift place to look?
Sarah in California
Dear Sarah,
For embroidery I would start by picking out a very simple design like a flower or even a leaf. I would try on new thrifted top that you are not too emotionally attached to. Or let’s say, don’t embroider your favorite shirt in case it doesn’t go to well. I agree on the not buying new dish towels. I can’t remember the last time I did buy one new. I either find them second-hand or I take a well loved tablecloth from a yard sale or thrift store and cut it up into towel sizes. I sew a very small hem on all four sides and finish it off with some embroidery. I often find 2nd hand Aunt Martha embroidery patterns which can be helpful if you do not want to do free hand embroidery.