While I've been toying with the idea of opening an Etsy Shop, I've also been thinking a lot about my former business. I used to have a booth in an Antique Co-op. I never could afford to sell real antiques, so most of my merchandise was in "smalls." I sold a lot of collectibles, and dealt mostly with dishes and other kitchen items.
It's been a year since I left the co-op, but I held onto my leftover merchandise "just in case" I wanted to go back into business. But the truth is, I haven't missed it. Oh, I've missed the people, and I've missed the thrill of the hunt, but I haven't missed the time spent on the inventory and keeping track of sales/taxes, etc.
The other day, I was skimming CraigsList to find sales, and I came across a request from our local Animal Rescue organization for items for their annual garage sale, and decided on the spot to donate the whole kit-and-kaboodle.
I went through the boxes on Friday, and only kept a few things (an old bowl, an ivy-painted box, some old buttons, and all my "ephemera" -- old greeting and postcards, and some hand-embroidered linens).
Yesterday, the GRASP sale volunteer pulled up the driveway, loaded up her SUV and drove it all away. All 31 boxes of stuff.
I feel sad that that portion of my life is over, but I feel happy that the money they make on my donation will help find homes for abandoned cats and dogs.
