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Estate Sale Picks - Simple Sisters, Mikasa Dinnerware, 2 Pair of New Ariat Boots, Hats, Copper and Brass Collectibles

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Today I went with my son (Mitchell) to the Simple Sisters estate sale in Wake Forest, NC. Got a little concerned when we showed up at 10:45 for a Noon start and they said they don’t use numbers or list. The concern was unfounded and all the buyers stood in a nice structured (6 feet apart) line and behaved themselves. It was a very comfortable low-pressure sale and the staff were all extremely helpful and super nice. They will definitely be on my future “approved vendor” list going forward; I think they are just starting out, but a great start if that is true. Prices were very fair for a first day sale, although probably a few items higher than expected, but that’s just the way estate sales are, not out of the norm for sure. Specifically went for the New in Box Ariat boot, which I did get, although twice of what I hoped to get them for, but they should sell well and still make a reasonable profit. A good bit of copper, which has been selling extremely well, although think a piece or two

SecondMoonshot Shipping Materials Shopping List

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Below are the item which I regularly order, this is more for my own quick reference than for anyone else. Build your own list! I keep most of the boxes and supplies in the garage, and slowly moving the majority to the storage unit/warehouse. I encourage you to look for best pricing as there are always specials and pricing constantly changes so fast, I can’t keep up  content below was current at the time of the writing, but sure many things outdated.   AGU Warning Fragile Tape-Handle with Care Packing Printing Tape-2 Inch x 330 Feet (110 Yards)-2 Rolls This is a good tape, sticks well and one roll lasts a long time. I don't mess with stickers and just use    small pieces of the tape on sides of a box that don't have any Fragile portions of the tape visible from sealing the box. Update: I now buy this in 6 packs. Duck Brand EZ Start Packing Tape Refill, 4 Rolls, 1.88 Inch x 54.6 Yard, Clear (280068) You can also get these at Walmart for close to the same price in a pinch. I like

SecondMoonshot Brand, Examples (past and present) and Explanations

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I thought I would discuss a little about my brand philosophy and some product examples and rationale that support the brand. When I started this, and I mean really started it vs. just selling my comic collection and McD Happy Meal toys in the attic, I put some thought into what was important to me to make it worthwhile. It really wasn’t about the money, but not lying that it wasn’t a component, but the money without some other form of ‘do the right thing’ mentality puts me back into the same state which pushed me into this to begin with. So I felt there should be no (or little) compromises on a few key core value statements: * If I am not happy, I will stop this. Non-negotiable. * I don’t want someone to pay for something they don’t want.  Non-negotiable. If someone doesn’t want what I sold them, then either I missed the boat or they did, but either way the right thing will always be to take it back and refund their money (all of it, including shipping and return postage if I want it

Estate Sale Picks - Baby Boomer Estate Sales: Chelsea Antiques in Durham, NC

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On a gut feel, we decided to go to the 1/2 off last day estate sale held by Baby Boomer Estate Sales for the Chelsea Antique Store. We didn’t know what to expect and thought we would go in for no more than an hour and then go to some Blue Moon last day sales and get our number in line early for some good pickings. Turns out we stayed there for 2 or 3 hours and then ate lunch after across the street at Fosters. It started at 9a and we were there at 8a to get on the list, while we were the first. It was so comfortable and everyone (customers and staff), were just so nice, you didn’t feel like you needed to compete, rush, just browse and share items with other customers. Totally different feel and must try another Baby Boomer to see if it was unique to this environment or something they nurture. They staff helped move stuff to the large holding area and made sure to label everyone’s area clearly (we got our own table we had so much!). I didnt have enough cash, so put on credit card and th

Moon Photos - Full Moon - August 21, 2021

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Some awesome full moon photos on August 21st taken by Zabrina. One day I will get her a bigger lense. John

SecondMoonshot Storage/Warehouse Unit In Place!

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Pretty big day for SecondMoonshot! My daughter got into an accident (minor in the end, but put her vehicle out of commission). Turns out she needed to borrow my car for a few weeks, and so when she came to pick it up, she dropped me off at the local Public Storage for me to swap out another car. I asked her to hold on to let me look to see if any new units have come available as they are at a premium over summer months but what!!!! Finally got a 10x20 foot storage unit climate controlled. Mike at the Stickman St, Wake Forest location was awesome as always and what I truly love about this sight, seems simple, is they have LIGHTING! I have called around to practically every storage facility in the 30 mile area and this is the only one….likely due to initial construction and Public Storage probably acquired them. But either way, works for me. Even better, this is where I also store two of my cars (technically just 2 in a 10x30 foot unit), point being..I am familiar with the location and i

Auction Picks - Gander & Gavel, Wilson NC, Copper Tea Pot, Vintage Kitchenware, Trays, Scale

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We went to the Gander & Gavel Auction Co. estate sale today in Wilson, NC. We got there a few minutes after 7:05am to get our number (13 and 14) for an 8am start, so a respectable attendance overall. Found a few items, although the Columbia Family Scale/60 lb was snatched pretty quick by the #1 person as the first item…one of the key items I was hoping to get. Got a few good items pictured which I will get listed this week on eBay. Got a large box of recent books, must have weighed 100 pounds and now hurt my back carrying it - buying it was shall we say…against my better judgement and donations should be for a portion of them. We’ll list some of them in smaller related lots and make a small (albeit painful) profit, but luckily it worked out…Zabrina was committed to make it work. Organization of the auction was OK, and Stephanie and Andrew, owners are very nice and accommodating people. If I’m not mistaken, retired Air Force….I met him early in the year doing an online auction durin