And they said I didn’t know what I was doing !
Posted on by Brigitte in Uncategorized
Hello everyone, you’re either reading this before the labor day weekend starts or have come home from your vacation. Either way, have a great one or hope you had a great one!
I opened my email this morning to find eBay offers, instant payments, sold items , questions and more! Why so much today I don’t know except I know that back to school time is a time that eBay sales pick up and people start thinking about the holidays.
I’ve mentioned this story to some of you so pardon any duplication but I was reminded today of my not so pleasant experience in the beginning of the year that I had on another forum. I had asked a question on the vintage section of the forum and boy, I got some super nasty hate responses back! (And I’m putting that nicely.) It was crazy! The only reason I even knew about it was because my google analytics should a spike of about 10,000 % on my book’s website page. I thought, “wow, what is this all about?” (I had not taken out any advertising or anything so something “was” up.)
I saw that all links came from this forum. It had been going on for about a week or so and I didn’t know anything about it. So I went to see what the fuss was all about and it turned out that some of the “experts” frowned deeply upon my book. They could not believe that someone “like me” who “wrote this book” was asking a question about vintage. In retrospect, how silly right? We don’t all know it all! They even went so far as to email each other all information about me on the internet and try to bring me down. There were over 150 posts about how awful of a person I was. Coincedentally (or not?) my site got hacked at that time and I had to take it down for a short while. Wow, can you say get a life?
Well, this reallllly put a damper on my mood to put it mildly. I was a bit embarrased I suppose and mostly just saddened because I’m anything but a fake. I’ve never claimed to be a vintage expert but a “finding vintage in thrift stores” expert. So why am I telling you this?
Well, my soon to be husband , who felt really bad for me knocked some sense into me. He said, “you’re making all this money, shipping things out like crazy, selling all sorts of things most people see as junk and you’re gonna let people that don’t even know you don’t know what you’re doing?” He’s so right! I sort had to be woken up back to realty.
So today, when I opened up my emails and saw all these items in my inbox it reminded me of this incident and not to let other people bring you down. They actually helped me take my selling to the next level!
YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE AN EXPERT! Unless you’re teaching seminars or something to that nature, being in sales does not require you to be an expert at what you’re selling. I can promise you people selling iPhone cases on eBay are not experts in iPhone cases. Catch my drift? The emails I get from others who’ve put my teachings to the test and have made money can tell you the same.
There is a lot of money to be made on eBay and yes, thrift stores are an EXCELLENT place to find inventory especially when you have minimal funds.
Go out and be successful and don’t let ANYONE tell you otherwise!
Brigitte
Thrift Store Goldmines
PS Make sure to pop by the forum for this site at the top right. Discuss this further if you so wish! Would love to hear from you.
Ed Rubi
03. Sep, 2010
Ain’t that the truth. No one knows EVERYTHING about a subject. If you never ask a question, how do you expect to keep learning. The people that made nasty comments, I’m sure THEY know it all, right?
You keep doing what you’re doing. You are an original!
All the best,
Ed
Brigitte
03. Sep, 2010
Thanks Ed! I’m glad to hear from you.
Janet F.
03. Sep, 2010
Please remember, Brigitte: That we tend to remember negative comments far more than any positive ones we receive (you could have 100 positive responses of praise and only one negative such comment. And what do you remember most? The negative, of course!) Please know that there are many out here who love you and gain inspiration from you and I’m sure that you don’t hear it enough. I was desperately unemployed and your advice has made a tremendous difference for me! Turned my life around & now I sell full time and am happier than I’ve ever been. Even if you were never characterized as a “vintage expert” (which I believe that you are!), you have the enthusiasm and verve to spur others on to a fulfilling “career” in vintage sales. That ability to inspire is beyond expert–priceless! Thank you so much. And please keep up your fabulous work! JF
Brigitte
03. Sep, 2010
Aren’t you a doll Janet! Thanks for the those kind words. It’s people like you that keep me going!
Jan
03. Sep, 2010
Hi, Brigitte: You are great! Don’t listen to negativity. Surround yourself with positive people! Wanted to ask you a question about the Christmas season and selling. I had a rather disappointing season last year and I’m thinking because people like to buy new things as presents rather than vintage. What are your thoughts? thanks, Jan
Brigitte
04. Sep, 2010
Hi Jan, thanks a million. I definitely lean towards the positive for sure.
Well, with the economy these days you just never know. There are so many factors like the items you are selling (desirable or not), competition, etc. Just when you think someone will never sells it does. Don’t give up.
Serena
03. Sep, 2010
Brigitte, if I knew who these people were who were so mean and nasty to you, I’d personally give them all a mouthful! And I can cut people down! I can almost guarantee you that these people are not successful or stagnant sellers. Otherwise, why would they have so much time to rag on someone else and spread rumors? Are they so bitter about eBay, that they want to throw cold water on those who continue to be successful, just to make themselves feel better?? Know that you are in good company. Lynn Dralle has told us over the years some of the nasty comments she’s received, including one in which the visitor to her store implied she was a phony, claiming to have worked in the antique business and yet asking for help in identifying an item she had listed. Whatever happened to, “if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all??” Just remember, both of you are laughing all the way to the bank, leaving all the naysayers in the dust! They’re just jealous because you’re making money, and they’re not!
On a lighter note, did you get to attend any of the eBay On Locations this summer? I just got back from the last one in San Jose, and I must say, I feel so much better about eBay. The powers-that-be are seriously working on providing more protection for sellers against buyers who abuse the system. I was asked to join a discussion with some eBay folks to provide my opinion and feedback on a couple of issues, including implementing a buyer code of conduct, to which I said a definite yes!
Brigitte
04. Sep, 2010
Hi Serena, thanks so much! I love you guys! Yeah, there are the haters for sure. Their karma not ours right?
I’m so curious to see what comes of the eBay feedback from their latest “on location” gatherings. Be sure to keep us posted.
PaulasLoft
03. Sep, 2010
The haters always show up when someone ELSE is successful; you need to remember that. Brigitte, you provide a fun and useful site on the internet – I am glad you are here!
Oh, and for sure…keep the husband!
Brigitte
04. Sep, 2010
Hey Paula, thanks so much. Means a lot. That was my first experience with such “haters.” I took that experience and created my own forum. so there! haha
Ilene
04. Sep, 2010
Ditto, Janet. Some people are jealous and mean spirited and I believe that was exactly what your experience was, Brigette. I have your book, but haven’t had the success you have. But I have faith . . . It’ll come. Patience is in short supply at my house. By the way, I’ve been touting your book in several places.
Have a great weekend.
Ilene
Fran
05. Sep, 2010
Sounds like they might have been jealous too. There is a lot of politics (like office politics) in some of these groups that it’s hard to be aware of unless you spend all your free time on their boards like some of those people apparently do. If any of us find that there is enough meanness in a group we have to deal with that it is affecting our livelihoods or our personal lives, we might want to use a different ID for asking questions, or have a friend ask the question for us with their ID. It’s a shame it would have to come to that, and that we can’t be ourselves, but some people cause that with their pettiness.
Brigitte
09. Sep, 2010
Guess what Fran, I DID use a different ID. They hunted me down anyway! wow! thanks for the kind words.
strayfinds
08. Sep, 2010
Brigitte, Martha Washington said it best….I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances. Good people share openly with others and you are good people! If we are not learning everyday what is the point and even the experts may be stumped at some point so fly high young lady because your fan club believes in you! Strayfinds ps…..congrats on the soon to be hubby and if he is your supporter just think what a great team you will be for the future.
Deena
10. Sep, 2010
Great comments from everyone, Brigitte! I hope you’re over your hurt and the insults from people who don’t matter anyway. You’re doing a great job and being successful – who cares what a bunch of sour nay-sayers think! You’ve been inspirational to a lot of people, and I always enjoy your blog postings and emails. Keep up the great work and the upbeat attitude!
Brigitte
10. Sep, 2010
Hello Deena, yes I’m sure over it. It motivates me now and that’s why I shared with others so they don’t feel like they have to know it all to make money on eBay or otherwise.
Thanks for the kind words!
Lisa
10. Sep, 2010
Hi Brigitte,
As I always like to say “consider the source.” Its really too bad that some people spend so much of their time being negative ninnies. Always putting other people down and always knowing better, or more, than anyone else. Whatever! Not everyone will agree, or like us, but as long as we like ourselves, then who really cares??!!
You just continue to be successful, loving, and caring towards others and brush it off girl. I found you on Twitter last year and really have enjoyed your blog. I truly believe that we can all learn from each other and we can all hopefully be successful eSellers.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. As I like to say “the more you read…the more you learn.”
Happy eBaying!!
Lisa