I missed you all. I hope you had great holidays and are successfully fighting off post-holiday blues. Holidays went by too quickly! We’re in denial and not ready to let our Christmas trees go. Historically, both back in my native country and later when we moved to the U.S., we would keep decorations until January 14, the Old New Year (aka Orthodox New Year). So, on the January 15 evening, for the first time since December, I didn’t turn on the lights on the tree in the living room, thinking that I would remove decorations over the weekend, … looked for a while at the unusually dark space where I used to see those festive lights… and turned them back on. And later that evening, I also turned on the lights on my small tree in the bedroom. And then I remembered coming across an interesting post on Instagram that explained why we should keep our decorations until February 2, Candlemas. It’s decided now! I’ll keep them up until Groundhog Day!
But now back to regular programming. A Saturday Question.
Saturday Question #288:
Have You Ever Sold Any Perfumes?
If yes, where and how successfully? MUA? eBay? Craigslist? Poshmark? FB? Have you ever had any issues with that? Do you plan to sell anything in the future?
My Answer
I have absolutely no talent when it comes to selling. As I usually tell people when the topic comes up: “I wouldn’t have been able to sell anything if my life depended on it.” I’ll tell you more: I wasn’t able to sell anything when my life kind of depended on that. It was a lifetime ago, but at some point, in a bad economic situation of post-Soviet times, my vSO’s friend suggested that we pull together some funds, buy Indian Instant Coffee in bulk and sell it on our version of a flea market. Times were tough, and we needed money. It was a good plan. That coffee was quite popular back then. You could say that it was “the” coffee. Our price was the same as (if not better than) other sellers’ prices for identical items… (sigh) Luckily for us, we liked that coffee.
Moving continents and several decades, I did fine running a couple of splits; I barely managed several swaps; but nah, I still can’t sell anything for profit.
How about you?
Undina's Looking Glass 
Twinnie!
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Hello, and Happy New Year!
I did sell a few perfumes on a facebook site that’s for Canadian swappers/sellers. I wasn’t using them and I thought someone who loves them should be wearing them, plus my collection was and is a bit big. So I sold them and made some people very happy. Made a little bit of money. Made some people very happy! Streamlined my collection so it worked for everyone.
Love your concept of keeping decorations up-do whatever you have to do to either put or keep your smile on your face :)
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I have swapped quite a few during NST swap meets but never sold. Have purchased on eBay and Facebook groups, but I guess I just never get rid of anything!
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sorry for these multiple comments! I have been having a heck of a time with the login lately, it seems like the comment didn’t go through… but apparently they did . Sorry!!!
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I’m just like you – once for a school fundraiser I had to sell candy, and I just carried the bag around to each of my classes. Occasionally a classmate would approach me and the conversation would go something like this:
Them: Is that chocolate?
Me: Yes.
Them: Can I buy one?
Me: Sure!
Them: How much is it?
Me: 25 cents.
Needless to say, I came out at the very bottom of sales.
Usually I’m much happier giving stuff away. So I’ve never sold anything online, although I’ve bought online a lot (mostly eBay and Poshmark) and am not bad at getting better deals. I’ve been tempted to sell a few perfumes from my collection, but the thought of any potential of scammers, lost shipments, and returns – especially when I wouldn’t be making as much back as I paid for it – quickly shuts that down.
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I would never make it as a salesman, either, Undina! But yes, I have sold quite a few perfumes on EBay. When I first really got into perfumes about 20 years ago I bought a lot from the discounters, just to try them. Some worked, some didn’t, and over 20 years a lot of them were discontinued, which created a little market for them. I sell at a good price, as basically it’s just a house cleaning exercise for me. I am happy if someone can get a perfume they like and I can recoup a little money. What I do resent is how much EBay takes from the sale. I don’t mind a percentage of the sale, but they also take a percentage of the shipping, from which I make zero profit. I keep thinking I’ll go to one of the facebook groups to sell, but then I see drama pop up and I don’t want to be involved in that.
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I’ve sold many perfumes on eBay. I had been on eBay for many years so it was easy to start selling perfumes as well as dolls. I usually don’t make a profit on perfume sales. I just try to recoup costs when possible.
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Hey Undina,
Timely question.
Currently the collection is being downsized. I’m trying to offload 500 bottles to bring the collection within reasonable limits.
Yes, I’ve sold before but the current restrictions on postage and the way eBay is now run mean I’ll be doing it within Sydney surrounds first. Through our FB page. Then I’ll open it up to cities in Oz as I visit them over the year or next.
Already offloaded a few through perfume buddies off my first list. Am hoping to get that list online today or tomorrow. Fingers crossed it causes a sensation and the maybe 40 perfumes on it go like wildfire.
Culling is hard but right now it’s imperative. I cannot walk around my perfume room/office.
Wish me luck.
Portia xx
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I have sold many bottles on eBay over the last 25 years. Since I’ve only been able to sell within the UK I’ve grown a very small group who I contact if I plan to list perfumery. Otherwise I fling it out to eBay to do its best. Vinted is a pain in the arse, everyone wants something for nothing. FB groups can be shark infested & the rules to prevent them means selling is just too difficult.
Good luck if you want to sell
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The holidays were wonderful, Undina. My tree was taken down on January 6th, giving me ample time to enjoy it.
I’ve sold various items over the years, with varying degrees of success, and not just perfumes. Perfumes, however, present a bit more challenge. I’ve discovered that the most effective platform is one where the audience is already engaged, such as Basenotes. Unfortunately, the Basenotes marketplace has ceased to exist. eBay is another option, but it’s a double-edged sword. There are numerous sellers there who are simply looking to exploit potential buyers, and uninformed buyers who are seeking fragrances. It’s crucial to be cautious about what you purchase and how you present what you’re selling. I plan to sell some perfumes this year and will give eBay a try. Currently, I have no other viable source to liquidate them.
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Never sold a single thing. And probably never will. I tell my daughter that it’s my legacy to her to do with as she pleases. I bought off eBay quite regularly until the tightening of rules around posting perfume, and did very well with my purchases. Lately I’m checking out FB perfume groups, I’m a member of two and the admins are quite on the ball and expel anyone who is dodgy. And feedback can be given on buyers and sellers on an open forum. Anyone I’ve bought from has been sterling, all above board and very generous with extra samples usually thrown in.
I’ve noticed some houses here still have their Christmas lights twinkling. I took down my tree on 7th January, the day after Little Christmas. At the rate that time is moving on I’ll be putting it up again in what will feel like a couple of months.
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Are these FB groups accepting new members? If in the USA I’d be interested.
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I’m not in the US but have you checked similar on your end?
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I will. Thanks!
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