Suggestions for selling an entire stitching stash as a lot?

[mig-3]

I'm seriously considering giving up the hobby altogether. I wonder if there is a way to offer up everything stitching related as a single lot: charts, flosses, fibers, fabric, q-snaps, hoops, beads, needles, stitching bags, totes, tools, books, scissors and everything related. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Jarvis

[MaggieM1750]

I've been on eBay lately looking for completer pieces pieces for my china set. I've seen small onesie- twosies, and I've seen big, full sets. I pass right by the big sets.. I have quite a lot now now. Even though the smaller sets are more expensive, per piece, I can buy just what I need, at various times, as the budget allows.

I guess it depends on your goal.. to get it out of your house.. or to make money?

Me, I wouldn't buy a big lot. One, the expense. I'm assuming you'll be somewhere on the $150-200 range.. or higher? And two... there would be a lot of things I may not need/ want/ like/ know what to do with. If I were new to this hobby, I wouldn't buy a big stash up front not knowing how long I would do this hobby. If I've been stitching a while, I probably already own most of what you are selling.
Have you thought of breaking it up into smaller groups? A lot of threads, another for fabrics, tools and charts? So it's still in groupings, and more work for you, but better on the buyers bank account.

[Mystonique]

I know my friend looked for a complete set on ebay when she started ...

[millymolly]

I think you will get more joy out of splitting everything up to sell. I know myself when looking just look for a bargain of something i need, some people may not have space to take everything either

[Mabel Figworthy]

Much depends on a) how desperate you are to get rid of it, b) how much time and effort you're willing to spend on getting rid of it and c) whether you are looking for a good price or are more concerned they go to a good home.

Personally I wouldn't get rid of everything, even if reasons of space, time, money or lack of enthusiasm now prompt you to do so. Keep at least some basic supplies, so that if and when inspiration strikes again, you'll have something to start with.

Judging by comments on this forum, we all have periods where our hobbies simply don't appeal -- it may be because life is getting in the way (whether pleasantly or unpleasantly), or we're not happy within ourselves, or we're doing other things, or simply that for the moment, the bug has gone. But it generally returns, and if it does it's nice to have the stash to do at least a little project.

And don't forget -- you're among friend here, and even if the stitching bug has left and doesn't look like coming back soon, you are very welcome. Look at projects, join discussion, comment or advise, or just lurk for a bit knowing we're here when you want a chat!

[Fizzbw]

Yes, don't stop coming here even if you do give up

I'd also keep a bit just in case.

I've sold some stuff on eBay, I sold a complete setof DMC, got £125 for it. Some things slee well in bulk, fabric does well in 3-4 pieces bundles. Floss does well in 50's, for DMC expect to get £15. This is in the UK obviously I expect floss is cheaper in the US.

I'd say a bulk lot would have a smaller market than many smaller lots. I know it's a bt of a pain to do itin small lots but you'll sell more that way for a better price. The trouble with a big lot is that either you will get a smaller price, or no one will bid which gets expensive if you have a high starting price or a reserve on it.

Local papers might be a good place to put ads though.

The good thing is that we can sell our stash, and it doesn't reduce in value all that much....


Niki xxx

[Lessa54]

I would do as Mabel has suggested and keep some favourite kits/charts and basic stash back so if the stitchy bug does bite in the future, you're not sitting there cursing that you sold it all.

On the selling part, I'd be inclined to split it up into lots in any event. If you sell it all as one lot, your market will be quite restricted to people who have that amount of money to spend and who want that amount of stuff. You might find that it takes quite a while to find someone who wants it all. If you break it up though, there'll be more people who want say just charts or just floss and who are happy to spend the smaller amount. So that will help with both the speed and the money sides of the equation.

[topbiddy]

Don't give up, if it is encouragement we can give you loads of that

[rcperryls]

I don't know anything about selling stash but think there are some great suggestions here, the best of which is to keep in touch whether or not you are stitching.

Carole

[gparr]

One of my other hobbies is keeping coral-reef aquariums, i.e., marine aquariums in which we grow coral. It's a high-maintenance hobby and it's not unusual for people to decide to bow out. Almost all of them try to sell off their aquarium and all of their animals to one buyer. It rarely works out for the same reasons people have given regarding selling your stash. Whether you want to make money or simply get rid of it, break it into "units" as has been suggested, take some pictures, and put a price on each unit. A little more hassle, but I'm confident you'll move it all faster than if you try to sell everything at once. I agree to hold back enough to do the one or two projects you really like, store the material in a safe place, and my bet is someday you'll find yourself stitching again.
Gary

[stitchingmae]

U could always try a larhe lot the. If that doesnt work break it into smaller ones. Why are you giving up? I think you should hold on to your stash for a while just in case you dont want sellers remorse....i have a coworker who sold hers and now she wishes she had it and wont start stitching again b/c she says it drives her crazy to think of what she sold.

[stitchingmae]

As far as patterns tools and hoops is there a stitcher you know well enough and lives close enough to let them hold the reuseable stuff or loan it to them..until you are sure? Then sell after you have considered it a while? I would def hold on to at least the patterms and books because they may not be available later if you decide to pick it up again...the fabrics and floss while pricey can be replaced....

[mig-3]

Thanks for the suggestions. I appreciate it.

[franacropan]

Keep at least some basic supplies, so that if and when inspiration strikes again, you'll have something to start with.

Quite right. I gave away all my yarn stash as I was convinced that I would only cross stitch in the future and hadn't knitted for years....guess who is obsessed with crochet now....thank goodness for Deramores.