I've set a date to close down my booth. My rent is good through May so I will go clear it out on Memorial Day weekend. Then I'll have a garage sale on June 16 to sell as much as I can. Whatever doesn't sell I will try on eBay.
It's been fun being a dealer and learning about antiques, but it is a losing proposition. I think sales have exceeded the rent only about three or four times. Even though I have sold a LOT! When I look at my inventory list I'm amazed, but I'm losing money. It's a hobby for a rich man's wife, not for a struggling single.
The garage sale should bring in a little, and I may get a few sales on eBay, and after that, I'll donate.
I feel really good about my decision, though it will be quite a bit of work. One more money hole closed up.
I renewed my plates this morning -- $99. As an annual fee, it doesn't come out of my $300 everyday budget. That is still $291.
Chase never sent me a new card, nor communicated with me in any way. Don't know if I was turned down or if my app just didn't go through somehow. At any rate, I don't want it any more. It's too stressful trying to spend at the level I need to to earn the reward.
I also never heard from the bank about my pre-qualification questions, so I'm feeling a little paranoid. I think I will try to visit my credit union to see if I get a better response. Which would be any response.
Closing down shop
May 4th, 2012 at 05:08 pm
May 4th, 2012 at 06:12 pm 1336155134
May 4th, 2012 at 09:22 pm 1336166576
The tax benefits of having a small biz in the home are huge, do you take that advantage?
I haven't lost money, but other than reinvesting in supplies, I only spend on small long lasting purchases such as second hand furniture for my kids or our weekend property (a $45 desk and $35 chair for example) or splurge on ice skate privileges for my daughter (private lessons or custom outfit) which I am happy to make her happy (and she is reasonably good about being privileged). The rest is in a biz checking account to give me peace of mind. Why that few thousand makes me calm I don't know! But it is the magic number.
May 9th, 2012 at 01:45 pm 1336571138