I am well aware that Amazon has some of the same issues as Ebay, BUT, we were fed up enough with recent Ebay/Paypal issues, that dh decided to give Amazon Marketplace a try.
It's been about 48 hours, and he already made 4 sales, so he decided to list a bunch more stuff today. So far, so good?
The only real reason that I was more in the loop with Ebay is that he used my account (I had bought a few things over the years and so had some positive feedback, to start). So, I don't know all the details.
BUT, the fees really seem rather similar in the end. I read that ebay has lower fees, but not really, once you consider both ebay and paypal fees.
I also read that Amazon buyers tend to pay more.
So, we don't really expect to make less money, per items that sell, and so far this has proven to be the case.
Amazon is also infinitely more easy to list items on.
So, it's a good start. I am relieved that we can still work on that income stream, because we both have kind of had enough of ebay. But the income was good. Just not so worthwhile with recent hassles.
Maybe we should have done this sooner. The video games and accessories that dh's sells, I read that sellers tend to prefer Amazon for that kind of stuff.
Anyway, for now, is just a start. I'll keep you updated how it goes!
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In other random news, the rental vacancy next door to us was short and sweet. I am kind of surprised. They were asking $1600/month (for a much smaller home than ours) and as I recall, that is what they requested last time, before much of the bust. SO, I thought it would be interesting how it would pan out. The price equaled a lot of interest and a quick renter. Color me surprised. I figure we could rent our home, comparably, for $2000-$2200/month. Not bad (for current state of economy and rental market). Our own PITI runs $1700-ish monthly, at current.
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Went to a GREAT birthday this past weekend. Aaaaahhhh, it was so refreshing compared to recent parties jam packed with kids and rushed at these big kid play places.
I'm sold!
We usually do a pretty frugal at-home party (ages 1 - 5?). Last year we did a weekDAY Chuck E Cheese party for the kids, for about $150-ish. I would never go there on the weekend - you couldn't pay me to do it. So I know a lot of parents didn't like it, but oh well. I'd rather have only a couple of kids show up, than deal with it.
As a compromise, I did look at some of the other places, but they completely gouge you and offer very little outside a super rushed party with a billion kids. (Most of them are just like Chuck E Cheese! Though they cost a ton more...)
SO, yes. This was a new play place in the area. The kids LOVED it. The entire play area was reserved for the party. They did EVERYTHING, right down to writing down all the gifts, and making a little viedo of the day. The kids DELIGHTED in watching the video of themselves while they ate pizza and cupcakes. I am sure dh won't be impressed with the video (he's a pro) but it caters to the 4-6 age group quite well.
So, it will be about $300 for the whole thing. I had my mind made up when we left, but I didn't consult the kids. They both told me on the way home that they wanted their party there, too. Well, that makes it easy - so we all agree.
I told them it was okay but that they would have to share a party. They don't seem to care at all. So, phew. Their birthdays are a week apart which makes this kind of stuff easy. LM is not in school yet and doesn't have quite the number of friends, so it still just makes more sense to do one big party for them. Maybe we will separate them down the road. Then again, they have a lot of the same friends...
The only added cost I can see - with 2 kids - is a second video. I am quite sure we can work something out - they must do twin parties and such. So - will call the place and get that reserved.
Was it frugal to have the kids close in time and age? Um, yes it has been! Not that I can take credit for the birthdays being so close. Not quite sure I have that much control over all that - but I did try.
This may be the "Easiest" birthday party yet. We won't have to do a thing! I expect a $250 Chase rebate next month, so will consider it covered. I can squeeze $50 from the budget. We probably won't buy them any gifts either - dh has a stockpile of games and books to gift them. Phew! (I've got savings for this kind of stuff - but even better not to need it!!)
Amazon Market Place & Birthday Plans
May 10th, 2010 at 09:06 pm
May 13th, 2010 at 03:26 am 1273717574