Three quick stories to share, which also help me document/process my own experiences:
I was on a train the other day where a homeless man had overtaken the end of a car with several carts and about 8 huge trash bags full of stuff. He had essentially walled off the car and kept people away. One man near me laughed at how long it'd take him to unload all of it off the train. A few minutes later, the homeless man got to his stop and tried unloading. The operators gave him a hard time by shutting the doors on him repeatedly as he struggled to rush things off. While everyone else looked at him or awkwardly put their heads down, I stood up and walked to hold the door open from repeatedly closing on him. He shuffled about 6 more heavy bags out and I told him to move the one he left leaning on the train. Ironically, a uniformed Army soldier was standing right near me before I moved in, but I took the action. The homeless man didn't thank me or even acknowledge me, but I was happy to set an example for others.
I was at a friend's place after they bought the vase below from me and got an email for a $150 pickup request. I responded that I could meet that night and asked when they could come. The next two emails I saw shortly after were (1) that they coming and were 10 minutes away, and (2) that they were at the pickup spot (oddly only 1 minute later) without any confirmation I was home. I saw their emails 19 minutes after they allegedly arrived, so I called and texted, but they didn't pick up. This was around 9:30 PM. I tried again, no answer. Finally, 45 minutes of being in limbo later, she replied to ask for a pickup at 10 AM the next day. I told them that I'd get up at 9:30 AM and be ready for them. I then stomached the massive 25% crypto dump the best I could and went outside until late to hunt for stuff and eventually got to bed at 7 AM. Excited to get the high chair out of my hallway, I woke up 99% asleep to meet them, but they completely ghosted me. She never contacted me, replied, apologized, nothing. My call was ignored. That made me mad, mostly because getting up for them destroyed my energy for the day. I hate how people can so maliciously disrespect others' time like this.
The Mac computer I sold in my last post was bought by a production team member that will be used by an A-list celebrity in an upcoming TV show episode. The buyer is building out more sets for the show and will contact me again now that he knows I have tons of random items he may be able to source from. One sad thing he said is that I think whatever he buys goes to waste after, so I'll ask him about that next time. Can't say the celeb name or their co-stars to out my source, but I'll ask him which episode it'll be in and try to get a screenshot with my computer/keyboard in it.
More Curb-Salvaged Items Recently Sold:
These expensive popular Chelsea boots took forever to sell online for $90. They retail for about $450. They were a small size, so I suspect that was why. I found these soaked in a bag probably 2 years ago with water stains and a broken heel. I paid roughly $32 for them to be repaired and they came out beautifully. That's a bit high for repair costs, but I thought I'd get more for them as others are listed for $200+.
Weight of recycled item and recycled packaging of 3 pounds.
This stroller took about a month to sell for $100 cash. It was in such good shape that I didn't even to wash anything. I put some oil on the wheels as I usually do and handed it over to a buyer who was a pleasure to coordinate with. I told her about the story of the unconfirmed arrival/ early AM ghosting and thanked her for being so professional.
Weight of recycled item of 17 pounds 8 ounces.
Lightweight travel stroller sold for $100 cash. This took a few months to sell because it wasn't as popular of a brand. However, it was exactly what the woman wanted and she didn't need to buy a new one.
Weight of recycled item of 11 pounds.
This vintage Tiffany & Co vase found on Monday was in immaculate condition. It has the etched name on the base and had the original sticker showing it was made in England intact. I sold it to a friend who has Tiffany as their client for their office for $125 cash. She wanted to pay me more, but I had to reject those efforts. I don't like making money off my friends, but she's got plenty and religiously insists on paying me.
Weight of recycled item of 2 pounds 3 ounces.
These two sealed printer toner cartridges sold online within my city for $90. These were factory sealed and toner doesn't expire. I find sealed toner a few times a year and always scratch my head at how people simply toss these.
Weight of recycled item with recycled packaging of 5 pounds 1 ounce.
Summary:
- 5 items sold for $505 revenue = $101 each.
- 64% received as cash. Yes!
- Total weight of salvaged items and recycled packaging of just over 38.5 pounds.
- Repair costs of $32 for boot cleaning and new heels.
...Every bit counts. This also applies to buying the dip.
In closing, as those who know me over the years can appreciate, the value in my post isn't in the entertainment from the handful of items I post about. It's about the passion and hustle I consistently exhibit off-chain to produce the posts, and goal of motivating others to address this problem. Hive is not the answer. Actions are the answer.
Thanks as always for your interest and support.
Liquid proceeds from this post will go towards my Splinterlands Plot.
Please reuse, repurpose and recycle.