Silent auctions for a number of years have been a staple of charity fundraisers.  Less raucous than the give and take of real auctions, nonetheless they provide an additional source of raising money for charities and other worthy causes.  These auctions have been coupled with charity events such as wine tasting, chef prepared samplers, dinners for special causes, to name a few.  The tax incentives usually include the price of the event’s ticket and the silent auction prize minus the value $$$ of each. 

Now some thrift stores have caught on to this fundraising vehicle by conducting their own in-store silent auctions.  Usually thrift store donations for auction include the more expensive donations the organization has received. 

For instance, on a recent visit, MDM found a copy of a Jackson Pollock print matted and framed, a animated cell from a motion picture studio, a TIVO® NIB and other various electronics, and more. 

1. Each store has the bidder fill out a registration card, that is only good at that location, with an assigned number. 
   
2. The items up for bid are usually showcased in a locked glass cabinet with an assigned number. 
3. Once registered, the bidder then can make a bid for the item by logging it onto the item’s sheet in a designated 3 ring binder, and listing  his/her assigned bidder number and bid amount. The bidding sheet includes a description of the auction item, opening bid amount and bidding increments, its’ opening and closing date–usually a one week period. 
4. It’s important to check back often especially on the last day of bidding.  Bidders need not be present since the registration card includes address and phone number of the bidder in order to be contacted by the thrift store.
5.  All tax incentives of a charity event silent auction apply to thrift store silent auctions.  Usually the bidder will be looking to get the item at a bargain price; however, in the case of antiques or collectibles, that price can exceed fair market value depending upon the rarity of the item, and any amount above that can be deducted as a contribution.  Likewise, donating items for thrift store sale or auction is tax deductible.

Markdownmom’s Twin Cities tour has begun.   Today MDM visited the Easter Seals Goodwill store located in St. Paul, MN..  This thrift store is one of the contributors to the shopgoodwill auction site.  Expansive with a large inventory of clothing, many racks are reduced on Thursday by 50 percent.  Although MDM does not recommend thrift stores as a source of auto auctions, nevertheless if you have strong mechanic skills or know an expert mechanic you might want to check out their offerings every Thursday at 9 a.m..  To preview this weekly’s silent car auctions, log on at Goodwill Easter Seals.  If you would like to donate your car, this store offers free metro pick-up. 

MDM found china and glassware a bit expensive for a thrift store and there were not displays of antique items, possibly because of this store’s connection with the national auction site.  However, there were some deals on home appliances such as a BreadMan bread machine NIB for under fifty dollars and a medium cuisinart only missing its feeding tube for under five dollars.  Also, selected designer items, electronics, tools, and antiques are held under glass to bid on in a silent auction.  The Easter Seals store also has a large book and record collection.  College students can find some inexpensive furniture pieces and art work for their apartments or dorm rooms. 

Special tag sales on Monday and Tuesday at these stores, and if you are 55 or older Wednesdays offer senior discounts of an extra 25% off. 

Open 9-9 weekdays.  Handicapped accessible.

There are extra savings at JCPenney Outlet.  Save 30%-70% and get free shipping on purchases of $99 today.  Enter "yes" on "discounts" of the shopping page.  Get any extra savings by putting Promo Code:WPMAYFS, discount if applicable will appear on summary page at final checkout. 

And while you are at it, check out their Wednesday Deals like this prom or special occasion halter dress in popular runway navy, sizes 4-16, Reg.$120/sale$39.99!

For all your favorite gourmet cooks, have them dress the part with a professional chef’s coat, reg. $52.90/sale $15.35 at Shop At Hometv.com. 

Or if your gourmet cook only wants tools like Martha uses check the sales at Chefs Catalog such as this french straight rolling pin, Reg.$13/sale $9.99.

Shop NBC has free shipping on all clearance items this includes up to 70% off  items.  Also, if you are into auctions try Shop NBC Auction especially in the ShopNBC Listings since these items do not have "reserves," and you can get some really hot deals on jewelry, etc.

This is a new category at  MarkdownMom.Com that will tweak your skills as bargain hunters. 

MDM will choose one auction item at random, list the beginning bid, and when it closes, the closing bid.  You will decide as bargain hunters whether or not the final bid was a good deal or not by voting  "deal" or "no deal." 

 Now take all the factors into consideration:  condition, rarity, popularity, and current market.  Some items may be listed in reference books with a $$ valuation; however, that may not be the market value. 

Enter your comments, and when the bidding closes, you will find out how good you were at bargain shopping.  Like professional estate appraisers and liquidators, you will be able to amass a reference book of values of antiques and collectibles.   Sound like fun?  We hope so, and a great learning experience for us all. 

The Item is an Ekco Egg Beater with red plastic handles. Made in the U.S.A.   Starting bid has been set at $5.00 and shipping is $6.90.  Bidding closes on April 3, 4:55 PDT

Good Luck–Bon Chance!

answer: 

Well, the Ekco Egg Beater never made it off the block.  No bids were made.  The major factor affecting its’ marketability is that this is a handheld, non electric kitchen gadget.  Therefore, its’ popularity would be limited to egg beater collectors and possibly 1950’s lovers of kitsch, and is not a true crossover.

It does have a version of the spade handle of Ekco beaters of that era and a high speed center drive and red is a highly collectible color.  The value of this item is listed between $18-$25. 

If a bid had been placed at $5 with shipping at $6.90–remember to include these costs in framing your bid–for a total of  $11.90  seemingly  a "Deal."  However, if reselling, one would try to get  2½ times cost,  that would mean to resell this item for a decent profit, you would have to get slightly under $30, which is over the top end of its’ valuation. 

A next step in the evolutionary processs in online auction deals is the use of the "Best Offer."   Relatively new, this brings another dimension to the entire online auction experience.  Some dealers list Buy Now prices during the bidding process, and with this we enter the barter arena with the addition of  "OBO" (or best offer).  Many of us are familiar with this barter process in the classifieds of our local newspapers, or at local flea markets and estate sales. Online it is slightly different. 

1.  For one thing, Email is used instead of one-to-one contact with the seller.  For some this may make it easier, for others it might present problems such as timing, and to a large extent timing is everything.

2.  When To Contact The Seller To Make An Offer.  Although any time in the bidding process is okay; afterall, you have nothing to lose by asking, there are better times than others.  For instance:

• If the item has not been bidded on, or the bidding amounts are low and remaining bidding time is short. 
• If there is a "Buy It Now" price, and the current bid is low.
• If the item is very popular like the PS3 was for the holidays, you can make an offer that is more than the retail price was, but within your budget.  This is for those people who ‘Have to have it NOW!’–you know who you are.
• The item did not sell and will have to be relisted.  This is probably the optimum time to make an offer, but remember, don’t insult the seller with a ridiculous offer, make it reasonable considering the original retail price, condition, popularity, etc. 
• If the item did not sell because of a "reserve," email the seller to see what her/his best price would be.

3.  What $hould  you offer?  Well, that depends if you have done your research on the item. 

• How popular is it?  Again, like the PS3 or Wii, if supplies are low, you will have to pay above retail. 
• The rarity of the item also comes into play when making your offer.  Or you may get lucky and be the only one that sees the real value of the item. 
• For Antiques and Art there are reference materials.  Nothing pays off more than education.  Do your research.  MDM often goes to online auction sites and takes a look at high bids or listings that are unfamiliar–all the time increasing her knowledge not only for online auctions, but for local sales, thrift store finds, and so forth.
• Shipping. Bidders can be turned off at the expense of paying beaucoup bucks for shipping the article.  Always factor that in your bid or counteroffer–shipping is negotiable.  Furniture is more difficult to sell online because of shipping unless it is museum quality or the bidder lives near the seller and can personally pick-up the merchandise–if this is the case be sure to ask. 
• You can sweeten your offer by making immediate payment, or making a condition that money order will be sent in 24-48 hours after reaching an agreement.  Of course, you are safer with paying on line with credit card which allows you recourse should the deal go sour.

The technique of hand-painting and then glazing pottery was a significant evolutionary technique for Tennessee’s Southern Potteries in the 1930’s.  Free hand painting on  bisque pottery then applying a glaze over the design before its’ final firing in a kiln was an innovation over  transfer or decal-decorated pottery.  Local girls and women were hired to produce this dinnerware marked by its bright, whimsical designs and colors.  

WWII up to the early 1950’s, with its  imports restrictions, marked the heyday of Southern Potteries Blue Ridge dishware.   In January of 1957, Southern Potteries closed its’ doors, and its’ molds were purchased by Clinchfield Artware Pottery and reproduced for a few years more.  Some designs take on the appearance of French Quimper like the "Calais" style or Shabby Chic with its "Chintz" design.    The pieces holding the greatest value are pieces with a woodland theme or unusual items such as jugs, boxes, or platters signed by the artist, or limited items in a set, i.e. teapots, candy dishes, etc. 

There are not always "marks" to identify this type of pottery, but collectors eventually have an eye that quickly identifies the piece from its’ design or mold shape.  Most "marks" are either by Southern Potteries, Inc., Blue Ridge or Clinchfield.   A chief designer Lena Watts in later years worked for Stetson China Company, and that is why you will find similar design elements in their pottery as well.  Reproductions have occurred and must be watched out for, and not to be mistaken by the jobber or wholesaler marks that were placed on Southern Potteries products. 

The item pictured above left is identified as a bon bon shell in the "Nova Rose" pattern is being auctioned on Ebay™ with a current bid of $15.50 as of 02/06/07.  A  list price for Blue Ridge bonbon flat shell china is $55-$75.  MDM has a Blue Ridge collection which includes a chocolate pot and a candy dish that were purchased from thrift shops a number of years ago.  This dishware is becoming more popular, and  prices  are continuously increasing.  However, with an astute and knowledgeable eye, occasionally you can uncover a "find."  But like everything, MDM recommends that you do your research and buy the item in the best condition you can afford.   

Auction sites have become a wonderful source of bargains and hard-to-find items.  Not only do they provide a source of trash to treasure objects, but they have given rise to a new business entrepreneur–the online auction store.

MDM first saw the rise of such stores many years ago when access to the internet was limited and online auctions were just catching on.  Individuals with an expertise, a digital camera, and word-of-mouth advertising hooked-up with sellers to take items on consignment and for a percentage of the sale price would promote and sell the individual seller’s item on these online auction sites. 

With the success of online auctions, these individual enterprises grew and expanded to include entrepreneurs buying overstocks, out-of-season, and lots from other merchants and manufacturers and selling the items for a predetermined profit online.  For a few this meant expanding their consignment stores to include this new medium.  Many of MDM’s friends from the thrift stores established their antique stores and developed an online site simultaneously.  One local purveyor of online goods has been in business for years selling automobiles.  It stands to reason that car auctions on the internet would be a natural evolutionary step.  Now, storefronts are springing up locally to sell other local and regional items globally.  This is a plus for both the seller and the consignor since in sellers can enter an arena where greater competition usually means a higher price for their items. 

Recently, MDM visited a local online consignment store to gain an idea of what a seller can expect when determining how to merchandise an item. 

• Layout.  The store inside had a counter, a register, and an employee for intake.  The most noticeable feature in the room is a large staging area for photographing the item for sale. The main room housed a staging area with a backdrop, lighting, and cameras on tripods facilitate an accurate and professional portrayal of the item for sale.  Anterooms housed other merchandise including paintings and antiques. 
• Pricing.  The range of commission percentage decreases with the increase value of the item.  For example:   

            Final Auction Price is $0.01-$199.99, Commission and Fees is 35% of selling price. 

            If  the Final Auction Price is $3,000 or more, Commission and Fees is 15% of selling price. At this store, consignments include motor vehicles and motorcycles or power sports that have a set deposit the seller pays even if unsold. To keep this in perspective, local live auctions usually have commissions range from 20%-40% regardless of the final auction price. 

• Items.  The largest portion of sales at this store were antiques.  However, while MDM was there a seller came in with a electronic item that was "hot" for holiday gift-giving.  It was apparent that this potential sale was taking advantage of a limited supply and the popularity of the item to inflate the price over its’ cost. 

When deciding to sell an item, the online auction store is a good resource especially if you have limited time, expertise, or simply do not want to bother with the entire process.  Selling online can be advantageous over selling locally because of the increased pool of buyers and potential of realizing a price closer to the market value, or in the case of limited items and popularity, can exceed the market or retail value. 

One of the first design houses MDM became familiar  with as a buyer was Paganne, Ltd.  During the 70’s, they produced wonderful mod designs in Ban-Ion Nylon with each piece signed with Paganne’s logo. 

Color and designs ranged from wild to a subdued geometric print.  These designs are still au courant and are especially collectible as wearable art as Hollywood and celebrities reintroduce vintage clothing on the runway.  Ahead of their time, these wonderful fashions represent the high end of couture and are made from material that travels well and when worn, has a wonderful drape.  On Ebay™ you  can bid on these items and secure a fashion find at a fraction of the cost.

Rosie O’Donnell revealed on The View that she is a frequent shopper on Ebay™.  This may surprise some since with a hefty income, one would think that bargain hunting was an unnecessary and time-consuming event for a megastar.  However, what it proves is that everyone loves a bargain no matter what their socio-economic status.  Also, this phenomena is indicative of the role that online auctions are playing in our society, namely 

• Online auctions provide an outlet for pent-up feelings,  and are the new cyber equivalent of the gladiator games with the successful bidders going against a number of opponents and being crowned the victor with the"successful bidder" laurel wreath. 
• Additionally, it is why Pirates of the Caribbean series and the Antiques Roadshow are so popular, an urban treasure hunt.  With the possibility of making and then securing a "find" and adding it to our treasure trove.
• It also marks the national psyche of recapturing the items of our youth, a kind of comfort food for the mind, as the passion for collections increases.
• An insatiable search for knowledge by expanding our selections, and our awareness of value–that in a world of uncertainty, there is a sense of self-assurance and worth that comes with identifying items of value and acquiring them at a bargain price.

Finally, online auctions and shopping comparison sites are a way to stretch our dollars in times of economic hardship.  A bargain represents money saved or continuation of a lifestyle.  Now there is an additional incentive, hobknobbing with celebrities. 

Jewelry Television™ has an auction site that at times includes daily auctions.  The selections are varied and besides earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pins include gemstones,charms, watches, tie tacks, sets, earring jackets and more.  User friendly auction and with reliable photos on what you are bidding on make this auction less intimidating. 

Recent auction won  by MDM was a 72" color enhanced necklace of green, silver, and bronze pearls.  Not only were the pearls exactly as shown and at a good price,  but the length and the color were unique and a wonderful addition to MDM’s accessories. 

The recent frenzy over the PS3 is indicative of a rise in a new subcategory of entrepreneurs, the middle person who buys at retail and flips the merchandise for astronomical profits, akin to the petroleum industry, on internet auction sites.  You can be sure that at $600, the maker of PS3 reportedly loses $300 on each one, Sony will make up the loss with the sale of games; but selling the same online at $3,000-$4,000 makes one asks "Where’s the gun?"

Although this has occurred in recent years on ‘hot’ items for holiday gift-giving, MDM has found this practice now extends to markdowns in department stores on various electronic items.  Recently a local retailer had (5) Roomba machines with a 50% markdown price.  All were picked up one afternoon by one buyer.  Guess where their final destination will be.

You can’t fault a person for making a buck, but there is such a thing as pure greed.  When MDM was in retail , the mark-up from the manufacturer or wholesaler was about 45%.  Which may seem hefty to the average consumer, but was necessary to cover advertising costs, employee salaries, and to mitigate the losses from inevitable below cost markdowns and shrinkage.  A decent profit was 5%-10%.  Big business in recent years has given rise to the belief that "greed is good."  And so, it is not unusual to see this trend trickle down.  However, consumers still have the power to control this "inflationary" practice by saying "No" and refusing to buy these items.  MDM promotes cost-saving bargain hunting, and paying $3,000 for a $600 item is no bargain and one’s happiness should not hinge on the "gotta have it right now" mentality. 

As for countering the ones scooping up all the Roombas, MDM advises to buy the item at a price you find meets your criteria of a bargain.  Remember if you wait on a "deal" you may end up losing out–but unless it is a one-of-a-kind, there will always be another. 

At Shopgoodwill listed with  approx. 12 hours to go, there is an Olympus 600, a 6.1 megapixels camera with 2.5" lcd screen and a current bid of $81.00+sh.  With a retail sale price of $250, It appears it was a display model, but warrants checking out for all you auction buffs.  Only 1.  Remember it’s only a bargain if you can get it for the right price and everything is in good working order with no problems, and the essential parts are there.  So ask questions by emailing seller. 

Good Luck!

There is a new scam on the internet relating to online auction sites.  It involves contact by the auction site or the auction seller via email with a "Second Chance" or "Buy It Now" on large ticket items that you have previously bid on, but did not win the bid.  Another prong by these scam artists involve using another business’ name, one that you will recognize, to identify themselves  and will try to sell you merchandise. Allegedly, they have even duplicated an Ebay page so that you will sign on and they can obtain your user ID and password from it.  How to protect yourself:

1. Only sign onto Ebay using "My Ebay" since Ebay has safety checks in-place. 
2. Any correspondence with Ebay or its sellers should be done through "My Ebay"
3. To check the authenticity of the email, and find out more on this subject, go to Ebay at ^{http://pages.ebay.com/help/confidence/isgw-account-theft-spoof.html.}  Any inquiries will be responded to through eBay with information on detection and verification.

Remember you cannot be too careful.  As MDM says  initiate, substantiate, and validate any online auction purchases!

What does a Gal need in her Life? Love, Security and Excitement among others.  And what could spell excitement better than a little Bling-Bling?  Dazzizle dazzle with izzle, without facing the traffic or the crowds at the mall.  Jewelry Television is having a 24 hour Jewelry Marathon beginning today and MDM says this is a perfect time to locate those jewelry keepsakes for the Holidays, Birthdays, Graduations, Anniversaries, or any important occasion, and have them delivered FREE!    Whether it is for someone special in your life, or someone special like yourself, now is the time to view and grab the latest in jewelry bargains.

In a recent television interview a renowned internet expert suggested items that one should either not buy or be wary of buying at online auctions.  Markdown Mom expands upon these suggestions that not only reflect good common sense, but are indicative of her personal experience:

• Apparel.  The problem with buying resale clothing is that you do not have the ability to determine the condition and the fit (especially important if you are unfamiliar with the designer/manufacturer).  Wedding dresses pose an additional problem:  receiving the merchandise in a timely manner.  MDM suggests that furs can be added to this category where condition is paramount.

• Jewelry.  Diamonds or any precious jewelry, or collectible fashion jewelry should be viewed with caution. Cut, condition, can only be ascertained with a jewelers loop.   Recently, famous name jewelers such as Tiffany have had items fraudulently offered for sale at online auctions that are knock-offs repackaged and sold as original designer pieces.

• Houses. Often, the largest investment in an individual’s lifetime, MDM recommends that any purchase of this magnitude should be investigated  in-person or by a trusted, or licensed on-site representative.

• Automobiles.  This seems a no brainer because you can’t test drive the vehicle over the internet.  However, MDM suggests that the internet can put you in touch with local dealers and can inform you about local auctions which you can attend and inspect the vehicle.

As with any purchase, there are guidelines that you should follow:

• Know who you are dealing with and the reputation by viewing the feedback of other customers.
• Know the Return Policy.
• Be aware of state law time requirements to void a sale.
• Never pay with cash.  Know the policy of your credit card on cancelling or voiding a sale.
• Do not bid more than you are willing to lose should the deal go sour.
• Always proceed keeping in mind  the following adages: ‘If the deal is too good to be true…’, caveat emptor-let the buyer beware, and  nothing takes the place of knowledge gained from old-fashioned research and experience.