Collecting Coins Can Be Girly!

The title of this blog is "I Sell Girly Stuff," and when I started to take an interest in coins, I thought I ought to change it if I ever try to sell any here, but then I thought, why CAN'T collecting/buying/selling coins be girly, too?  Anyone can do it, girls included!

Have you ever been to a coin show?  It's been a few years for me, but as I recall, the majority of booths were run by men, and most of the buyers were men, too.  I wonder why?  I know that when my husband became interested in coins, I only half paid attention, but now that he has a few that he'd like me to sell fo him on eBay, I'm suddenly very interested, and am learning more than I ever thought possible about certain coins, and I hope to learn more!

Right now I have several coins up for auction on eBay... 

Martin Van Buren 2008-S PR69 DCAM

Martin Van Buren Presidential coins 2008-S (the "S" means that the coin originated in San Francisco).  These particular coins are great for the novice collector.  They're inexpensive, they're beautiful, and they're graded, so they come in sealed hard plastic sleeves directly from the coin grader.  They are proof coins, meaning they have a mirror-like finish.  From what I understand, several presidents are being represented on coins each year in this series.  Ha ha, the Martin Van Buren coin reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Kramer had a run in with the Van Buren street gang.

Peace Dollar $1 Coins

Peace Dollars!  These coins that I have listed consist of 90%silver, 10% Copper.  From the wear on these particular ones I have for sale, they appear to have been circulated.

Did you know that cleaning a coin can devalue it?  If you think you may have a collectible coin, it's recommended that you don't clean it because even the safest cleaning methods may damage your coin to some degree, decreasing its value.

Free Shipping All The Time at YarnPal on Bonanza!

Storewide Sale This Weekend at YarnPal on Zibbet

10% Off Sale in Progress at YarnPal on Zibbet this weekend through Sunday, November 6, 2011!

Winter Items - Gift for Female Friends, Family, or Yourself!

Santa Tooth Brooch Pin

It's never too early to start your Christmas and holiday shopping!  This year I have a variety of ladies gloves, ear warmers, scarves and jewelry available on my eBay page and in my Bonanza shop!  All of my prices are well below retail - shop smart and save!

V. Fraas Houndstooth Scarf

Degrees by 180's Argyle Earwarmers

Degrees by 180's Aqua Ear Warmers

Isotoner Stretch Gloves

Simply Vera Wang Bracelet Earring Set

V. Fraas Scarf & Mitten Set

Made in the U.S.A.

Looking for yarn Made in the U.S.A.???  I'm always looking myself for deals on yarns made here at home, and I love being able to offer these products to my customers!  I've been selling quite a bit of USA-born products lately, and I think it's important for us all to buy domestic when we can!  Not only will it help our economy, but it could mean job security for our fellow citizens across the country.

Right now my U.S.- made stock is starting to run low, but I currently have Red Heart Sport Yarns...some Lion Brand yarns...and Sugar 'n Cream as well as Peaches & Creme cotton yarns.  (Granted these cotton yarns I carry are made in Canada, but are made from cotton grown in the U.S., so that's partially beneficial to America...)

Sugar 'n Cream "Love"

Sugar 'n Cream "Over the Rainbow"

TLC Essentials "Butter"

I've been aware for quite some time now about the need to buy U.S. products, and especially to avoid buying from companies that produce in countries that have terrible working conditions and that take jobs away from American workers.  My problem is that while I've been conscious of all of this, it wasn't always first and foremost in my mind during that moment that I make the purchase, and without thinking about it, I'd see a great deal on bags of yarn, I'd buy them up, and then realize later that I just bought something made in China.  These days, though, I make a conscious effort to try to choose more items from the U.S., Canada, Italy, and a few other select countries.

Red Heart Sport Yarn - Cherry Red, White

Unfortunately, so many Americans right now are in a tough position financially.  And when places like China and Turkey are offering yarns to crocheters and knitters at unbelievable low costs, it's tough to make economical sense of spending 3 or 4 times more on yarn made elsewhere.  People have families to feed, educations to pay for, medical expenses to cover.  It's HARD to resist those incredibly low prices.  But even if we can't do it all the time, we can start by being aware of it and avoiding it when possible.

I'm able to sell my selection of American-made yarns at lower costs because I shop deals and I buy in bulk.  Then I break up the large quantities I purchase into listings of 1 - 4 skeins of yarn and sell them for very little profit, and with low shipping costs.  Right now, my U.S. yarns are not a real money-maker for me, but I want them to have a constant presence in my shops...and I would love one day for them to make up the bulk of my selection.

Here's a list of the shops I currently have American-made yarns available in now...

http://www.bonanza.com/booths/atruslow

http://www.zibbet.com/YarnPal

Ebay - username "atruslow"

Why Buy Yarn From Me?

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all have had a nice summer...it's hard to believe that August will be over in less than 2 weeks!  It's sad in a way - summer is my favorite time of year...but gearing up for the holidays is always exciting, too!

I've spent much of the summer stocking up on yarn for coming season.  It's about that time.  I see Christmas merchandise already out at Michael's (forget Halloween!), so it's time for me to get all my yarns listed...and fast!

This morning I've been thinking about what I have to offer the knitters, crocheters and weavers of this country, and I thought I'd take this opportunity to tell you what I'm all about and the benefits of shopping in one of my on-line stores!

1.  I love to crochet, and even though I'm not a yarn expert, I do have a passion for yarn, its uses, and have the best time selling it on-line as a small business/full-time hobby.  I learn more and more every day.  I'm a yarn-a-holic.

2.  I have a low markup.  I shop bargains and purchase in bulk, and I pass the savings along to you.  I'm a bargain shopper no matter what I'm buying for myself, so I want to give you deals, too.  I wouldn't be me if I did it any other way!

3.  No minimum orders!  I don't care if you buy a $1.00 item from me - I will ship it and it will receive the same care and consideration as any other purchase.

4.  I keep my shipping charges low.  I calculate my shipping prices based on actual postage rates, cost of my packaging materials, and the amount of gas it takes for me to drive to my local post offices!  I also offer combined shipping rates, saving you even more money when you make multiple purchases!

One of the advantages of my low prices and low shipping costs is that you can buy one or a few skeins of yarn at a decent overall price (item cost + shipping).  Some of the bigger guys require either a minimum  purchase of $35.00, $50.00 or more to even buy yarn from them, or they may charge very high shipping prices for very small orders.  Compare prices - shopping with me may save you a little money if you're looking to buy just a skein or two.

5.  Safe packaging.  I ship yarns in puncture-resistant water-proof poly envelopes.  For added protection, yarn is sealed in a plastic bag and wrapped in tissue paper or bubble wrap.

6.  Consistently quick shipping.  On all of my store sites, I indicate that items will be sent within 2 business days of receiving cleared payment.  This is a safety net for me, in case I run into an emergency and can't get packages out right away.  But normally, packages are in the mail same or next business day.

7.  I accept PayPal as payment.  It's safe and secure - use your PayPal balance to pay, or you can use your credit card through PayPal.  All I see is your e-mail address - as a seller, I never see credit card numbers.  I use it myself, whenever possible, to make my own purchases!

8.  I value my customers! I want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase, so if something isn't what you thought it was, or if it somehow gets damaged along the way, you can return it for a full refund.

9.  Finally, I have a fun selection of yarns!!!  Because I shop deals, my selection always varies, but I try to keep a little bit of everything in stock:  wool blends; cotton; mohair; higher end ribbon and novelty yarns; bargain yarns; eyelash/fur styles; bulky, worsted, sport, double knitting and fingering weight yarns; and more!

So next time you're yarn shopping, please keep me in mind...here's where you can find me:

YarnPal on Zibbet - Sale on this weekend - 10% off storewide!  Save an additional 5% with coupon code BLOG5

YarnPal on Bonanza - Use coupon code BLOG15 to save 15% off your next order.  Free shipping, too!

AlisonDesigns on Etsy - Use coupon code BLOG15 to save 15% off your next order!

atruslow on eBay - New auctions coming soon - best deals!!!