Why I don't do ebay anymore.

Folks
I did ebay for years. But then ebay changed their rules and let the buyers have all the power.
Which is good but it only takes one or two disgruntled people to screw up your whole works.
I have always been upfront and honest about my shipping terms.
Now I won't say that I've not missed shipping something on time because it's happened. (but I fixed this when I changed the email addy on my accounts and that's the one address I check every day without fail and sometimes several times a day)
but I have never charged a handling fee for my service and I've always listed my shipping fees in the ad. So the buyer has a choice - if they don't like my fee they should simply pass on the auction or they can agree and purchase the item.
Apparently a couple people choose to leave low scores on my shipping terms when they left detailed seller ratings. And this sent my seller rating plummeting. I don't sell alot on ebay because I still work full time and this is more or less a way to get rid of the excess in my house.
The problem comes from paypal which after ebay dropped my seller rating, paypal's terms with ebay allow it to hold my money until the buyer leaves feedback or confirmation on shipping, both of which I had on one item and paypal still held my money for 7 business days. On a two dollar item it's not a big deal but when it's a 20-30 item that's alot.
This is what sucks. And what truely sucks is that I have 100% good feedback.

So I started hunting for additional ways and that's how I came across ecrater. I've been on etsy for years and just never listed a lot. I also started using Amazon alot more but they pissed me off when they took my collectibles off because they are listed as toys during the christmas season. Their loss I sold them both on ecrater and didn't have to pay the amazon fees.
This blog has links to all the sites I list on. So follow the links.
Enjoy
Mary and Ed

Yeah my new web address is working.

So now when you type in
www.2ndhandspirits.com this site comes up.
Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tupperware Empanada Makers / Pie Press Just listed at ecrater

Create sweet savory treats to enjoy on the go or anytime. This pair of multipurpose tools makes  it easy to prepare empanadas, a personal-sized pastry filled with sweet or savory fillings.  They're also great for making delicious dumplings, turnovers or pot pies, saving you  money over the store-bought versions. • Set of two. • Each one features a cutter on one side and a fluted edge on the other. • Place a filling in the center of the prepared dough and close it — it's perfect every time. • Chili Red • Dishwasher safe. I bought these and used them once and never really got the hang of it. From Tupperware Website Here's a couple of their recipes:  Chocolate Peanut Butter & Banana Pie Pockets  Serves: about 5 – 6 (2 pockets per serving)  1 tsp. Simple Indulgence™ Cinnamon-Vanilla Seasoning Blend  1 cup sugar  15 oz./424 g package of two, 9”/22 cm refrigerated pie crusts or packaged empanada dough  12 chocolate peanut butter cups, quartered  2 bananas, sliced into a total of 24 pieces  1 egg, beaten  Preheat oven to 375°F/190° C. Combine Cinnamon-Vanilla and sugar in a small modular bowl and set aside.   Roll the dough into a 12” circle. Using the cutting side of the Pie Press, cut 4 circles of dough,  repeat with other half of dough,  then reroll and cut scraps. Hold the Pie Press open;  place one of the circular cutouts on the side with the teeth.  Brush the dough with a thin layer of the beaten egg on the teeth.  Place 4 chocolate peanut butter pieces and 2 banana slices  in the center of the dough.  To seal the pockets, hold the Tupperware® Pie Press’s two handles  and close by bringing the  handles together and then pressing gently but firmly for 5 seconds.  Place each finished pocket onto a baking sheet lined with a Silicone Wonder™ Mat. Brush the tops of the pockets with the remaining beaten egg and  sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar.  Place baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.

Ham and Cheese Pockets 
Serves: about 5 – 6 (2 pockets per serving)
1 (6 oz.) pkg. diced ham
2/3 cup swiss or cheddar cheese, shredded
1/3 cup onion, diced
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 tbsp. red pepper, diced
15 oz./424 g package of two, 9”/22 cm refrigerated pie crusts or packaged empanada dough
1 egg, beaten
Preheat oven to 375°F/190° C. In a Wonderlier® Bowl combine ham, cheese, onion, mustard and red
pepper until well mixed. Roll the dough into a 12” circle. Using the cutting side of the Pie Press, cut 4
circles of dough, repeat with other half of dough, then reroll and cut scraps. Hold the Pie Press open;
place one of the circular cutouts on the side with the teeth. Brush the dough with a thin layer of the
beaten egg on the teeth. Place ham mixture in the center of the dough.
To seal the pockets, hold the Tupperware® Pie Press’s two handles and close by bringing the handles
together and then pressing gently but fi rmly for 5 seconds. Place each fi nished pocket onto a baking
sheet lined with a Silicone Wonder™ Mat. Brush the tops of the pockets with the remaining beaten
egg. Place baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
From tuppertalk.blogspot.com website:

Empanada Dough

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 large egg
1/3 cup ice water
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

Preparation

Sift flour with salt into a large bowl and blend in butter with your fingertips or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal with some (roughly pea-size) butter lumps.
Beat together egg, water, and vinegar in a small bowl with a fork. Add to flour mixture, stirring with fork until just incorporated. (Mixture will look shaggy.)
Turn out mixture onto a lightly floured surface and gather together, then knead gently with heel of your hand once or twice, just enough to bring dough together. Form dough into a flat rectangle and chill, wrapped in plastic wrap, at least 1 hour.

Apple Cinnamon Filling

Ingredients

4 apples peeled and cored
(or a 21 oz. can of sliced apples, drained)
1 lemon (use juice and zest)
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. Simple Indulgence Cinnamon & Vanilla Seasoning Blend
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp. butter
1/4 cup raisins

Place apples in Quick Chef (Ok, now you need the Quick Chef!)with blade attachment. Add remaining ingredients, cover and process until coarsely chopped. Melt butter over medium heat in Chef Series 9-1/2" Nonstick Fry Pan. Add apples and stir to coat. Lower heat and cook apple mixture 5 minutes until soft. Add raisins and cook until mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Roll dough to a 12" circle on theSimply Perfect Pastry Sheet. Using the bottomside of theEmpanada Maker, cut 4 rounds of pastry. Re-roll dough as needed. Place a cut round of pastry on the Empanada Maker; moisten edges with beaten egg or water.

Place heaping tbsp. of filling in center of Empanada Maker and close, pressing tightly to seal. Open and remove the sealed empanada and place on baking sheet lined with the Silicone Wonder Mat. Brush tops of empanadas with beaten egg. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Tupperware Domed Sipper Seal YELLOW Spout Travel Cover ~NLA sippy sippie

Just listed this new spout cover for the domed sippy seal. These sippy cups from Tupperware are one of Tupperwares classic pieces. I'm not seeing these offered for sale by Tupperware which is a shame because they are perfect for travel. The underside of the cover has slots that fit into the sippy cup to keep drinks from spilling out (well at least in theory). I used the sippy cups for years with my kids and never had the advantage of the cover.

Tupperware Fridgesmart Containers just listed at ecrater

Just listed these on ecrater.

These are some of the first Fridgesmart containers to come out. They are the small size and measure 6" x 6" x 3 1/2" they hold about 4 1/2 cups. Fruits and vegetables have different airflow needs when stored in the fridge. You can regulate the airflow within the container and maintain peak freshness thanks to a unique venting system. A special built-in grid lifts food away from condensation. Textured seal reduces sliding when containers are stacked. Fruits and vegetables are divided into 3 groups - High Breathers (leave both vents open), Medium Breathers (leave one vent open, one closed), and Low Breathers (keep both vents closed) High (or Heavy!) Breathers include: Artichokes Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Endive Peas (including Snow Peas) Spinach Sweet Corn (dehusked) Medium Breathers include: Vegetables Beans (including Snap Beans and String Beans) Cabbage Cauliflower Fresh Herbs Fresh Shallots Green Onions Greens (Collard, Kale and Swiss Chard) Leeks Lettuce, all types Fruits Ripe Apples Citrus (including Grapefruit, Orange, Mandarin, Lemon, Tangerine and Lime) Ripe Pears Peppers (including Bell, Sweet, Hot and others) Low Breathers include: Vegetables Asparagus Beet Root Button Mushrooms Carrots Celery Cucumbers Okra Radishes Rutabaga Summer Squash Turnips Zucchini Fruits Ripe Berries All other ripe fruit not included in medium category All fresh cut fruit these have been used but I can tell you they haven't been used much. I bought these new when they came out and have been holding onto them for years and now I'm cleaning out cupboards and these are among the first victims of my cleaning spree. They still seem to seal well and are in good condition. These sell for $15 each on the tupperware website. this listing is for a set of two of these small fridgesmart containers.[!brand :tupperware!]

Tupperware Tiny Treasures Citrus Peeler

I have this in three different colors.

To peel an orange: using hook end of peeler score orange in full circle in one direction. then repeat in other direction. this marks the orange in four quarters. Then insert flat end of peeler under pointed part of one quarter. Peel off this portion and remove remaining three section the same way.

This is another one of those classic tupperware gadgets that no home should be without.

Tupperware Tiny Treasures Stamps N' Things and Strainer

The stamps and things container is a another classic tupperware gadget. Soon to be retired since who carry's stamps anymore? I use mine to carry pills. Since it's sheer I can see when I'm out.

This great little strainer

A mini size strainer can be used with small and large containers. The handle slots(2) and flange make it possible to attach or rest strainer on container or bowl rim. It is the right size for straining several teaspoons of fresh lemon juice for a favorite recipe. Handle is finely textured for a firm fingertip grip.

Both can be found on my ecrater site.

Tupperware Preludio Smoke Coaster on Ecrater

Do you own the Tupperware Preludio collection of tumblers. Here are the coaster that go with the tumblers. They appear almost brand new. They have been stored and moved around a lot so there may be some scratches. If your looking for anything in the Preludio line email me I might know where to find it. Otherwise I have these beauties up for sale on ecrater. Check link to the right.

Ecrater listings - Tupperware Tiny Treasures Smidget

Ok
I have some real treasures for you. I just came from the flea market where I snagged a boat load of gadgets.
The first two I listed were smidgets. Everyone knows what a smidget is. It's Tupperware 1 oz container and it has the round lid which means it's virtually water tight.
I use these to take peanut butter to the airport (where I work on the other side of security) for my breakfast. It's a one ounce container so they never question me.(Plus they all know my eccentric tendencies). It's perfect size because it's travels well and never leaks.

The top one is a christmas red and the bottom is an island green.

But these treasures also hold a multitude of other uses.

Such as:

Barbie Accessories 

Barbie Purse 

Barbie Tupperware Bowl 

Assortment of pills 

Pony tail Holders

Staples 

Safety Pins 

Push Pins 

Creamer 

Sewing Kit 

1300 Sequins 

Hand Lotions 

Aspirin  

2 Tbs. Hot Cocoa Mix 

60 Paper Clips 

Use as a Cookie Cutter  

Thumb Tacks 

3 Pickle Chips 

32 M & M’s 

Water for Kids Paints 

Chicklets from Gum Machine 

Cotton Ball w/ Nail Polish Remover 

Cotton Ball w/ Perfume 

Suntan Lotion 

Vaseline 

Rubber Washers 

Desitin Ointment

Silly Putty 

Craft Accessories 

Salad Dressing 

Condiments 

Liquid Cough Medicine 

Skittle Candy  

36 Smarties 

Peroxide 

Fresh Lemon Peel 

Band—Aids 

Adult Dose Pepto Bismol 

Powder 

2 Peppermint Patties

BBs for a BB gun 

80 Tick Tac’s 

Shampoo for over night 

100 Lifesaver Holes 

Conditioner for overnight 

Pair of Knee-Hi Nylons 

Marbles 

50 Dimes 

Buttons 

$7.00 in Quarters 

Mini Container of Play 

Dough 

50 Pennies 

Hair Gel or Mousse 

Teeth ( for tooth fairy) 

Lipstick or Blush 

20 Tums 

Lip Gloss 

 Earrings and Rings 

Salt/Pepper

Contact Lenses 

Powder Sugar 

Rubber Bands 

Parmesan Cheese 

Spices 

Lego Parts 

Instant Coffee 

Model Parts 

Needle & Thread 

Veg. Dip for Lunch 

Poly Pockets 

Bug Repellent—Skin So Soft

Bracelets 

2 tea Bags 

Rubbing Alcohol 

Single Serving Instant tea

You can not buy these from a Tupperware dealer. They are given usually to people who hold parties as an incentive. You can find them at flea market or as Tupperware dealers retire and get rid of their stock. It's one of my all time favorite peices from tupperware because of it's many uses.
these are on my ecrater site so click the link on the right side of the page.

Disney's tiny Kingdom - nightmare Before Christmas - Santa

From the box: Each unique stamped miniature figurine captures the charm and memories of the original Disney character. This one is of Santa Claus. It is mint in the box however the box has since faded and has seen better days. It's ok to display but if you look close you'll see it's flaws. As I find the rest of this set I'll list them. I think is the only one I own in a box.

this piece is listed on my ecrater site. Click the link to the right to get to my ecrater store.

Cross Stitch Valentine Box of Candy

If I had the time an patience I would work this pattern featured on the cover of  this Cross Stitch magazine.

I just don't have the patience so I'm offering the copy up for sale. But be forwarned it does have some water damage and some mold. It does not damage the copy of the pattern but it might trigger anyone with mold allergies.http://www.etsy.com/shop/secondhandspirits

Etsy - Patterns

I have a ton of patterns in my home. All of which I thought I might use at one. Some of which I thought I'd just liked. Now that I'm cleaning out I'm making way for what is really important now in my life and some of this stuff just needs to go.Like these patterns I have listed right now.





http://www.etsy.com/shop/secondhandspirits - to purchase any of these patterns or learn more check out my ETSY shop.

Spongebob - My ETSY projects

From tiles like this to jewelry like those below. I'm offering all these on ETSY right now. If you know me you know I love Spongebob. But even I don't have anywhere to where a spongebob necklace. So the rest of the tiles I have left which are pictured above are listed in a bulk lot. The two necklace I made are each listed for sale on etsy.http://www.etsy.com/shop/secondhandspirits

My Homemade Etsy - eyeglass case

I'm a crafter at heart. I've dabbled at crafts all my life. I've never found anything that I'm passionate about. As a result I can do some passable projects. I've listed my experiments on ETSY.
These included my foray into eyeglass case.

This hand made eyeglass case is 6 1/2" long by 3 1/2". Perfect for eyeglasses or sunglasses. And is a nice storage case for some of the cell phones and the ipods available now. 

NOTE - I'm not a professional seamstress. I sew for fun and for my own enjoyment. So my sewing skills may not rank up there with those of a professional seamstress. My goods will hold up. This was one of the first cases I have sewn and was a prototype for my later cases which have all sold at the flea market. With that said I just didn't want you to have a high expectation and then be disappointed with the product. 

This hand made eyeglass case is 6 " long by 3 1/2". Perfect for eyeglasses or sunglasses. And is a nice storage case for some of the cell phones and the ipods available now. 
The eyesglass case sell for 5.99 and that includes shipping. You can go to my etsy store at to buy. http://www.etsy.com/shop/secondhandspirits

My Etsy - Vintage

http://www.etsy.com/shop/secondhandspirits

Etsy lets you list Vintage and homemade items only. Since I have alot of both. I've started listing them.

Vintage Dooney Bourke Handbag- This is Dooney & Bourke from 20-25 years ago - or so I'm told.
A friend had this in her closet and just couldn't bear to throw it out so she gave to me to sell. 

The craftsmanship on this one leads me to believe that it is indeed a true vintage Dooney & Bourke. 
It is not in mint condition. I have not tried to do any sort or restoration with leather cleaners or anything like that. IT is scuffed and scratched. I do not see any ink marks or rips in the leather. 
On the end of this bag you will see a lock. My friend didn't have the key and I don't have any bolt cutters to get lock off bag. 
I have not tried to do any type of restoration work on this bag. It needs a major facelift and because it has no structural damage I thought somebody might want it to restore and use. It's a nice quality leather that has seen better days so bid with the intention that you have some work ahead of you. THIS PIECE WAS SOLD IN NOVEMEBER 2012

As well as these belts

Braided Cord Belt- This multiple colored belt has velcro fastener on the back that is adjustable to small , med, large.
Large is a 34" waist
Small is 29"
The braided part is about 2" thick.
This is a nice heavy belt. It is in fantastic shape.
Multicolored Brass Belt Buckle Belt-This is a brass (made in india) "buckle". The soft leather belt is marked genuine leather. The belt itself is soft and pliable.
The belt itself 2" wide.
Without any adjustments it would fit a 30-31" waist. It is somewhat adjustable.One ended is sewn on the buckle that other end is not allowing it to be shortened or lengthened a little.
It is in fantastic shape.
Pierre Cardin Snakeskin Belt-This a thin Pierre Cardin Genuine Snakeskin over leather belt. 
The goldtone buckle is marked Made in Spain. 
This belt was used. You can tell what hole the previous owner used but it's not torn up in the front or the back.
Belt is in good shape. 
I'm betting it's 25-30 years old.
3/4" wide
from end of belt to first hole its 26.5 inches to the last hole it's 30.5"
Vintage Revcor Belt Buckle and leather Belt-This Revcor Belt Buckle is a solid goldtone color. (pix shows some black).
The leather belt makes this cinch waist belt about a 30" size. It is possible to adjust a little bit either way.
The soft leather belt is in good shape. Almost 2" width.All the belts  sell for 9.99 each.
This is just a few of my vintage items check the link at the top of this post to take you to my shop.

Secondhandspirits - My vision

This blog is a result of my years of selling online. I've been selling in one way or another on ebay since 1997. I started with a polaroid camera and a scanner. Today I'm using a digital camera and the desktop. My goal in the next year is for an ipad so I can streamline the whole picture taking/uploading thing.

I've had to back off ebay right now. I had some disgruntled people who even though I clearly show my shipping cost upfront got upset and gave me low scores on my DSR, rating even though I have 100% positive feedback. Why ebay gives them the power to be anonymous is beyond me. As a result my rating has slipped and since I'm "below standard" according to a few people my status now sucks. So the direct result is that I can no longer instantly access money people have paid me. and my items come in low on search results for ebay. Truly ebay is trying to persuade the small seller from ever selling on ebay.

So as a result I have found alternatives to ebay like ETSY, AMAZON and even ECRATOR
I love the thrill of the hunt for stuff that people will buy. It's truly a rush to sell off that dress you bought for last years christmas party.

I'm a thrifter at heart and I'm someone that spent 7 years as a thrift store manager. I'm still working on the book for handling thrift store donations. Because people just don't know what they've got in their back rooms and how to make the most of it. I'll finish that book sometime to the next year but for now. I'm trying to get rid of all this excess stuff we have.

I have years of Nightmare Before Christmas Collectibles. The only I cannot sell off is the my NBC globe collection.

So for now I'm listing the stuff I have on each of the sites. I'm trying not to cross post on two sites. So if you see something here look to see where I've posted it.

Most of my selling are id's are now secondhandspirits. 

Email me with any questions about products. secondhandspirits@gmail.com is the email I'm monitoring every day now. So email me there with questions. I read this on the bus in the mornings going to work. I work a 4am to 1pm shift 3 days. and a 7-2 shift the other two days. So if I need to check the product itself it will be after those times.