Spring cleaning is often an ambitious declaration that doesn't go well. For the past few years, as my access paths grow progressively narrower, I've recognized the need to clean. However, recognition of an issue not necessarily synonymous with getting started.
Since the start of the year, I've cited active assistance (ie. not emotional support) as the main driving factor in commencing a process. While sorting through nearly thirty years of neglect - perhaps with sporadic periods of re-organization weaved within - cannot be completed overnight, I can, at the very least, declare subtle improvements. In spite of not noticing drastic changes, I was informed that "The floor has improved greatly."
Since the start of the year, I've cited active assistance (ie. not emotional support) as the main driving factor in commencing a process. While sorting through nearly thirty years of neglect - perhaps with sporadic periods of re-organization weaved within - cannot be completed overnight, I can, at the very least, declare subtle improvements. In spite of not noticing drastic changes, I was informed that "The floor has improved greatly."
Categorization of electronic waste, expired food and medication, and paper products such as merchandise packaging and instruction manuals are amongst the easier tasks. Less straightforward is the handling of forgotten childhood toys and knickknacks. The concept of re-selling was proposed to me, inciting a convoluted procedure comparable to selecting medium-term accommodations.
The plethora of re-sale platforms has expanded remarkably in the name of environmental sustainability and the three Rs. Beyond the cult classic of ebay comes Facebook Marketplace for direct sales of standalone goods (no admin-monitored group needed), Poshmark for closet and fashion items, as well as consignment stores for gently used preloved products.
Distinguishing the online platforms and secondhand retail shops is the degree of user involvement: While the seller is responsible for preparing individual item listings, uploading product images, managing correspondence, and packing/shipping of items for the digital realm, consignment stores will review items in bulk, then price accordingly or return the entire lot. Albeit considerably more time-consuming, the former approach summons the fundamentals of entrepreneurship in exchange for the potential to increase disposable income. Meanwhile, the latter is a quicker, fuss-free method of earning additional funds before sending the remnants off to a donation centre.
The plethora of re-sale platforms has expanded remarkably in the name of environmental sustainability and the three Rs. Beyond the cult classic of ebay comes Facebook Marketplace for direct sales of standalone goods (no admin-monitored group needed), Poshmark for closet and fashion items, as well as consignment stores for gently used preloved products.
Distinguishing the online platforms and secondhand retail shops is the degree of user involvement: While the seller is responsible for preparing individual item listings, uploading product images, managing correspondence, and packing/shipping of items for the digital realm, consignment stores will review items in bulk, then price accordingly or return the entire lot. Albeit considerably more time-consuming, the former approach summons the fundamentals of entrepreneurship in exchange for the potential to increase disposable income. Meanwhile, the latter is a quicker, fuss-free method of earning additional funds before sending the remnants off to a donation centre.
Posting cosplay wigs and Tsum Tsums have earned me minimal success thus far. Though, a 1999 Cardcaptor doll, entirely unopened, saw interest in under 24 hours of listing. That said, simultaneously listing on ebay and Facebook marketplace had been a poor choice, for I was doubled the amount following agreement of a legally-binding low bid price on ebay. The incident merely confirms the risks and background knowledge required for a self-led undertaking: Assessment of market conditions was non-negotiable, as is time commitment for coordination with potential buyers - be it for price, transaction specifics, or logistics.
I had allocated a portion of my weekend for the exploration of consignment stores. Located within decently close proximity were Once Upon A Child, Plato's Closet, and Style Encore, which catered to children, teens, and middle-aged women respectively. The trio fell within the same chain, much like Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic.
Following a chaotic morning of cooking, I set out for my first stop of Once Upon A Child in Streetsville. Drizzly conditions had facilitated the commute; similarly low traffic volumes were witnessed in the asphalt lot.
I had allocated a portion of my weekend for the exploration of consignment stores. Located within decently close proximity were Once Upon A Child, Plato's Closet, and Style Encore, which catered to children, teens, and middle-aged women respectively. The trio fell within the same chain, much like Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic.
Following a chaotic morning of cooking, I set out for my first stop of Once Upon A Child in Streetsville. Drizzly conditions had facilitated the commute; similarly low traffic volumes were witnessed in the asphalt lot.
My two bags' worth of "fluffy" toys were dismissed instantly on the basis of being without tags. The cashier pointed towards glittery cats by the checkout, confirming that small toys, such as ty beanie babies, would likely be priced at $1, and medium ones at a maximum of $2, be they ty or not.
Strollers, clothing, books, and educational workbooks were also observed lining the shelves. Out of curiosity, I also inquired of their selling price. The cashier admitted that, since the books usually retailed at $1.50 each, the most I'd receive in exchange for the drop-off would be fifty cents, if even.
Strollers, clothing, books, and educational workbooks were also observed lining the shelves. Out of curiosity, I also inquired of their selling price. The cashier admitted that, since the books usually retailed at $1.50 each, the most I'd receive in exchange for the drop-off would be fifty cents, if even.
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Although fruitless, the visit was completed swiftly in a friendly manner and advised on the pertinent details for my objective. Lugging my two bags back to the car, I briefly contemplated conduct a photoshoot for each individual stuffed plush, only to conclude that I was neither particularly keen to recover profit nor possessed the luxury of free time to dedicate to the venture.
Style Encore was my next stop. Located at Hurontario and Bristol, the plaza was admittedly difficult to navigate towards in the face of LRT construction and restricted maneuvers. All-moves driveways had been converted to right-in-right-out accesses only, and annoyingly obstructed by construction fences which reduced visibility further on the already rainy afternoon.
Style Encore was my next stop. Located at Hurontario and Bristol, the plaza was admittedly difficult to navigate towards in the face of LRT construction and restricted maneuvers. All-moves driveways had been converted to right-in-right-out accesses only, and annoyingly obstructed by construction fences which reduced visibility further on the already rainy afternoon.
About nine bags of clothing, handbags, and five pairs of shoes (four of which still in their original box) were handed over to the cashier for pricing. First-time sellers were required to complete a Google Form as part of a condensed registration process. Afterwards, a text message would be received to confirm enrollment, then later used to advise on the pick-up period.
Five to six ladies began sorting the spread promptly, labelling my items accordingly with my name and bin count.
One of them hovered about the cashier and asked if I was familiar with the selling process. Indeed, I was, having researched extensively before investing time and gas into the excursion:
- Gently used items could be brought into the store for review by on-site staff, no appontment needed, then priced as per their discretion.
- The scrutinization process, as per online user reviews, would span about one hour. Most sellers had opted to browse the store in the meantime, though one also had the option of executing errands in the vicinity and returning later for pickup.
- Cash payout would be received on the same day (no haggling)
- Refused items would also need to be picked up on the same day during operating hours, or risk being discarded by end of day
A two-hour estimate sent me in the direction of Square One for perusal of a Thai street food pop-up at The Food District.
My leisurely walk through the retail quarters led to the discovery of nose sculptures lining the display window of Aesop. They reminded me vividly of the larger-than-life-sized versions at Arcadia Earth, just smoother and without ridges.
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New at The Food District was a more permanent location of The Purple Oven Bakeshop, the closure of Pier 87, a larger LED menu at MyMy Chicken, and Bear Pung at The District Kitchen.
Having been intrigued by the availability of exclusive Thai desserts, the posted prices led me to reconsider investment. With Thai Tea ringing in at $7-$8 before tax and rice flour- or mung bean-based desserts upwards of ten dollars, I took a gander before turning on my heel to head up the escalators.
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A 16 oz. cup of Starbucks' recently launched Iced Lavender Cream Oat Matcha Tea Latte rang in at $7.29 after tax, making the mid-day pick-me-up more economic by comparison. My half-sweet edition contained a lower proportion of lavender-tinted foam than both the promotional image and the adjacent cup, exuding a light floral essence amidst milky matcha. Grassy and bittersweet was the profile I had yearned for, but the franchise's take on the popular tea beverage is made milder and sweeter for the masses.
Style Encore had estimated two hours for the ordeal, but ultimately finished their business in fifty minutes. I routed back to the plaza, braving the construction-induced restrictions once more, to find my belongings roughly rummaged through and set on the floor. From the nine bags of products, the staff had selected just six: mainly the nicer Coach handbags and one pair of Ralph Lauren Polo dark wash denim. Neither the apparel nor shoes had made the cut. The trip earned me $55.90 in cash, for the handbags had been priced at around $15-$17 each.
After picking up my forever helper, I continued onto my third stop of Plato's Closet.
After picking up my forever helper, I continued onto my third stop of Plato's Closet.
This outlet was larger than Once Upon a Child and Style Encore, offering a staggering selection of fashion items for both genders. It was also the only establishment out of three that refused garbage bags as a method of clothing transport. Consequently, all unsold items from Style Encore were transferred to paper shopping bags or reusable bins before entry into the store.
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A similar process would ensue within. The staff, likely in their early twenties, slid a notepad in my direction. Completion of the form fields would constitute the (once again) condensed registration process. I was then informed that I would receive a call once the sorting was complete. "Over an hour" was the timeframe I was initially told. Thus, Oakville Place would be browsed in the meantime.
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First was the food court lavatories, next Miniso, and lastly Dollarama.
We had barely covered the second floor of the mall when I received the call from Plato's Closet. Our arrival in Oakville was made just a few minutes before 3 PM; barely thirty minutes had passed when the sorting was deemed finished. The duration seemed consistent with other reviews, which had claimed that the staff had barely gone through the merchandise before concluding a price.
I was provided a breakdown of the items of interest, with all remaining articles passed back to me on the bases of "obvious wear" and "not fitting the style" of the target audience. My moving efforts and gas expenses earned me $18.10 in total - a harsh markdown versus Style Encore.
A bespectacled member of staff pointed out the picks of the batch before asking if I would accept the offer. Puzzled, I responded, "Well, what are my other options?", while fully knowing that haggling was not one of them.
"You could take them back and try to sell them privately" came the obvious response.
"It's fine." I assured her. After all, avoid the tediousness associated with private sale was the precise reason for trying a consignment store 15 kilometres from home.
A bespectacled member of staff pointed out the picks of the batch before asking if I would accept the offer. Puzzled, I responded, "Well, what are my other options?", while fully knowing that haggling was not one of them.
"You could take them back and try to sell them privately" came the obvious response.
"It's fine." I assured her. After all, avoid the tediousness associated with private sale was the precise reason for trying a consignment store 15 kilometres from home.
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Having been tossed about, placed on floors, and subject to unknown treatment, the rest of the inventory would eventually be deposited at Value Village's Donation Centre, where a friendly member of staff accepted all items into a lime green bin from the side entrance.
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The vivid green designated parking spots and sloped entrance to the loading zone was very much appreciated.
Our labour was rewarded with French Toast Sticks and a Chili (not mine) from Wendy's.
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Also sampled was a Nitro Station Cold Brew.
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Unfortunately, it was not-so-Nitro given that I had forgotten to shake the can before pouring. While one of us quoted "chocolatey" notes, I personally found the formula to be mainly acidic with lingering toasty, cacao-like notes.
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At a first glance, the day's venture could be summarized as follows, from the viewpoint of a Seller:
1. Private Sale: ebay
1. Private Sale: ebay
| Advantages
| Disadvantages
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2. Private Sale: Facebook Marketplace
| Advantages
| Disadvantages
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3. Consignment Stores
| Advantages
| Disadvantages
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