Yes, we all have good itentions.  I will read that article later.  I will try that receipe next week.  This paper mache pumpkin will be great for Halloween.  I stockpile magazines.  First, I probably subscribe to too many magazines.  Second, sometimes my schedule is too busy to truly digest each issue.

So...how am I simplifying my life and making a little cash on the side?  I have posted all of my VALUABLE magazines on eBay.

Why sell magazines?

(1) They are cluttering your home.

(2) Goodwill doesn't take them for donations.

(3)  You are honestly never going to make that Little Mermaid Halloween costume.  Look, Little Mermaid is old news anyway! 

(4)  Someone else may enjoy your magazines! 

(5)  You can sell the mags for cash and use the money for bookshelves and organizers as I plan to do!!!  (Write me later and make sure I did not use the money for a new subscription to Metalsmith!)

To Sell or Not to Sell!

Things to sell:  craft magazine, hobby magazines, literary magazines!  Materials that are not dated!  Also, every one and her mother gets Good Housekeeping so don't bother listing it.  Same for Better Homes and Gardens, Southern Living, Martha Stewart, etc.

Quality:  This is where I owe my mother for instilling in me the thought that everything must be kept perfect!  No torn pages, no ruffled edges, no dogged earred pages either!  Gosh, who does dog ears!  Get a bookmark! 

Pristine magazines are going to sell for much more! 

Posting:  How to group your best issues!

First, get organized.  Gather all of the magazines you plan to sell.  Even if this means you cannot walk through your living run because stacks of magazines are covering the floor.  Oh wait, that is me.  I sell bead magazines and jewelry magazines so the strategies will work for any hobby or craft magazines.

(1)  Group issues by date!  Don't list a Nov 2001 issue with a Feb 2005 issue.  People are usually looking for specific issues.  Also, what if the person subscribed in Dec 2003?  She may have Feb 2005, but need Nov 2001. 

(2)  Sell in lots.  Don't make your lots too large.  This will cause shipping to be too high.  Plus, the more auctions, the more bids!  I sell in lots of 2 or 3 magazines.  Again, with large lots, you run the risk that someone needs some issues, but not all of them.

(3)  Group by specialty.  Sometimes issues will cover special topics and it will be useful to group by technique instead of date.  For example, some bead artists use polymer clay, while other never touch it.  I had two issues (different years) that focused on polymer clay.  This allows those with a special interest to bid on what they really want.

 Dazzle them with Descriptions!

Many publishers sell back issues of magazines.  Go to their site and check the prices.  Also, check to see if an issue is out of print!  When and issue is not going to be reprinted, make it known.  Let the realize you have something valuable!  Also, give good, clear descriptions of the topics or articles covered in the magazine.

Post some pictures.  With auctions that include several magazines.  Use the best cover as your gallery shot! 

What categories to list in:

There is a category for back issue magazines until Collectibles:  Books:  Magazines: Back Issues.   It is also useful to post the auction under the general hobby or craft (scrapbooking, model airplanes, beading, etc.)

So are you making any money?

Of course, I am making money.   Each auction requires S&H.  This gives me a few dollars on each auction. (Buy padded envelopes on sale.  Walgreen's regularly has a coupon for them.)   Plus, I have already enjoyed the magazines, so I am getting an extra bonus!

Most of all:  I am getting peace of mind, that I am making progess in de-cluttering my life!  Also, with hobbies and crafts, I am sending on ideas, instructions and inspirations to others!  This is a good feeling as well !  Share your hobby.  Share your spirit. 

Common Sense!

No one is up at 3:00 EST, don't end your auction then.  Make them fight for it!  You want constant bidding up until the last minute. 

Be friendly and pleasant.  Ship promptly and with careful packing!  Leave positive feeback!  

Best of luck!  If you want to de-clutter, give this a try.  If you enjoy clutter, check out my auctions!  Maybe I have some magazines you are looking for!