Do you remember the first item you ever sold online? Let us know by sending an email to ina@auctionbytes.com and we may publish your story. Today we hear from an enterprising reader who discovered a knack for selling knick-knacks.

Hi, I just had to tell you my story. For over 30 years I was a crafter and I also had a job. So I worked days, crafted in the evening and sold on the weekends. I was a very busy person in the summer.

And I did all this with 2 kids. Then I got arthritis and had to quit work and crafting. It was just too hard to put the booth up and move the boxes anymore.

Then one day I went to a local auction. The lady across the street from me had died so I only had to walk across the street. It was a real experience. I bought a couple of things for myself and a box of dishes for $25. As I started searching the internet for some pieces to make my new dishes a complete set, I met a man in an antique store in Denver. Well instead of my buying some serving pieces for my dishes I sold him the plates and cups for $400. That did it.

I had a new love. I could go to auctions whenever I felt like it and all I had to do was bring home a couple of boxes. I started just by buying dishes but too often I got other boxes of STUFF. I only buy the stuff now.

Last week I bought 2 flats (little boxes) of toys for $1. And sold one of the Pez dispensers for $46.67. That alone was more than I spent at the auction.

It is a great way to have something to do and to be able to do it on your own terms. As a retired person I've found a great way to supplement my income.

Thanks for a great opportunity.
JO