Homeschool Mom Goes Back to Work

It feels like this should be a headline in the newspaper.   It's been 23+ years since I have worked for anyone other than myself.  My husband really wanted me to get a part-time job now that our younger son has graduated high school and is in college.  I was opposed to this idea at first but to please my husband primarily, I decided to just go step by step and look  for a job that would be suited to me. I would not have imagined that I would actually get a good one in such a short time!

My professional life before children was in the banking industry but I really did not want to go back into the corporate world. I teach piano from home and have an Ebay store as you know [more details in  the two tabs above],  and am involved in the worship and Titus 2 Moms ministries at church.   I didn't want something that would take every single spare minute that I had.  I prayed and prayed and asked several of my close friends to do the same.  I mentioned that I was looking for a job to 3-4 of my friends who are in business  in case they had any openings.  In June I prepared  my resumé  and posted it to LinkedIn and sent it to five places--three Christian schools, an accountant and a Bible software company.

About 3 weeks ago the software company contacted me about a job.  I had two interviews for two  different positions that were being created within the company.  I was thrilled to hear that they wanted me  because of my character in addition to my skills and background.  They had been talking about me for a few months (while we were all praying, the Lord was already working).   I started two weeks ago as an accounting assistant and my first assignment was to pick out a new MacBook Pro [as He would have it, it was the day after my birthday... what a sweet birthday gift!] .

In fact, on my birthday my family got Chinese from our favorite takeout. This was in my fortune cookie.  :)

Another perk:  I was given  the latest version of the Bible software...another GREAT gift.   Wow!  I have used this Bible software for many years and so, was very familiar with it already.  In fact, my husband bought me the software for my birthday in 1999!   :)

God has blessed me abundantly beyond what I asked or thought He would do. Almost forgot to mention that the hours are flexible (20 per week, more if I want, although I prefer to keep it around 20 hours) and  I can work from HOME! This is what I SO wanted to be able to do but did not expect it to come to pass.   And the pay is great--far more than the average for working part-time.   I like the people I've met so far in the company very much, including my immediate boss which is a very good thing,; the work is detailed yet interesting with a godly purpose--behind-the-scenes in a company that produces a product designed to help laymen and scholars study, learn and teach accurately from the Bible.

Working From Home

The week after I got this job I was offered another job at one of the Christian schools where I had sent my resumé. What an incredible turn of events.  I was approached to be a pianist there about 4 years ago but could not accept the job since I was still homeschooling.

If you are headed back into the working world after a long hiatus like me, don't give up. Pray, pray, pray and just take that next step...  you may be surprised at what lies ahead.   :)

P.S.  Be sure to brush up on your organizational and time management skills while at home.  And start streamlining your life to omit things that are really not important.   When there is a time crunch, the less stress already removed, the better.

For all of you who prayed for me, thank you so very much.

Click HERE to see other posts about Home Businesses.

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. 

A Peek Into My Office

I enjoy looking at other people's homes so I thought you'd like a peek into where I write my blogs, work on Ebay/Amazon listings, pay bills, etc.  I tend to come into our home office.   This  room was designed by my husband.   We added it after his 94-year-old mother came to live with us for 2 years.  I use it more than he does these days.    I have a laptop but I prefer to work here since it keeps me in a "business" mentality.    It is set apart from the rest of the house so I'm not looking at what else could be done around our home when I'm ready to work seriously.  

I try to set apart at least three work blitz days a week for my internet sales business.  This includes research, listing, photographing, printing shipping labels, etc.  I really don't have to leave the house except for occasional inventory shopping for this business.

This is a pleasant place to work, to be sure.  I am so blessed to have this special spot to work at home.

Piano Lessons in My Home / Maitland Area

Just a plug for my piano lesson home business.  This will be in our neighborhood newsletter next month for a few months.   Please pass on to parents of students who may be interested in piano lessons for their children.  I also teach adults as well.  It's great to start students over the summer during their break and often have lots of extra time on their hands.  If they are doing well, they can continue into the school year with a "head start".

Reviews can be read HERE.

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I am attempting to build up my Ebay Store and Piano Business presence on Facebook, so if you don't mind, would you please LIKE My Ebay Store on FB? The tab is located in the righthand sidebar. Thank you so much!

Supplemental Income : Market Research Panels Studies

As most of you know, I add to our family income by working from home teaching piano as well as selling on Ebay and Amazon.   If you are looking for a way to make additional income for your family, one fun way is to register to be a participant in market research studies.  There are lots of companies out there, probably in your area, that do these.   I like to stay closer to home so I ilke working with these two companies-- Schlesinger Associates and Orlando Market Research.

To register for one of these market research companies, click on one of the links below.

• SCHLESINGER ASSOCIATES

• ORLANDO MARKET RESEARCH

I really don't like to waste time during surveys online since it takes time away from my internet selling. I prefer to get paid ($75+ for giving your opinion for two hours) doing something a bit different.   The studies I have done include hot dogs, the Orlando Sentinel, evidence in a court case and most recently, illegal immigration.

I was a mystery shopper a few years ago but honestly, I can't remember the name of the company.  With that one, I ate at Cheesecake Factory several times and was even able to take a guest with me while I "shopped".  You might enjoy that, so check it out.

These companies are always looking for people of various demographics.  Don't get discouraged if you don't get accepted after a few contacts, but keep your name on their lists to be contacted for future ones.  Have fun!


TIP:  When researching companies to be on a research panel or mystery shop, you should NEVER have to pay a fee.  If they are asking for one, it may be a scam.

Yard Sales / Where Does She Find Her Ebay Inventory? Part 1

I am often asked where I get my Ebay inventory and how do I know what to sell.  Believe me, it's a learning curve to figure out what sells that takes time with plenty of trial and error.  Set a moderate goal, a spending limit and just play with it.  As you may know, I started learning over the summer before I turned 50 (I confess, that was 2005) and read every book from the library I could find on the topic. [My big motivation was a new computer purchase that was just sitting in our home office doing nothing useful to earn its keep during the day!]  I am always learning by doing and believe me, you learn from both your mistakes as well as your successes.  Yes, I have had 50 cent items sell for $50+ which is a great incentive  :)  One of my biggest profit makers was an item I bought for $2 that sold for over $100 which is my VitaMix story that I love to tell about God's provision.  :)

The authors of the article below recommend specializing in what you sell which is a good basic idea although I also will sell whatever I think has resale value.  I particularly enjoy selling books, collectibles, china and jewelry but as you can see in my Ebay store, I sell much more.

I have quite a few blog posts about having a home business reselling which you can browse by clicking on the Ebay link in the righthand column.  This article below is from Auctiva's website at THIS LINK.  Quite humorous but pretty accurate on shopping yard sales and thrift stores for inventory to resell.   I'll try to remember to post next week's Part 2 article for you as well.

Check your local newspaper for local sales and map out a route since on Fridays and Saturdays there are usually at least a few sales going on.  My favorites are moving sales and church rummage sales.  Set a $ limit and get your cash before you begin shopping.   Generally, only professional estate sales will take checks or credit cards as do thrift stores (don't forget about shopping there).  And have fun!

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Confessions of a Yard Sale Diva, Part 1

Master bargain hunter shares a few of her trade secrets.

by Brad and Debra Schepp 

- Aug 22, 2011

We consider ourselves very fortunate to know the Yard Sale Diva. Now, you may scoff at such an idea, but this is a woman so adept at yard sales that she's purchased many thousands of items for pennies on the dollar. Just to whet your appetite, we can tell you that she once paid $25 for a sterling silver tea set, and found the weight of the silver, alone, was valued at $1,200!

She agreed to share some of her strategies with us, but only with a few clearly understood ground rules. No. 1: We agreed not to divulge her true identity. No. 2: We agreed not to reveal her geographic location. Once the threat of educating her own competitors was removed, she happily gave us the value of her considerable insights and experience. 

“

I prefer the sales that clearly scream, 'We're moving, and we have to get everything out of this house

”

Plot your strategy

The Diva doesn't just wander from yard sale to yard sale every Saturday morning, the way an amateur would. She plans and plots her travels based on not only geography, but also the type of sale.

"I look for moving or estate sales first," she tells us. "I prefer the sales that clearly scream, 'We're moving, and we have to get everything out of this house.' I also love finding the ones where people are selling off Grandma's things."

Many of the things Grandma and her contemporaries treasured are completely undervalued by subsequent generations. That's especially true when young family members are faced with emptying an entire household. People who have grown up among these artifacts often see them as "a bunch of old junk."

"I don't mean to sound snotty," the Diva adds "but I head straight for the most affluent neighborhoods." Well, that makes sense. Wealthy people and their offspring may have lots of stuff and little appreciation for what their castoffs might be worth.

"I also avoid any advertisements that offer antiques," she says. This surprised us, but she tells us those ads are often placed by antiques dealers who are just trying to dump inventory they purchased and haven't been able to sell. "I'd much rather go where people aren't likely to know an item is antique," she continues.

She adds that she also avoids any sale that lists baby items. "Households with young children often haven't been around long enough to have amassed old things."

Specialize, but keep an open mind

Our Diva tends to specialize in jewelry and musical instruments. To score the best deals, she spends hours researching the value of different manufacturers of musical equipment, from amplifiers to guitars, to horns and woodwinds. "How can you spot a great deal if you don't know who makes the best equipment?" she asks.

She also never leaves home without her loupe [magnifying glass], and she's educated herself not only in the field of fine jewelry, but also in the details of costume jewelry. Costume jewelry has proven to be especially lucrative because people who don't know it well consider it all to be junk, when in reality, many of the good older pieces are quite valuable.

Although these are her areas of expertise, she will branch out and buy almost anything that seems to have resale value. "Paper is still very hot," she says. "I often seek out ephemera and even old books." She explains that she has no real interest in old books, but that doesn't mean they're worthless. "Often books can be treasure troves, not because they are valuable themselves, but because they can contain beautiful old color plates."

“

If you ask, you may just trigger that impulse to get rid of an item long overlooked and tucked away

”

Ask and ye shall receive

Never leave a yard sale without asking if the seller has the type of item you may be searching for, the Diva advises. "I always ask for musical instruments," she says. Often when people are planning their yard sales, they may not think of that old trumpet up in the attic or stashed away in a spare closet. "If you ask, you may just trigger that impulse to get rid of an item long overlooked and tucked away," she explains. "On the spur of the moment, the seller may let it go for much less than its true value."

She explains this phenomenon as the opposite of impulse buying. "It's really impulse selling!" she says.

"I also specifically ask for costume jewelry," she adds. "If I can get a pile of costume jewelry, there's often a treasure in it. I will sometimes buy the whole lot, rather than look through all the pieces. It's a clean-out-the-drawer sort of moment." Once she gets back home, she has plenty of time to look through it and pick out the valuable pieces. This way she doesn't waste valuable yard-sale time picking through a box and viewing each piece with her loupe.

"Plus, if the seller notices you're examining Grandma's junk jewelry with a loupe, he may just change his mind about letting the whole box go for peanuts," she says.

Stay aware of cultural shifts

Our Diva may adore old things, but she also keeps a keen eye on what is currently hot, and what commodities have faded.

"The trend has shifted away from Howdy Doody and Hopalong Cassidy," she explains. "The people who have wanted these things have had years to acquire them. Now it's more Star Wars and other artifacts from the 1970s. That's especially true if you can find them still in the box, having once just been stashed away."

She also keeps her eye out for things that were once popular, but are now out of vogue. "Anything related to smoking is held in very low esteem now," she explains. "But great old smoking stands, even with their negative connotations, can be repurposed. Cool old ashtrays and lighters will always find a market," she adds.

Finally, our Diva keeps an eye on current cultural trends that can boost the value of older items. "Anything mid-century modern has really taken off, with the popularity of Mad Men," she says. "I can sell almost any piece of barware from the 1950s or '60s that I can find."

Next time we'll take a look at what our Diva does once the yard sales are over, and we'll look at some of her best finds and her most promising trends. Now, you'll have to excuse us, but the yard sales are calling!

New Business Cards

Just ordered new business cards from Vista Print, both for my Music business AND my Ebay / Amazon stores.  It was a GREAT deal.  $20.00 (free shipping) for 1,000 cards (500 of each).  Best prices I've found for personalized printed items.

I incorporated the lower one into my Ebay store logo using Seashore photo editing software...We have Photoshop but  for something simple, Seashore works well.

Tonya Travelstead: Pianist / Accompanist / Music Teacher

My  younger son turns 16 tomorrow (11th grade) so it's about time to start building my music business back up again (semi-empty nest).  I tried something new this week--a Facebook promotional page.  Several of my younger friends in Titus 2 Moms have them for their home crafts and businesses, so I am giving it a go.  Check it out by clicking on the tab above or HERE.

In addition, if you or your child has been a piano student of mine, if I have played at your wedding or other family event, or accompanied you musically, or if you are a worship leader with whom I have worked, please consider writing a REVIEW by clicking on the appropriate tab. Be sure to LIKE  the page as well.  :)  Thank you so much.

Ebay Sale COACH Black Flats

Friends often ask how I'm doing with my Ebay store.  Here's an update...


I bought these black flats by Coach two weeks ago at a yard sale for $25.00  and listed them on Ebay.   I photographed them on a neon green background to stand out from the rest especially since I had paid so much for them.   I don't normally spend more than a few dollars on my inventory but I was sure that authentic Coach would recoup my investment.  I started the bidding at $49.99.  See what they sold for HERE.  At least I doubled the amount I paid for them :)

I scoped out a church rummage sale  and a neighborhood sale near our home on Saturday morning and  bought a LOT of about 10 pins including this interesting slide rule tie tack for about $1.00.  I didn't realize the tie tack was sterling until I got it home.  See what it sold for HERE.

I like buying several small things and listing them individually...easier to pack and ship and generally very inexpensive initially.  Even the listing fee was only 10 cents each (.99 starting bid).

This pretty Mary Kay pin was in the same lot.

I'll update when they sell to see their final prices. :)

Selling on Ebay is easy but there is a learning curve.  Give yourself time to practice. Set aside a certain $ amount to play with.  Two years ago I took $100 out of savings and started my store.  I replaced the $100 within the first couple of weeks and the store has been self-sustaining ever since even with Ebay's fee increases.  Granted, I did all this over the SUMMER MONTHS so I'd have plenty of time to work on it.   

Blog "how-to's" are at THIS LINK. There's no reason that anyone can't have a small home business...I have taught my children how to sell on Ebay and even though one is too young to "technically" have a store, he is certainly able to sell a few things here and there.  Both of my sons have purchased items and made money selling on Ebay and/or Amazon.com.

1Thessalonians 4:11-12 

...make it your ambition to lead a quiet life 

and attend to your own business 

and work with your hands, 

just as we commanded you, 

so that you will behave properly toward outsiders 

and not be in any need. 

Printing Your Own FREE Shipping Postage Labels with PayPal / Home Business Shipping

We have Macintosh computers in our home.  As you know, I sell items regularly on Ebay and Amazon.com and am usually stopping by the post office 2-3x each week.  Thankfully, the post office closest to us is literally less than 5 minutes away.  Unfortunately, that office may be closing soon.  I realized that I needed to start checking into Stamps.com which sounds like a fabulous service.  Unfortunately, the software does NOT work with Macintosh computers.

I tried the USPS Click-N-Ship website and discovered that you can only print Priority Mail and Express Mail as well as international shipping postage.  I called USPS and Technical Support directed me to Endicia for Mac. That is a fee-paid service (starting at $9.95/month)  although they offer a 30-day free trial.  

They also directed me to PayPal.  Score!!!

I can now print postage mailing labels for FREE online and will not need to be running to the post office as I have been doing.  As far as I can tell, there is NO free for this service. I did notice that there is a 19 cent additional charge for tracking which is very useful but I don't usually buy it.  I tried to delete it from the form so I assume it is a standard item.  I'm fine with that.   You can print the labels for items sold on Ebay  by clicking on the link on the details page when you sell.  There is also an option not visible on the site that you can access by signing in (you have to set up a PayPal account which is free). After signing up, the link you need is www.paypal.com/shipnow.  Believe me, I have this site bookmarked in my browser to not lose it.

What a timesaver this will be.    The labels look like this when printed. Just affix them to your package and let your mailman pick up the packages.  No more trips to the post office, or at least fewer of them.  I left a note for our mailman on Saturday asking how much he could pick up from our home.  He responded no more than 70 lbs. each day!

Make sure that your scale for weighing packages is accurate.  Mine looks like this and I have verified weights on a couple of packages already.

I hope to purchase a digital scale at some point and will be looking for the best prices for that.  The Stamps.com site trial period includes a free digital  scale  if you have  a PC and can use the service.  

EBay Power Seller Top Rated Seller :) Working Mom at Home

Colossians 3:23-24 

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, 

as for the Lord rather than for men, 

knowing that from the Lord you will receive 

the reward of the inheritance. 

It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. 

What a nice surprise to get this in the mail this week.  I've been recognized previously but not with an actual "award" certificate.  :)

Mrs. T's TidBiTs and Treasures

Mrs. T's TidBiTs and Treasures

My goals in teaching piano,  playing piano for special occasions,  and selling on Ebay and Amazon.com have always been to earn enough $$ to fund our homeschool needs, our family outings, add to the clothing fund, share with others and have a fund for Christmas, birthdays, and special occasions.  Not to mention, that it's fun and a creative outlet for me. I love music and anything to do with finance (I know, that sounds strange).   Since my husband has a good job, my working at home, coupled with managing our family finances, budgeting and living frugally (but well)  has been so blessed by  God that I have been able to be with my children these  21+ years for which I am truly, truly thankful.   :)

Home businesses can be fun if you are using your gifts and talents. So is bartering what you have or what you can do for others to fill in the monetary gaps.  If you are in a financial pinch, discover your strengths and gifts and ask the Lord to help you be resourceful and creative as to what you can do at home to help provide for the needs you may have.  Whether you are in a pinch or not, be a good steward of what you and/or your husband earn.  Spend less than you make, save some and give to others regularly.  [He who dies last still doesn't get to take any with him.]   God's  provision may have been  right in front of you all the time in more ways than one.  :)  

A few years ago I was interviewed for the book Hired @ Home by Sarah Hamaker.  [The real-life stories of the women in the book demonstrate how anyone can work from home.]   I wrote a short review on Paperback Swap about it.   Check it out.  :)

Proverbs  31:11-13 

The heart of her husband trusts in her,  

and he will have no lack of gain.  

She does him good and not evil 

all the days of her life.  

She looks for wool and flax  

and works with her hands in delight.    

Luke 12:42 

...“Who then is the faithful and sensible steward...?

Piano Lessons

On Thursday afternoons this school year I teach piano lessons. I have been doing this since 1996 in my home and it has been a joy to teach adults and children as well as earn extra money for our family outings and events. There have been years when I have had 8-10 students which is very lucrative, then there are years like this one when I have 2-3 students. Either way involves scheduling lessons around school carpool, youth group, etc. I also play the piano for weddings, funerals, receptions and other events. Last year I made more money doing that than teaching.

I always encourage moms, older students, anyone at home, to have a home business. Take a look at what you enjoy doing, what blesses you, what your talents and gifts are, and give it a try. You might be surprised at how you blossom and what you learn about yourself as well. :)

FINANCES: What To Sell On eBay

Proverbs 31:14

She is like merchant ships...

Every now and then I do another article on eBay. This one may give you some ideas of what to sell. As I have mentioned before, the year I turned 50 I took the entire summer and read and practiced selling on eBay. By the time school began again, I was on a roll and had a routine of doing everything needed. Learning by doing is the best way to get the hang of eBay selling.

Here are some of my sales over the last month:

• Starbucks City Mug, New York Holiday 2006, original price $1.00 (thrift store); SOLD $49.00
• My Utmost for His Highest book, 1935; orig. price 50 cents (bookstore); SOLD $20.00
• Disney World Grand Floridian Souvenir Room Key; orig. FREE (yard sale); SOLD $11.59
• Disney 1st Visit Badge; orig. price FREE (theme park); SOLD $4.99
• 8 Wm. Rogers Silver Teaspoons & 8 Forks; orig. price $4.00 (thrift store, huge bag of this pattern was $10); SOLD $41.49
• Apologia Physical Science Book Bundle; orig. price $30 (school book sale, we used it one year, sold it the next); SOLD $50.00
• Wilson US Open Duffle Bag; orig. price $2.00 (yard sale); SOLD $20.00
• Military Insignia; orig. price $2.50 (I bought a Ziplock bag full of these at a yard sale); SOLD 4 for $21.49
• High School Graduation Robe (used by my son 3 years ago); orig. price $15.00; SOLD $15.00
• Izod Alligator Wastebasket; orig. price $2.00 (thrift store); SOLD $15.00

I tend to sell things that I like and know something about--china, collectibles and books. Occasionally I will sell electronics but since I don't know much about those things, I generally limit those listings. I don't sell clothing from yard sales but I do sell our own like new clothing that I know is clean and stain-free. I'll sell just about anything that I find that is an excellent bargain though. I shop at thrift stores, yard sales and rummage sales for most of my inventory and am always cleaning out closets and drawers, listing some of those items as well. I do draw the line at selling items that Christians should not be involved in. For example, I know that racy pulp fiction and adult "toys" sell but I do not list any of these things.

After one year of selling just auction style, I re-opened my eBay store (I had had one for one Christmas season a few years ago) which costs $15.95 per month with each listing costing only 3 cents per month. Stores are economical IF you have lots of things to sell and really want to have a part-time business. I am at that stage now that my younger son is in high school and does more independent work. One advantage of a business is that you can write-off many housing expenses on your tax return. You can't do that if you only sell occasionally, or as a hobby. If you are only selling a few items, the weekly auction price of 35 cents per listing is probably better for you. A recap of eBay's auction fee structure is here. A recap of store fees is at this link.

Try it and see if this would be a fun part-time business for you. Our whole family gets involved. My husband loves to go to yard sales with me on Saturday mornings and it's an easy way for kids to earn money by reselling their things they have outgrown or no longer use as well. It's a great way to earn extra money. I've saving for Christmas shopping now.