Saying Goodbye

HOPPERS STOREHOUSE
“A Collection of Yesterday’s Memories Today”
Offering Years of “Collectible Addiction”

Sadly I said goodbye to my dear friend. One that had been by my side since year 2004 when I retired from my position with the PUC. Faithfully this friend and I spent every day together - collecting, gathering, taking photos, writing script, etc. We had an ideal working relationship.

What happened? December 30th was the day I closed my eBay store. Yes, Hopper's Storehouse officially went into eBay's Electronic NeverNeverLand. I really miss the old "girl" although it has only been "X" number of days since we ceased partnership. Thought it time to go our separate ways as the store hadn't really made any money for the last year and one-half - but before that, it offered excellent added income ($1000-$2500 a month net). However, with the ways of the economy and folks no longer looking to "wants" but focusing on "needs", my cash cow quit giving milk. Plus the trips increased to my husband's doctors in San Francisco making it increasingly difficult to run the store. Sure I continued (selling sparingly) this past 1-1/2 years, but mostly the sales just paid for eBay/Paypal fees and the cost of the items (and on most occasions, it did not do that). How many people want to buy expensive bone china, vintage California pottery, and other unusual/prize items when there is the rent/mortgage, groceries/clothes/gasoline, etc. to pay for? Nope, the volume just wasn't there. Let me give you an example: Last month I sold approximately $250 worth of items; paid $80 in eBay fees; $15 in Paypal fees; items sold cost me $550. Now let's see, that's a non-profit of $395. (unfortunately that was a monthly happening).

Now I don't want to leave on a sad note because I enjoyed every minute. I met some of the nicest people throughout the United States, Canada and the World - reaffirming that people, in general, are good, honest, and caring. I am thankful for the space I had to converse with these people and which allowed us to share our God.

Well, old buddy. Thanks for everything. Bye for now - got to get to packing away my collectible items, and if the economy picks up, I'll be back to open another store. However, til then, I'll leave it all as an inheritance for my kids and grandkids. Imagine that sounds thrilling to them (heehee). (Know they like Pottery Barn better).