Are you surprised by how much experience youve gained?

[Iron Patch]

Are you surprised by how much experience you've gained?

Where you came from and where you are now? I've always said it was better to be lucky than good, but I think that might only be for the people who don't have experience, so now I'll change to... It's better to be good than lucky! I say this on the heels of my 4th great deal in the last few weeks, and that's on top of all the usual ones which is my bread and butter. Until the last few days I was thinking it was luck, but really there is more to it.


Back when I was new, I'd often look at people with experience and wonder how the heck they knew so damn much... were they really that much smarter than I... and maybe they are, but now that I've lived this life for over a decade I see how knowledge and experience is acquired through time and there is no substitute. If you are new the best way to learn is to just stick your nose in and start. If you love it you'll probably find a way to make it happen, but if you're just doing it for the money, probably not so much. It's really funny to reflect back to the late 90s when I literally did not have a clue about anything that I now buy and sell for a living. I just have to make sure I don't hit my head real hard and forget it all. Knowledge is power... seller!

 

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[diggummup]

The good thing is, you never quit learning. No matter how much experience one acquires, there is always more to learn. In short, yes I am surprised at what I have learned since I've been involved in collecting. I'm also surprised at the amount I haven't learned. Luck is part of everything, knowledge is invaluable and "a good eye" never hurt either. If I knew back in the late 80's-early 90's what I know now, I'd be sitting high on a hill somewhere living the good life.

 

[lookin-for-treasure]

The one thing that excites me is anyone with drive, determination, and will can do this. I've only been reselling for about 6 months and have watched my sales increase so much. I know so little about so many things, but I have the determination to be successful. I've been doing tons of research of different things and have learned a ton on this great web site. I work full time, but I'm one of the ones that lost a great job during the recession and have never recovered to my former wages yet, doing work far different from what I used to do. I've went from working as an accountant to being a production factory worker to pay the bills for my family. I starting getting into this to make extra money and help put some back for my daughter to go to school someday. I've found that I not only really enjoy the thrill of the hunt of finding things interesting, but it's a great way to make money on the side. I believe the sky is the limit for what you what to make. While, my earnings are small potatoes are small compared to you guys, I've hit over 1000 dollars the last two month in sales about 65% has been profit, which has been a major difference to my family. Thanks to all who share their knowledge and time to help us all. I hope to repay the favor when the opportunities arise.

 

[Lost&Found]

When I see someone walk past an item that looks intriguing it surprises me momentarily when they do not pick it up. If I had a great find for every time I have been told that "you have a good eye" then... But besides seeing uniqueness, craftsmanship, quality and finishing a great deal of reading, research and appreciation of art has motivated me. For me the thing that I find the most passion in is researching the found item. The monetary value is icing on the cake.

If one has the skills and passion then experience will follow. So I am not surprised by what I have learned but welcome the chance to learn more.

(Sarcastically speaking)

So what's the difference between Rolex and Timex? After all they are both watch brands that end in an X.

 

[war-digs-it]

Nice post IP! With the season basically ended here, I am still able to pull out some nice deals with the knowledge gained right here from TN. Not any big scores but picking estate sales and such on their clearance day and walking away with some items worth 10 times what I paid. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise in this forum!