This week’s Shop of the Week is TimeForMemories, owned by Shawn.
What is the meaning behind your shop name?
The name “TimeForMemories” comes from the fact that one of my favorite things about finding old treasures is that the items will bring back childhood memories for people – whether they end up buying the item or even just seeing it! I love hearing stories about how someone played a game with their grandmother and are buying it now to play with their grandchild!
How did you get your start selling vintage?
I started selling vintage stuff on eBay back in the late 1990s. My mom was buying old children’s books and selling them on eBay at that time and I acquired the love from her. I started by hunting and selling children’s books as well, but also learned about vintage toys, radios, cameras and many more treasures.
What is your favorite item in your shop right now, and what makes it special to you?
One of my favorite items in my shop right now is the receipt recorder clock. I just love the steampunk look of it! I was even contacted by “Pawn Stars” to bring it onto their show to record a negotiation! Unfortunately they didn’t plan out enough in advance and couldn’t guarantee a lot of things, so I just left it for sale in my shop. It was still cool, though, that they wanted me to bring it in!
What is the most unusual or amazing item you have sold from your shop?
SOLD!
This awesome lot of old Tom Swift books just sold at the beginning of the month. I thought it was really cool to find the first 32 of them all together like this! I had found them in a box at a library book sale- it was a pretty amazing lot.
Do you sell your items at other venues outside of Etsy? If so, where can we find you?
I have two stand-alone websites. www.TimeForMemories has pre-2000 treasures, and www.ForTheSportsFan.com has pre-2000 sports treasures. You can also find me on http://Defunkd.com as “TimeForMemories” where I list vintage shirts up through the 90s (some that are in my Etsy shop, but there are some that aren’t because they’re not old enough yet). I also sell other cool treasures on eBay as “TimeForMemories”. The Ebay listing are normally finds that aren’t vintage, but I will sometimes put vintage items on Ebay if I’m not sure on value.
What social media platforms do you use? Share your links with us, so we can follow you!
You can find and follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest as “TimeForMemories”. Also, I’ve created a free resource for sellers of vintage treasures – FoundItSoldIt.com! It shows items I’ve sold in the past along with other useful info such as cost, where I found the item, selling price, and even some fun historical facts. “Founditsoldit” can also be followed on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
I’ve really enjoyed reading your interview, Shawn! You are busy! I look forward to checking out your other websites as well. I hope you have fun being the Shop of the Week, and I wish you continued success with your business!
Awesome shop, Shawn! You have a GREAT eye for things! I wish you well in your endeavors.
Wonderful story, Shawn! You were smart to learn from your mom. 🙂 I love that collection of Tom Swift books. My mouth is watering. Thanks for sharing your history and the fabulous items you have collected.