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Monthly Archives: December 2009

Don’t Re-gift. Re-sell.

It is a practice that’ both amusing and destructive. It happens every year, either intentionally or not. It’s the regift party.

Why Amusing?
A regift party is fun. I’ve even seen the same gift given between friends throughout the years. And each year it’s like rolling the dice… who is going to get the paper mache cow this year?

Why Destructive?
You’ve been invited to a party of friends of friends and are madly scrambling to find a gift to bring. Then, in the garage or attic, you find a dusty box. It’s a blender you’ve never used. So, you wrap it up and bring it with you.

When getting to the party, you hand out the gift and say “Happy Holidays”. Later in the evening, when everyone is opening the presents, yours is opened and then you see it: the blank expression of the person opening it. They gave you that gift last year…

Solutions
The main solution is to deal with the gift right after you’ve received it. Honestly, you probbaly knew the minute you opened it anyhow whether it would be going into storage or would be put to use.

So, if the plan is to just store it somewhere, piled with all those other unwanted gifts, how about considering some alternatives:
  • Return it
  • Throw it away
  • Sell it
Not all gifts can be returned. Only a few big box stores will take items without a receipt, and throwing it away is just wasteful and harmful to the environment. So why not put it up for sale (perhaps on your local UsedEverywhere.com site)?! You’ll be sure to make some money out of that gift, and then with that cash you could get something else that actually will be put to use.

The regift is surrounded in debate and controversy, so we want to hear what you have to say about the practice!
creative commons image courtesy of katsniffen

New Years Resolutions

It’s time to start thinking about next year’s resolutions…. I have a horrible time trying to decide on mine. But over the years I’ve come up with some methods that have helped me out:

Walk around the house
When I can’t figure out what to put down on my list, sometimes it helps to just stroll around the house. You might see a couple piles in the corner of projects you’ve started but never finished. Maybe that picture of your kids hanging in the hallway triggers a train of thought… Your home is full of memories, and by taking a little walk through, with a notepad, you just might come up with a few ideas.

Think about it on an empty belly
Yes, with the holidays comes vast amounts of food. And with it, the full belly! And so, because of all those big meals, I always seem to have “Exercise More” on my list. But, maybe if I think about my resolutions when I’m not so full, I could be more specific. An example? Go for more walks, learn to mountain climb, or start pumping iron twice a week.

Be specific
Big grandiose resolutions always seem to fail. Like that broad “Exercise More” resolution that I just mentioned. For me, it always helps when I shrink it down to something specific. So, instead of “Organise my house,” try deciding on a specific room to organise, like “Clean out the garage.” It also helps when I write out some specific notes about how I’m going to tackle the project. If the goal is to clean out the garage, then you might want to look up when the next community garage sale is, (like the one UsedEverywhere cohosted in Port Hardy), where your nearest donation centres are and what’s accepted at your local recycling centre. And don’t forget to make make sure you have your camera ready to take pictures of things you want to sell, and then place a free ad on your local UsedEverywhere.com site!

Write them down
Finally, I always find it helps when I write down my resolutions and tell someone! So what are some of yours? And if you’ve got some other tips on how to write your resolutions, we’d love to hear about them!

Also, check in on Cole’s Top Ten New Years Resolutions later this week if you’re in need of some inspiration; he just might have a couple gems for you! Speaking of… if you’re still not sure what to wear for Thursday night’s festivities, make sure you read his latest Top Ten of Things to Wear for New Year’s Eve!
Happy New Years!

Cole’s Top 10 Things to Wear for New Years

In the midst of all the merriment and eggnog yesterday, I started thinking about what I was going to wear for New Years. Personally, I’ll be spending the evening sampling wine and cheese with close friends that I used to go to school with, so I think I’ll try to clean up and look sharp. Even though New Years is a holiday associated with tuxedos and bubbly, for most of us, it really isn’t that formal of an affair, but rather just a night to dress up in a cool outfit and have some fun. That’s why for the Top 10 this week, I’m putting together a list of 10 items from UsedEverywhere.com sites which will suit the style of just about any kind of New Years party you might be going to!

10. Pink and Black Strapless Party Dress
http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/10881292

This strapless dress has a black velvet body with a pink taffeta skirt. It would be perfect for a masquerade ball, or any other occasion where a touch of old school luxury might come in handy.

9. Black Cowboy Boots
http://www.usedregina.com/classified-ad/10853816

Okay, I’ll confess. I’m a little biased on this choice, since I try to find an excuse to wear my cowboy boots as often as possible, but still. Throw these on and have a night of New Years line dancing, or saddle up and spend New Years with your trusty horse as you ride off into the sunset. Your choice.

8. Strappy Black Heels with Bow
http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/8467047

If you already have your dress picked out, why not sass it up a little with these heels? The straps are flirty, the bow is fun, and the black is classic. They’re a triple threat!

7. Casual Dress Shirt
http://www.usedpei.com/classified-ad/10826452

Sometimes, dressing down is just what the night calls for. If you’re just hanging out, having some drinks with friends and waiting for midnight to roll around, get comfortable! Try a nicely softened up second-hand shirt like this one from UsedPEI.com.

6. Gold Eagle Pendant
http://www.usedwinnipeg.com/classified-ad/10866390

I have absolutely no idea what this eagle pendant has to do with New Years, but just look at it! It’s so majestic and powerful, this is just the kind of accessory to go with a great New Years outfit. Show everyone at the party that you’re the kind of person to wear vicious birds of prey around your neck, just because you can.

5. Leather Pants
http://www.usedregina.com/classified-ad/10855209

Do you like leather pants? You should. They’re pretty sweet. This is kind of how I see a night going with these pants:

Step 1) Buy leather pants found on UsedRegina.com
Step 2) Go to a party
Step 3) Be that cool guy at the party in leather pants


4. Doggy Bow
http://www.usednanaimo.com/classified-ad/10066807

Maybe you’re a dog person. You like dogs. Perhaps you even own a dog. If so, then these are the bows for you! Dress your dog up for New Years. It’ll be fun, I promise. UsedEverywhere sites are a great place to find local artists and designers who design cool, funky accessories for both you and your pet, just like these from UsedNanaimo.com.



3. Long Sleeve T
http://www.usedregina.com/classified-ad/9835495

Maybe parties aren’t your thing. I feel you. They’re kind of loud, and exhausting. There are always people at them, too. What’s up with that? Anyways, if that’s your take on New Years (and believe me, sometimes it’s mine, too) then maybe you should don this fine garment, fire up your PS3, and have a night of quality vid time. Make sure you stock up on Cheetos, though.

2. Black Cold-Shoulder Dress
http://www.usedregina.com/classified-ad/10851426

You’ve got it, whatever it is, and you want to flaunt it. How better to do that with a unique, fashion-forward take on the little black dress? Better yet, find it from a local designer like the one in Regina who designed this head-turner. Stand out from the pack, buy local, look stunning.


1. 1923 Vintage Tuxedo
http://www.usedregina.com/classified-ad/8822684

Take it back to the old school with a vintage tuxedo from 1923. Feel dapper and sophisticated as you swagger around and mingle all night. Even though most New Years parties aren’t black tie affairs, it never hurts to be exceptionally well dressed, and with something as classic as a tuxedo, going vintage is a great way to save money and stand out in the best possible way. Do your best to refrain from adopting a James Bond accent halfway through the evening, though. It’ll get old pretty quickly.

Have a safe and happy New Years, and I’ll see you next week with some of the resolutions I’ll be trying to keep over the next while!

Best,
Cole

2009 in Review

This past year was a good one for all of us at UsedEverywhere.com! We launched some great new sites and and added some cool new features. Let’s take a look back at some of the exciting events of 2009:


1. New Sites
This year we launched UsedTofino.com, UsedUkee.com and UsedPQB.com! We’re so excited to offer these Vancouver Island communities a local platform to buy and sell used stuff with their neighbours!

2. Garage Sale
In November we went up to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island to co-host a garage sale with the Lion’s Club for Usednorthisland.com. Didn’t catch that? Check out our blog post about it!

3. New Features
We had some cool developments on our sites too: For example, we launched our ‘Map these ads’ feature which shows you the location of the ads in any category on a map of your community. We also developed our ad upgrades feature, so that we can better help you stand out in a crowd… and got some great testimonials about upgrading your ads!

4. Facebook, Twitter & Blog
Another new thing for us this year was the launch of our Facebook Fan Page – a place for the UsedEverywhere community to meet up with each other and find out what’s new with us. We also launched our Twitter feed with a Twitter Follow Contest! And, of course, there’s also our new blog, where we give you tips about how to use the sites – or start a discussion about the best way to sell a toaster! Additionally, we launched a new feature to our blog: Cole’s Top Ten. Every week Cole brings you 10 of his favourite things found on our sites.

5. Family-friendly Content
We also continued, as always, to work on making sure our sites all have quality content. To the great team who help us ensure that the UsedEverwhere.com community stays family-friendly: Thanks for all your hard work!

All in all, 2009 has been a great year. And we can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2010!!

5 ways to celebrate the holidays

The holidays are just around the corner and, in the midst of running around doing my last minute shopping, I started to think about all the different activities that happen at this time of year. With everything that’s going on, it can be hard to get control over it all. So here’s some tips from UsedEverywhere.com to help you out with five different things you might be doing this holiday season.

1. A Classic Feast
Having a big meal with family and friends is a great way to celebrate the holidays. It might be traditional dishes that you look forward to all year long, or new recipes that you’ve been wanting to try; regardless, the holidays are a special time to get together with loved ones over a meal to celebrate the season. Looking for some new recipes? Check out Chef Mom’s blog. Need some more supplies for the kitchen? You can find them on your local UsedEverywhere site, just go to Household > Accessories > Kitchenware. Here’s some listings from UsedOttawa.com for example.
2. Traveling

As the world becomes smaller it seems that more and more family and friends become, geographically at least, further apart. For many, the holidays are a time of travel, whether that means a flight across the country or an ocean, or even just a drive away. To help you through the stress of traveling, check out this guide to holiday flight survival. Another tip for surviving long flights and airport stress is to take an Ipod along with you. You can find some on your local UsedEverywhere site under Electronics > Audio > Portable Audio. Here are some listings from UsedPEI.com.


3. Cleaning House
It’s time for winter cleaning! Whether it’s in preparation for overnight guests and oncoming kitchen traffic, or simply to keep up with the needles that fall off the tree, this is almost always an activity on everyone’s list as they ramp up to the holidays! While you’re in cleaning and decorating mode, why not think of some ways to make this holiday season a little bit more environmentally friendly? And, if you need some help with all that cleaning, take a look at the Cleaning Services category on your local UsedEverywhere site: Info > Services > Cleaning Services. Here are some listings from UsedVictoria.com.
4. Wrapping gifts
Congratulations on finishing your holiday shopping! Now it’s time to start wrapping! If you’re like me, you’re probably always scrambling to wrap your gifts at the last minute, but remember, in the rush of everything, it’s important to think about the environmental impact of all that wrapping! Help keep our landfills from filling up by considering some of these eco-friendly gift-wrapping tips. The Arts & Craft Category on your local UsedEverywhere.com site might help you out. Go to Hobbies > Arts & Crafts Supplies. These postings from UsedRegina.com might give you some ideas to get started!

5. Not at All
Of course, there are those that don’t celebrate at all. It’s just a nice long-weekend away from work and more time with family and friends. This can be a great chance to catch up on reading (check out the list of the best books of 2009) or movie-watching (here’s a list of the best movies of 2009 to help you out). Find some books on your local UsedEverywhere site by going to General > Books & Magazines (here’s an example from UsedWinnipeg.com) and you can find movies under General Merchandise > CDs, DVDs etc. > Video DVD (check out the postings from one of our UK sites, UsedDudley.com)


Those are just a few of many many things you might do during the holidays and some ways to help you out. What are your tips? How do you celebrate?

Looking to make your holiday season less stressful?

The holidays can be so stressful. There’s Christmas lights to put up, a house to prepare for guests, family Christmas Cards to send out. Sometimes it just seems impossibly hard to tackle it all.

However, with the ‘Services‘ section on every Used site it’s easy to find help. Forget nagging your hubby to put up the lights. It’s so simple to find someone to do it for you. Just type in ‘light installation’ into the search bar on the homepage, or simply browse through the ‘Services‘ category to find the help you’re looking for. 

Think about how much easier it would be to get the house ready for guests if you had a hand to help you out. Check out the ‘Services‘ section to find a house cleaner and put down the mop!

You can also find photographers for Christmas cards, people who offer to cut and deliver firewood and also snow removal services. You can count on your local Used site for everything you need to prepare for the holidays. Find all the help you’re looking for to make this year memorable and stress-free!

Cole’s Top 10 Things to get for Someone who has Everything

When I’m scrambling around a week (or less) before Christmas trying to make sure I have something for everyone on my list, it never fails that there is one person who I can’t think of a single thing they might need or want. This person is the one who says “Oh no, I’m fine, don’t get me anything,” and then when you give them a kittens-and-yarn calendar as a last resort, they look disappointed. Maybe even a little angry.

Don’t let this happen to you! The UsedEverywhere.com community of sites is your one stop shop for that special something for the impossible-to-shop-for friend or relative.

Here are 10 things you might consider for that tricky person on your list:

10. Custom Tutu

www.usedwinnipeg.com/classified-ad/10847000

If you know a special little princess who likes to feel pretty, give them a custom made tutu to leap and prance about in. How can you not smile when you’re wearing your very own unique tutu?
PS. I’d spring for the optional rhinestones, but that’s just me.



9. Scroll Saw Portraits
www.usedhalifax.com/classified-ad/5204649

Put a unique spin on a treasured portrait for someone on your list with this service. Have a unique, one of a kind version of your photograph reproduced on rustic, all-natural wood. It’s a gift that’s thoughtful, individual, and touching. 


8. Bottle Corker

www.usedpei.com/classified-ad/10840075

Give someone a corking good time with this gift! You’re not likely to hear someone wine about this one. I know I would be grape-ful to receive something so thoughtful. Whoever you buy this for gets a unique, practical gift. You get an opportunity to unload all those terrible puns you’ve been saving all year.


7. Blues Band
www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/10842551

Seriously, could there be anything cooler than getting a live blues band to come play at your holiday party? Probably not. These guys look like they know how to party.

6. Big, Interesting Flag
www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/10598457

Usually, the gifts that excite people the most are either big, interesting, or some combination of the two. This flag is both big and interesting. That’s not all! This will appeal both to people who like flags and people who like Newfoundland-related things, with its Newfoundland crest! I’d be willing to bet that whoever you’re buying for doesn’t already have one of these.



5. Kayak
www.usednanaimo.com/classified-ad/10849011

If someone on your list loves being on the water, a kayak might be the perfect gift for him or her to go out exploring in. It’s a bit of a big ticket item, but that’s the great thing about shopping on one of the UsedEverywhere sites. There’s always something there for every holiday budget.


4. Snack Attack Vending Machine
www.usedwinnipeg.com/classified-ad/10428846

Do you know someone who likes snacks? I bet you do. Well, a little known secret is that snacks always taste better after they fall a short distance and are retrieved through a flappy door in a machine. That’s why vending machines are so successful. Give the gift of real, authentic vending machine snacks at home, with the Snack Attack vending machine (snacks not included).


3. Retro Stainless Toaster
www.usedregina.com/classified-ad/10844627

We’ve got a thing for toasters here on the UsedEverywhere blog. Coincidentally, they make great holiday gifts. No matter how fussy the person you’re buying for is, when they get a warm, crispy piece of toast out of this, they can put anything they want on it. It’s a gift that unlocks infinite toast possibilities. And if they already have a toaster, just explain how the retro styling of this one makes it so much cooler than their other one.

2. White Frizzle Rooster
www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/10661538

It’s a frizzle rooster. Even the person who has everything doesn’t have a frizzle rooster. Look at him, all frizzly and lonely, just waiting for a nice home. Just make sure the person who might be receiving him knows how to care for a rooster and has the right kind of environment to keep him happy. Frizzle roosters require a responsible and loving owner!


1. Tetris Stand-Up Arcade Console
www.usedwinnipeg.com/classified-ad/10428846

For the geek on your list, what could be better than a Tetris arcade console? Forget next-gen systems with their fancy graphics and high tech controllers. Go old school and give a piece of video game history with one of the most iconic games ever made in its original arcade format. Perfect for the home, or even a restaurant or store cool enough to want an arcade machine on premises. Sweet.

Happy Shopping!
-Cole

Ad Description: Which is More Appealing?

Do you remember our post about the toaster ad from a few weeks ago? We’ve been refining it, and have now narrowed down to three alternative ways to sell an item, like a toaster, on one of the Used websites. Tell us what you think – which way would sell you the toaster?

1. Storytelling

Although a picture speaks a thousand words, sometimes adding a story may help to give your item some character and the buyer an incentive to take a look at it. For example:

My toaster needs a new home. My grandmother originally bought it in the 1940s and then it went to my dad, who gave it to me. It’s always been on the counter of our kitchen. To this day it makes the perfect toast; never too under-toasted, and never too over-toasted. 

So why would I be selling a toaster this special? My kids are getting to that age where they get into just about everything. And, although the toaster is working beautifully, toasters this old don’t have the same safety features that the new ones have. So it’s time to replace it.

2. Specs Only

Another way to sell a used item is to just state the facts. For example:

Manufacturer: Chicago Flexible Shaft Co

Brand Name: Sunbeam

Model Number: T9

Details: The T-9 Half-Round Sunbeam.

Produced: late-1930s through the 40s

Description (from an advertisement): Its lovely oval design (is) the last word in modern styling by George Scharfenberg.

for more details see:
http://www.toaster.org/
http://www.toaster.org/T9serv_man.pdf

3. Keywords

Some buyers know what they’re looking forward and don’t want to spend a lot of time searching or reading. So using key words that attract their attention is another way to go. For example:

Collectors, Set Decorators, Electronic Restoration

This toaster is for you. Perfect for any kitchen.

It’s cheap, it works, and it looks good to boot.

A great kitchen accessory.

So that’s our three toaster ad ideas. What do you think?

Which one would you use? Let us know.

Top 10 Ways to get into the Holiday Spirit with UsedEverywhere.com

10. Snow Suit

This is perfect for someone who can’t wait to run outside and make some snow angels. And really, who doesn’t love making snow angels?


9. Holiday Baking Service

The holidays just aren’t the same without the smell and taste of some yummy home baked treats. Unfortunately, lots of us (myself included) just don’t have the time to put on our aprons and get all floured up in the kitchen. This listing is for us!

8. Holiday Childcare


Could Mr. and Mrs. Claus use a break from looking after the elves this holiday season? This listing will help you find some time to yourselves!

7. Christmas Music

You know that quirky relative who always shows up in a sweater with pom-poms on it, smelling of rum and eggnog, the who wants to have Christmas music playing 24/7 over the holidays? He wants you to get these.

6. Party Dress

Is your holiday party fast approaching and you’re still not sure what to wear? Look stunning in a holly berry red dress and make sure you get seen under the mistletoe! While you’re at it, why not find a pair of previously loved heels to go with it?

5. Snow Blower

Show your driveway (and the two feet of snow that just fell over the night) who’s boss with a lean, mean, snow blowing machine. It’s even flashy sports car red. That means fast!

4. Snowmobile

Word around the watercooler up at the North Pole is that Santa’s traded in his old sleigh for a new sled he found on UsedPEI.com! With an upgrade like that, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen might get to spend this Christmas Eve lounging around the fireplace.

3. Aaron Carter Ornament

Q: What do you get that person who collects holiday ornaments and is a huge fan of the siblings of 90’s pop stars?

A: An Aaron Carter tree decoration. Yep.

2. Santa Suit


Putting on this Santa suit is bound to make any little one jolly, and it’s the perfect way to stay warm while waiting for the real Saint Nick to arrive.

1. Christmas Tree

The holidays are about giving and sharing, and this listing captures the spirit perfectly with a kind-hearted soul in Victoria looking to give a beautiful tree to someone less fortunate. We should take a note from this lister and remember to extend a helping hand to our neighbours in need this season.

Happy Holidays from all of us at UsedEverywhere.com!

Looking for Holiday Events in your Community?

courtesy of neviepiecakes

Crafts, baking, candy, jams, jellies, soap and unique jewelry. If you’re looking to buy original, homemade Christmas gifts this season why not look to your local Used site?

By clicking the ‘Events & Garage Sales’ section on the homepage (just scroll down the list!), you can find all sorts of awesome seasonal events happening in your local community. From Holiday Markets to Christmas bake sales and craft markets, you’re sure to find something great happening near you!

And, if you’re planning a community event, be sure to post it in this section in order to let your community know!

Here are some of our favourite events happening around Canada:




Alpaca Boutique Christmas Open House in Parksville Qualicum Beach

Super cute Alpaca!Â