Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Aren't Surprises Fun?

Recently we were asked to sell some items for an older couple who were moving to a smaller home on one level - a story I hear often. After looking at what they wanted to sell, I agreed to pick up the items and sell them, even though there was not a lot there. I have always figured that if you help people with the small things, then they will remember you when there are big things. They had everything boxed and we moved it to our auction center. While unpacking for the auction I came across a small leather box in a box of books. Looking inside I found 4 watches, one of them an older Rolex. Since I didn't advertise a Rolex, I e-mailed the owner and suggested that she let me sell it in another auction where I could advertise it properly. She was surprised to hear from me, and didn't realize the watches were in the box of books. She told me to do whatever I thought best, as they meant nothing to her. So we advertised the Rolex in an upcoming antique auction and it sold for $1500. More than twice what all her other stuff brought put together. Needless to say, she was a happy person and I have a good word-of-mouth advertiser!