Every online seller knows the sinking feeling of a package that breaks in the mail, and the second sinking feeling of a message from the buyer that opens with the bad news. A pair of resellers on YouTube recently told the story of seven glass tumblers they wrapped three times over, only to get a rude note when one cup arrived broken.
The resellers behind Florida Pickers shared the tale in a video that mostly follows them through the second day of an estate sale. They arrived a little late, hoping prices would drop on day two, and began hunting for anything worth flipping.
Sale prices were on the high side. One of them looked at a stained glass lamp for $57, another lamp for $52, a mushroom-shaped lamp at $75, and a Hallmark ornament activity set at $50. When one asked how he felt about the ornament set, the answer was “not great.” They noted that it does not always matter what you like, only what is popular.
The Tumbler Sale That Went Sideways
Toward the end of the video, the pair update viewers on items they have sold lately. One of them brings up a set of clear glass tumblers with a different bird on the front of each cup. They had found seven cups, and each one had a gold rim.
The set was listed for $60. Seven cups at that price works out to less than $10 per cup, which she calls a pretty great deal. After a few months on the listing, a buyer made an offer of $51, and they took it.
Looking back, she says there were warning signs. The buyer asked a million questions before purchasing, and the whole exchange had a certain vibe. Still, they did everything right when it came to packing. They wrapped each cup individually, double and triple wrapped, with paper and bubble wrap, and put more paper in between them.
It was not enough. One cup broke in transit, and the message the buyer sent was, in her words, so rude. The sellers say they wish buyers would lead with thanks for the effort of packing well. Instead, they say, buyers go with the negative first, announcing that one broke. Once the package leaves their hands and reaches the post office, it is out of their control.
They ended up refunding the buyer for one cup, around $8. That is not a huge amount, they say, but it was still a bummer that the set did not all arrive safely, especially since they really tried. Overall, though, they call it a good sale. If they found the set again in good condition, they would still pick it up. Their advice is to check the gold rims, and if the rims or the birds look faded, pass.
Other Wins From The Same Video
The pair also share a run of other sales. Earlier, they bought a big bag of yarn at a sale for $40. So far, they have sold $157 worth on eBay and $40 on Poshmark, a total of $197. They still have $176 worth left to sell, which brings the total value to almost $400 for a $40 purchase.
Her tip is to always watch for yarn at sales, especially if it is new and comes in more than one color. Wool yarn is usually worth a bit more, but everything in this lot was acrylic. She says acrylic is more affordable and accessible, so it has sold quickly.
They also talked about a pair of finds that got away. A hobnail deviled egg tray caught their eye, but it was the clear Indiana glass version, which they said is not the valuable kind. The colored trays, especially blue, do well, and amber and green sell too. A clear tray with red trim can go for around $200. The one they saw was listed at $18, so they passed.
A beautiful Fenton cranberry perfume powder vanity set also sold to a viewer, and they said they would happily find another.
How To Protect Yourself When You Sell Glass
The Florida Pickers story is a useful lesson for anyone who sells fragile items online. A few steps can reduce the risk and make disputes easier to handle.
- Wrap every piece individually, then add padding between pieces so they cannot touch one another.
- Use a sturdy box with extra room, and fill empty space with crumpled paper so nothing can shift.
- Take photos of the packed box before sealing it. They are helpful if a dispute comes up.
- Consider shipping insurance for higher-priced sets. It costs a little, but it can cover a broken piece.
- Answer buyer questions politely, but remember that you can decline an offer that does not make sense for you.
- Decide ahead of time how you will handle a damaged item, such as a partial refund for one broken piece, as they did.
Their experience shows that even great packing cannot guarantee a safe arrival. A broken $8 cup should not ruin a $51 sale, and a calm, fair refund is often the quickest way to close out the deal. Keep your receipts, stay courteous, and move on to the next find.
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