I do love One King’s Lane, but every so often, their offerings just make me shake my head in wonderment… or horror!
For example, let’s look at this listing from their Tastemaker’s Tag Sale… It’s a jar of old wooden spools. Why yes, there is some lovely stripey string around the top of the jar, but is it really worth this price? 
Or how about these two ratty old French books, tied together with about 50¢ worth of grosgrain ribbon. I could just hustle up to the Book Thing and pick up some of these and charge this price!
But wait, I could be really clever and add an old measuring tape. I know I’ve got one or two around here somewhere… And these don’t even have to be French books!
Oh dear, I think someone ought to tell these people that this is really a toast rack! Of course, I use mine to sort letters, but it’s really for toast. 
Now, I don’t mean to be totally snarky, but these prices are pretty outlandish for what you’re getting. Or maybe I am just frugal, and clever enough to either make these pieces, or find and sell them for a song!
Love this. So true!! Like they say it's not what you're selling, it's how you sell it.
ReplyDeleteOh Meg... I could write a book on this... :-( And what is more amazing than those who sell it, is those who buy it! ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi Meg, This post is exactly why I run excitedly to my email every to open your post. Too funny and too true.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is much value represented in musty, torn coverless books--but they sure are trendy.
I so agree! I often look at Kings Lane and think the same.
ReplyDeleteThankful that I can be resourceful.
And also, for individuals like you who buy for less, have integrity and sell for less!
These items make me wonder on the sanity of those who purchased them.
ReplyDeleteMichi
Its called marketing! Just think of the name dropping after purchase "I bought some old FRENCH books - from.....DIVINE - and they were only....." Jan 'downunder'
ReplyDeleteMeg, I'm glad you said what I've been thinking for a while. The jar of spools is a great example. I can't remember the milk glass item I saw a few months ago on OKL but I had an identical that I picked up for $1.
ReplyDeleteDear Meg, I am thrilled to find others that have wondered about Kings Lane. Early on I even pondered whether there was tiered pricing and I just wasn't in the loop for the discounts. As an online seller of cool stuff culled over the years from estate and garage sales I've been holding back on the gems until I get a better sense of what is truly possible.
ReplyDeleteI have joked that God isn't going to let me win the lottery because he knows I could never really enjoy paying full retail for anything. There is some satisfaction in seeing overpriced items on Kings Lane that I purchased for pennies!
What do you all think of the "SOLD"s on so many of the Kings Lane items?
Inclosing, Meg you are an inspiration! Thank you for doing what you do!
I have often thought the same thing, especially about the books. Marketing at its best, or worst, depending on which end of the transaction you are on. Sad really.
ReplyDeleteOn-line shopping with its 24/7 store hours has become an addiction to many, especially for items under $100 that are easy to ship. Although I have no knowledge of these particular items shown, most of us know how "inventive" the pricing can be for limited edition or vintage items at a so-called discount.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. There is nothing snarky about your take on the situation. Please keep on writing your wonderful blog. I look forward to hearing your point of view.
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm at a loss for words. As spring is just starting to warm up - I can't wait to get out there and find my own "treasures". Of course that pressed glass chicken dish at YOUR shop is calling my name - I'm trying to resist.....(chickens....The Farm....hmmm)
ReplyDeleteLove this post! OKL seems to me like the "rich cousin" of Overstock.com. There was nothing snarky in your post, in fact, I thought you were quite diplomatic!
ReplyDeleteGood post... I agree Meg.
ReplyDeleteI am glad there are wealthy people to stimulate our ecomony, but in a million years I could not justify thise prices!
You can do it with your shop, more marketing needed....lets talk!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Come & Enter my Fashionable Giveaway from The French Basketeer!
LOL ,,, as they say in marketing "there's one born every minute"!
ReplyDeleteMeg, i know! it is insulting, really.
ReplyDeleteAmazing, amazing. I missed this one! I think I get 5 or 6 emails a day for on line shopping sites; many is the day I simply delete and don't even take a look!
ReplyDeleteFunny, I thought of you last time I saw imperial trellis pillows sold for some absurd price....I wished I could alert them to head over to your etsy shop istead!
ReplyDeleteohmyhead........
ReplyDeletetoo funny about the "letter sorter"!! I have a sterling "letter sorter" somewhere...!
another sad/funny/entertaining place is- reading the gramatical errors on craigslist! my husband recently forwarded a post listing some "roth iron"!!! I much prefer the other spelling coming seen there.... rot iron!!!:)
joan
This is why we need a revolution.
ReplyDeleteDo you think if I bought that "letter sorter" I'd try to mail my toast? When I see the "sold out" signs on this over priced $%@#, I think yup, there's were our TARP $$$$ went!
ReplyDeleteMeg,
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! I have thought that the "tag" sales on OKL have had several items that would not even sell at a local tag sale in my neighborhood, much less for those prices. I think one of the previous commenters is correct when they say that people must buy the stuff just to say it came from " so and so the designer." I am way, way to frugal to spend $55.00 to put my toast or my letters in.
Uh oh...heading down the Regretsy path of snarkiness are we? A slippery slope! (but that site makes me laugh...I cannot help it.) Your observations are spot on in my book!
ReplyDeleteGlad to learn I'm not the only one who found the prices breathtaking. I stopped subscribing to their sales. Never occurred to me that there might be something off about the sold stickers, but it makes sense.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure why it would be considered "snarky" to make a truthful observation on the ridiculous, but I thank you for it and agree wholeheartedly. And frankly, I would add 1st Dibs to this discussion as another example.
ReplyDeleteJust goes to show marketing is everything and people are very impressionable. Remember the Pet Rock of the the '70s? Makes those ratty, ribbon bound books look pretty good. LOL!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Meg, thanks!
Love your non snarkiness!!!
ReplyDeleteI do wonder sometimes...Oh, I wonder. So glad you could illustrate such wonder here. It is strange, isn't it? Sometimes, I say, "Well, good for them" and other times I think...."REALLY?" I like OKL and have purchased from them before but some of those vintage finds I just think "WOW". People will buy anything. And often I want to raise my hand and say "come over here please- i'll make you an even better deal" but there are people who don't think if it costs enough, it must not be GOOD ENOUGH....A quandry when pricing one's goods, for sure.
ReplyDeleteNever snarky, I like your take on things.
Well as an East Coaster who now lives West you would be Shocked at what people will pay for things. I was recently home in CT anitquing (which I had not done in years) and was having a field day at what I could buy in the shops vs. what I would pay in LA. Now keep in mind I already new this and when the Taste Makers Sales starting occurring on One Kings Lanes, I was flabergasted at what they charge. Keep in mind most of these are from the Designer Sales. Having a design degree myself and watching what people charge their clients kills me. I believe in charging a fair market however, some of the pieces especially unmarked furniture that is selling for the thousands is insane. I agree with the spools. People love a look, don't know how to be resourceful, see it and buy it. Believe me, there is a market for it. I thought of buying back East when I was home and selling in LA to antique shops who will turn around and triple whatever, I charge them and trust me, someone will pay for it. I say keep our little secret's too ourselves so we can keep shopping our bargains!
ReplyDeletep.s. I had to giggle at your comment on the letter holder LOL! I've been looking for a toast holder to hold my mail and it is pretty funny that it was listed as a letter holder vs. a toast holder. Dead giveaway of knowing your product.
ReplyDelete