It used to be that you would have to cruise the garage sales and auctions in your neighborhood. Now you can head out to auctions and sales without ever leaving the comfort of your home via the Internet.
The best auction site by far for square dance-related items is Ebay. I've been following the action there for the past six months. A recent search in name and description, using the keyword "square dance" (in quotes) brought up over 400 items. Among the square dance items that have come up for auction are:
- Books, such as Needlenotes for Dancers (a square dance attire sewing guide), Dance A While (a comprehensive handbook on folk, square and social dance)
- How-to videos
- Cross-stitch book for dancers
- Mary's Moo Moos (square dancing cows)
- Sewing patterns
- Record albums, such as Roy Rogers Square Dance Records
- Songbooks, such as Red River Dave Songbook from the 1940's
- Convention-related souvenirs, such as buttons, Coke bottles, and books
- Clothing, such as dresses, blouses, skirts, petticoats, pettipants, and shoes
- Glasses with a square dance motif
- Signs and advertisements
- Jewelry
For second-hand square dance clothing, I have yet to find a better marketplace. A quick search under "square dance petticoat" showed over 35 petticoats, with starting bids as low as $5. Average price for a secondhand petticoat have been running from $15 to $25. This becomes a real bargain when compared to brand new petticoats, starting at $40. Other popular items include skirts, dresses, and sewing patterns.
There are a few other web sites that offer auctions or shopping, including Amazon.com and Yahoo! Auctions. Amazon.com had some items in both the Auction section and the zShops section, mostly books, record albums, videos, and charms. Yahoo! Auctions also had a few books and record albums. Neither site remotely approaches the number of items for sale on Ebay.
Of course, if you would like to "recycle" your square dance memorabilia or clothing, you also have the option of selling your items through Ebay. Refer to Ebay's Seller Guide.
Whether you decide to buy or sell, if you decide that this venue is for you, please read the Basics section on Ebay. You will be required to register at the site regardless if you are buying or selling.
Before you place a bid:
- Read the Buyer Guide on Ebay.
- Read the item description thoroughly! The description will usually include a detailed description of the item, a photograph of the item, the payment terms, shipping terms, and shipping charges. If you have any questions at all, e-mail the seller before bidding on the item! Once you bid on the item, you are under obligation to buy it!
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