Article by Fabafterfifty
When Beryl and her husband sold the family business, Beryl had anticipated, in her 70s, enjoying a much deserved retirement.
Starting a new business with daughter and daughter-in-law
However, after 4 years of attending ladies lunches, playing bridge and charity fundraising, Beryl found herself missing the ‘buzz’ of working every day, meeting new people and setting new challenges. Hence at the age of 72, she has started a new online business venture with her daughter and daughter-in-law.
Recognising that many people had items of value at home they no longer used, but didn’t have the time or confidence to set up their own e-bay accounts , setting up a business where items were valued, collected, photographed and sold on e-bay , with Auction Girl taking a percentage of final sale price seemed an ideal solution, and so ‘Auction Girl’ was formed.
Many items can be turned into cash via e-bay
As Beryl said, how many of us are now using that exercise bike in the corner of our bedroom as a clothes horse? How many sets of china are not being used? How many unwanted gifts and designer handbags are gathering dust? With e-bay many of those items can be turned into cash, but assessing the value, writing attractive descriptions, taking photographs and managing the auction and payments is not something which comes naturally to everyone. So, from Designer dresses to Furniture, Beryl and daughter and daughter-in-law set up their business to take over the collecting and selling , covering the Home Counties region.
Beryl had worked successfully with family members previously, and knew the importance of agreeing from the outset responsibilities and roles to ensure that they played to everyone’s strengths, agreeing how information would be communicated and shared and setting times for formal meetings to agree strategies and objectives.
No plans to retire
Beryl’s strengths lie in business management, hence she handles all of the systems and administration, her daughter-in-law is an excellent copywriter so writes all the product descriptions. All three network, do leaflet drops and find new customers. Beryl loves to walk, so the leaflet drop is a great way to exercise and build regular walking into her day.
So far the business is going well. What’s next for Beryl? Not retirement! Beryl has far too much energy for that.
There are plans to expand the business beyond the Home Counties and Beryl has ideas for other business she’d like to explore. Having already written one book with tips for small businesses, Beryl may write another, although she is hoping to find the time to take one long trip away with her husband next year. A worthy Fabwoman!
Michael Babalola
What an Inspiration! I greatly admire this intelligent lady.
Michael.