Suggestions

[sakic92710]

2022 has been a horrible year & has put me into the situation of - life without a home or life without a car.  Selling my car soon so, I can prevent eviction (for the time being) !!   If you are a seller & need occasional transportation to do your mail, what method do you use most often?  I want to put the savings of not having a car to good use.  I don't want to keep having the expense of a taxi.  I could just sell items that require envelopes & stamps.  Would only need to walk to the local mailbox then.  The rest can go on FB, Kijiji & get picked up.  Although, several on both of those want items mailed.  Except for the flea market, everything I need is well within walking distance or can be delivered.  I will enjoy not paying for insurance (a scam!), parking space, gas.  The loss of a threat of the vehicle in need of $800 in repairs will be a relief, too.  This car was EVERY reliable for 6 years.  It will be missed to some degree, of course.  Someone in my building catches a ride to the market every Sunday.  Hoping I can car pool with them.

[mybigsale]

Maybe not a good choice for Canada winters - but I did see articles that winter is no reason to stop riding.

Try using a bike/bike trailer/eBike/cargo bike for your Mail/Local Travel needs.

Side Suggestion: Start a YouTube Channel documenting your transition from 100% Car Use to Bike/eBike Use.

Your YouTube Channel may have a high-income potential - let us know and I will be your first subscriber 🚴

[scstool]

Why limit yourself to postage stamps? It is very easy to print out postage labels using an inexpensive printer. You can schedule USPS, FedEx, or UPS pickups.

[mybigsale]

I believe the original poster is from Canada. I would have had more suggestions, but I am not familiar with how shipping works there. I don't believe Canada has USPS 😐

[silverstatetreasureboxes]

@sakic92710 

Ahh geez, I thought you were doing good. If you live in an area that you can do without a car then get rid of it. I can't, I won't,  I refuse, I love cars and trucks too much!

[b86fiero]

So sorry to read of your current situation.  You have been an eBay seller for a long, long time and a positive contributor to the community boards.

Hoping you can find a friendly person to get you to the market for groceries and perhaps a twice weekly ride to the post office when needed.

Sincerely hoping your situation improves and wishing you all the best.

BJ

[bonddm_07]

It sucks appealing to people for financial help.  At most, they may just offer you an encouraging word and leave it at that.  

[onefootflipper]

I suggest you start selling Magic cards. As long as you are willing to pay cash for them at a certainly percentage of value then people will bring them to you. They can all ship in envelopes with stamps, and unlike sports cards you can pretty much count on them selling. If you post yours even a penny cheaper than the competition then the card might very well sell the same day. They are definitely the best stamp and envelope product I ever sold. I am only pivoting out of them because the amount you can make hourly at it seems to cap off at about $20-$25 (unless you find some real whales of sources who continually bring you $20 cards instead of $4 ones) and because I need to move around more and get more exercise and selling other stuff does that for me.

[chapeau-noir]

You didn't mention distance you are from your local post office.  How far away is it?  I've walked 7 miles round trip to mine with my big back pack full of packages and carrying one when we've had snow. It was no big deal - I just extended my handling time a tad so I could go every other day.  I had little choice since I was making my living selling online and live in a very hilly area where it rains a lot but doesn't often snow. 

Also second the bike, if you have one. If you're pretty broke, acquiring a trailer for a bike is going to be spendy, though - I got one used for mine for $40 at a swap meet and it carries a pretty big load, but if you can walk it'll only cost you shoe leather at this point.

Agree with @onefootflipper  about expanding your range, too.

I hope things start looking up - I've been there, believe me.

[sakic92710]

PO is only about a 3 minute drive so, not far.    I'm healthy & would not have an issue with walking distances.  I just don't like wasting the time.  LOL  Car = fast; walking - slow.  😛  I don't trust other drivers enough to want to mingle with them on a bicycle.  😛

[sakic92710]

Thanks for the advice.  I have a lot of items that are good for envelopes.  Magazines, buttons, patches, a few sports cards.  Things always find a way of working out.  Luckily, we humans can adjust.

[chapeau-noir]

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@sakic92710 wrote:

PO is only about a 3 minute drive so, not far.    I'm healthy & would not have an issue with walking distances.  I just don't like wasting the time.  LOL  Car = fast; walking - slow.  😛  I don't trust other drivers enough to want to mingle with them on a bicycle.  😛

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The regular exercise is beneficial - if you're going through tough times, it's more necessary than ever to get out and get moving as it tends to blow off stress.

[rainbowranchmom]

I sell (been selling since 2005) and I don't have a car. Have a wonderful USPS carrier here in rural Florida to whom I owe any success. I also have an adult trike if I have to go to FedEx a mile away. It is tough and I go hungry occasionally especially when sales are slow but day by day - keep on "Truckin" or "triking" in my case. I feel for you!  Been there, doing that.  Hugs!

[inhawaii]

I don't really have any suggestions for you, but i just wanted to wish you luck. I sincerely hope your situation improves.  Hang in there. 

[stainlessenginecovers]

Does Canada Post do pickups from your front porch/door etc.?