Just been chatting to a mate and a couple of neighbours about what I should do with the mowers
bikes and whippa-snippas I have kicking around the place. Normally, I repair or refurbish them one
at a time, then take them to the Men's Shed to sell 'on consignment'. This works well enough, but
getting the stuff there is a hassle without a ute, and because they let me sell there, I sling them a
percentage (usually around 20-30%, depending on value) of what I make on each item. But I'd
rather keep that 20-30% in MY pocket if at all possible (as would most people).

Anyway, realistically, not much chance of getting a decent full-time job at my age and in the current
economic climate (there's always the cas. painting  and tiling, but worsening arthritis in the knees
will put paid to that soon), so I've been thinking seriously of doing this sort of thing as a bit of a
part-time 'home business' out of my shed. I'd been a bit leery of doing this previously as I had the
knowledge to do so, but not the 'paper qualifications', and didn't want to be known as 'just another
shonky unqualified backyarder'. That's no longer an issue, so I've decided to give it a 'go' and see
what happens.

Nothing flash, and not full-time. Just a couple of bikes and a mower/whippa-snippa or two on the
front lawn each weekend with a couple of signs, basically an every-weekend 'garage sale'. I could
also take on a few repair jobs as well, as many 'professional' repairers don't really want to do the
older stuff any more.

This weekend will be a kind of 'trial run' with a small selection only, just to gauge the response (if
any). I've printed-up a couple of flyers to put on the local community noticeboards in the  2 malls
and will advertise on the local radio station's free 'Buy, Swap & Sell' segment on Saturday morning
as well (if I can get through).

I'm quite looking forward to seeing what response (if any) I get. I'm not expecting a miracle, but if
I get a few enquiries and maybe make a sale or two, who knows? The worst thing that can happen
is that no-one comes and nothing sells, but that's business. And everyone has to start somewhere.
If it's a success (or looks like it may be), I'll do it each weekend, if it's a failure I've lost nothing but
a bit of my time.

I currently have approximately 10 bikes of various sizes, four lawn-mowers (2 x 2-stroke, both are
Victas, and 2 x 4-stroke, both with catchers) and six whippa-snippas in stock, and can acquire more
stock relatively easily and at very reasonable cost.

Shown below is one of the bikes I have for sale, a 20" Schwinn girl's bike. It's in virtually-new con-
dition and has now been fully-serviced. A bargain for an 8-12 year old girl at only $40.00 ride-away.

I'm only too aware that the usual trolls and knockers will have a field-day with this thread, but I'm
interested to know what do OTHERS think? Is it worth a go? Wasting my time? Good little side-line?
Excuse not to work? (sadly, I do expect that one!). Advice? Suggestions?