Thursday, October 28, 2010

Geez Louise

I was stunned today to see that this same Pyrex beauty I bought for $9.99 in St. Catharines (my folk's hometown near Niagara Falls) had a $12.99 price tag at the Value Village in Toronto. Are they onto us or what the heck's up?

On a warm 'n fuzzy note, I'm having so much fun looking at everyone's swell Pyrex collections. I'm always of two minds. "Oh wow, look at her beautiful bowl." A few moments later... "I'll always be the Pyrex bridesmaid - never the Pyrex bride." Happy/sad, happy/sad. It's like a Liza Minnelli concert.

Can you believe how many followers we have? Maybe we should go public on the stock exchange.

Bye now,
Erin

P.S. Any thoughts on virgin E-Bayers buying for the first time? What's involved? Is it worthwhile? Should I be worried about forking over grocery money, only to get a pile of pretty Pyrex shards in the post? Chime in please.

13 comments:

  1. no no no! we can't go public! we need to keep this all a secret, or they'll jack the prices even more!

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  2. They ARE onto us! Pyrex is very expensive at VV and thrift stores in Calgary. But that dish is VERY beautiful and worth $13 I think (about what I paid for mine I think). As for E-Bay I've never bought Pyrex off of it as the shipping kills me, but I would for the perfect piece...like a Friendship long baking pan!!

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  3. I've bought Pyrex off ebay and overall I've had success. I've never had anything arrive broken, but I have learned to ask for more photos after I received a fridgie that looked much better from the front than the back. I've learned that "turquoise" can be subjective and that sometimes they might be referring to primary blue. Also, I learned to read the entire description for disclosure on any chips, flea bites, etc. and to ask if nothing was disclosed

    I allow myself one color and one pattern that I can search ebay for; everything else has to be thrifted or I would go broke, lol.

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  4. I agree with Steph (she and I do most of our thrift shopping together) that Calgary VV is expensive. But there's one in Edmonton that is worse....they charge alot for everything it seems. I sometimes want to go ask for a manager and ask what are they thinking???!!!

    Now as for the blog followers ---count me in! I don't collect Pyrex (I'm a Jadeite girl myself) but I'm addicted to this blog and I get so excited when you all post!!

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  5. I have a 'No Ebay' policy on Pyrex. Mostly because I have good enough luck at the thrifts. And I think I'm patient...there isn't any one bowl or pattern I'd KILL to find. I sort of have the feeling that I have many thrifting years ahead of me and I could most definitely buy any Pyrex piece I wanted on Ebay...but that would take the fun out of it!

    I guess I enjoy the hunt just as much as I enjoy bringing home my beautiful Pyrex. :)

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  6. I've had pretty good luck on ebay! Make sure that the pics are clear, and email the seller with any questions about scratches and other flaws. They are usually pretty honest. Read review to see if they've ever had packaging issues or see what they typically sell to see if they are used to packaging fragile items. Ask how they will package the piece and make sure that they use plenty of bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and a large box. I've purchased A LOT of Pyrex on ebay, too much to admit to, and I have only had one piece arrive in pieces. One beautiful turquoise 402...Sigh. But really, it is great for those pieces that you just aren't going to find in stores and are willing to pay a bit more for. Good luck!

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  7. I've noticed that my Value Village has raised prices on Pyrex too.

    I've purchased a handful of Pyrex on eBay and it's all arrived fine.

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  8. Love this pattern - I would pay $9.99 for it!! My VV seems very reasonable - I've paid $2.99 and $3.99 for pieces - I've been lucky finding something everytime I've gone - yesterday - nothing - disapppointment!!!

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  9. I paid $15.00 for my daisy dish, so I think you got a very good deal. So far I haven't bought any Pyrex on ebay. I could, but I really do enjoy the thrill of the hunt at thrift stores, flea markets etc. The shipping is also very expensive on ebay. I'm not saying I never will buy Pyrex on ebay, but so far I haven't. I have loads of fun looking at everyone's Pyrex, and sometimes I feel like you....the Pyrex bridesmaid, and not the bride. My problem right now is trying to find a place/way to display it all!! LOL

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  10. Great tips from everyone so far about buying from eBay! I just have to add: make sure you know how much the shipping is and calculate it to your final bid to avoid any surprises. Also, to tell the seller that you *want* insurance and make sure they get it. Last but not least, ask if they could please use a large/sturdy box and bubblewrap the heck out of every piece. There's nothing more sad than opening up a box of long-awaited rare Pyrex only to find that it's been broken in pieces!

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  11. I bought A LOT of Pyrex on eBay and never had any problems with breakage. Be sure to ask the vendor if they ship to Canada and how much. It acts as a cold shower sometimes...

    the only breakage I had was something I bought from a canadian e-shop. The bold had exploded in the box. I took a pic and sent it to the seller and she gave me back my money no question.

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  12. I've never bought Pyrex on ebay before because I was afraid of it breaking. I totally agree with Vonilpi, always ask for how much shipping to Canada is, and if you are going to have to pay duty. One time I bought a vintage toy stove on ebay for $20, ended up paying $20 to ship it to Canada and then another $20 for duty. Sigh, so many lessons were learned through that one ebay transaction.

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  13. I find this kind of odd... I was in Value VIllage in St. Catharines this afternoon and picked up this exact same dish - or, at least mine is the divided dish with lid in the exact same colours - and I paid $7.99! It's in mint condition, too, and not even sure if it's ever been used.

    How's that for coincidence? You're right, though, VV is way off sometimes on their pricing.

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