What is a monkeybox?

When I was a little girl, we had a pet monkey named Amanda. My Dad worked in the produce business, so each night he brought home that days culls in a big box - spotty cucumbers, pithy apples, limp celery, moldy oranges and the like. We called it a monkeybox. It was really just trash, but my Mom would take each piece of fruit and trim it, pare it and cut it up to make a beautiful fruit platter for Amanda. Even though it was deemed trash by one, it still had life left in it and was good for the purpose we needed it. That's how I live my life - thrifting, yard saling, looking for another's trash to be my treasure.

Sunday, June 07, 2015

Good Golly, Miss Molly!

There are three more days to prep for The Junk Ranch. 

*thud*

Oh, sorry about that.  I passed out for a minute.  

My brain is on overdrive thinking of all the things I still have to do - make signs, gather junk from two sheds, the backyard, the driveway, the garage, the office and even our closet - find my display items, clean off the tables, wash the Santa Blowmold, take the Salvation Army tags off the bowling pins and on and on and on.  That isn't to say that I haven't been doing things.  Oh my gosh, I have been hunting and gathering and pricing and sorting and on and on and on.  



I am trying to come up with a cohesive look for my displays, items and vignettes that includes price tags and signs that look like flashcards, which in theory is a great plan - until I am out in the middle of a cow pasture setting up and I am missing signs and have to make signs on index cards with a Sharpie and there goes my "look".  I still need to cut and round the ones above. but you get the idea.  

I am trying to price my things so they will sell, but not give them away.  People as a general rule do not ask for a better price.  They usually pay what it is priced.  But, as the venue continues to grow and people come from further away where that is the norm, I expect people to start "haggling".  I hate that part, so I hope it doesn't catch on here....).  I am adding in a bit of wiggle room on some of the prices on the bigger items.  I am not used to selling high ticket items, but I am taking several items over $100.00 each.  And one item for over $200.00!  That's the big time for me!

I am not the type of person that can just take things and figure it out when I get there.  I need lots of preparation and set up time and the endless rain didn't give me that.  But, I will get it done.  And it will be fabulous!  One week from today it will be DONE.  And time to start thinking about the October Junk Ranch.  :D

*I don't want to sound like I am complaining - because I am not.  I love selling at The Junk Ranch and it is really the only time I feel in my element and like I am doing what I was meant to do.  It is SO much fun.  But the prep and tear down.....well, UGH.  :)  

If you are on Instagram, be sure to follow me - sharamonkeyboxblog.  I will post photos at The Junk Ranch throughout the day.  And, I will be back to blog about it next week.  Until then - you guys have a good week, Okey dokey????  Thanks!

11 comments:

  1. Shara, I hope you make tons of money and sell your big ticket items! Especially if its furniture, that's such a bummer to have to lug back home. I'll be checking your IG for updates. I know you will have a blast! :) love rosie

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  2. Shara, I wish I could visit you at Junk Ranch! What fun!!! You will do great and I'll look for photos on IG now that I'm finally on there!
    hugs,
    Linda

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  3. Anonymous8:52 AM

    Shara - if you happen to check back & see this - my husband & I are coming to the Junk Ranch for the first time & I was wondering if you have any tips and/or advice? I'm really excited about it & I don't want to miss anything - lol!! I hope to get to meet you too!! Michelle

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    1. Hi Michelle! What fun!!!!! Where re you coming from? GPS will lead you in a very odd round about way to get there. I can give you more direct routes that don't include a State park and dirt roads. Silly GPS! Email me at monkeybox@juno.com. I'm always under the tree in the back behind the house (near the porta potties!) in a PINK tent. Bear with me and remind me that you read the blog - I get overwhelmed with people and sometimes I don't even recognize my own family! Ha!~ Email me!

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  4. I can't wait to follow your Junk Ranch adventures on IG. I'm thinking lots of positive thoughts. I'm sure you'll do super duper well.

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  5. Good luck. The show prep is always so time consuming, but when it all comes together it is worth it. YOU WILL DO AWESOME. Will be watching on Instagram

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  6. You are going to be awesome, I can guarantee it! I am always so jealous I can't shop your booth myself because I KNOW there is amazing stuff there. I am excited for you!

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  7. Good luck on the show! You're going to KILL it!

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  8. Shara, I know you will do great at the show. You have such a great eye for junk and such.

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  9. Yes, am'am, I follow on IG and I'm looking forward to seeing your booth. I know you will ROCK it!!

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  10. Good Luck, Shara! After walking through all the booths at Farm Chicks last weekend, I was reminded why I don't sell at shows. The set up competition is crazy! I would feel like I could never do it good enough. But you've got this!

    Erica

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