Pals and business partners George Crudgington and Joyce Bailey of Barlborough have been selling ceramics and collectibles on the popular auction site eBay for a decade.

And the dynamic duo helps other senior citizens set out their virtual stall through half-day training courses, which George plans to take to pensioners on the continent.

Derbyshire Times reporter Jennifer Ivers picked up some top tips on how to make a buck or two on the worldwide web...


Like many senior citizens George Crudgington found it a struggle to get by on the state pension when he was made redundant ten years ago.

The former engineer and management consultant had a small collection of stamps and toy soldiers, which friend Joyce Bailey persuaded him to put up for sale on the internet.

George (73), a grandfather-of-three, said: "We found ourselves with not a lot of income and we looked around to see if we could generate some.
"We found we could sell items on eBay with not a lot of effort or expense.

"I started out with the stamps and the toy soldiers, which I'd got in the drawer.

"Then we went into ceramics and took it from there."

Working from George's home on Limekiln Way, Barlborough, the business partners sell all sorts of collectibles, from figurines to fishing rods, to enthusiasts throughout the world.

Astronomical

They turn over a six figure sum, which has enabled the pair to buy a property in the south of France.

George said it would not be impossible to become a millionaire by trading on eBay, adding: "I was a bit surprised by how fast it took off. The turnover is astronomical."

He scours the country's auction houses for bargains to flog online, while Joyce (68), a former secretary, does much of the invoicing and packaging.

A recent success was a Royal Worcester 'Bubbles' figurine, which George bought for £150 and sold for £500.

He said: "Anything will sell on eBay, from a piece of wire to a Russian submarine. But if you choose items you're interested in, it becomes enjoyable and not just a job.

"You can trade when you want to, in your spare time during the course of the day. It's better than watching television, it keeps your brain active and you make friends all over the world."